R.I.P. @StinkyTinkyCat
Two weekends ago my kitty, StinkyTinkyCat, escaped (yet again). The history of his escapes and escape attempts is legend and includes tearing out window screens, pulling up heating vents, racing out any door you open, learning how to and opening any door with or without locks and, finally, literally ripping my back deck door to total shreds THEN bypassing all attempts to board up and block same door.
Tinky was always looking for a way outside so he could hunt and tomcat around. His attempts both amused and plagued me. In California, where he adopted me, I was constantly worried about his cat fight injuries, traffic and fleas. When we moved back to Arizona I had more dangerous worries about his jail breaks in the form of coyotes, birds of prey, snakes, scorpions and getting trapped in an empty house or barn.
I admit I was proud of his intelligence and resourcefulness but the
damage he did in his escape attempts was piling up the repair dollars! It was a game we played which he usually won and, since the end of April Tink's efforts escalated to a point of distraction for me as I attempted to keep him confined to the safety of my home and back deck for his own good.
Sadly, on Saturday, May 3rd, my sweet little TinkyKitty found his way out to freedom and has not returned. I have tried to keep hope alive but this is the desert and the country and too many dangers to small pets lurk in waiting. Tinky was very shy and afraid of anyone but Pixel (my Yorkipoo) and myself so I hold no hope someone was able to "steal" him or take him in. Coyotes daringly waltz through my yard, a huge barn owl lives in the Ironwood tree behind my bungalow and it's rattlesnake season as well.
I know, had he been able, Tink would have come home. Except for one time in California when he disappeared for five days, he always returned within a few hours of each hunting foray or at least by the next morning. Many a night I lay awake waiting to hear his meow at the front door so I could let him back into my waiting arms.....and food.
I do still hold out some hope for a miracle but I have finally had to admit that my StinkyTinkyCat has most likely wandered over the Rainbow Bridge and I will not see him again until I cross over to meet him, Shadow, Tinkerbell, Peter Pan & Moki.
Wherever you are, my wonderful, loving, quirky little Tink, be happy, know I love you and miss you.
TINKY, the day he adopted me:
Cat Zumba!
Handsome Tink
Belly Rubs
Pinky Tinky
