Niko sighting

I saw Niko today. Two of our super nice neighbors have called us numerous times these past few days saying they've seen a cat that looks like Niko. But we've either missed their calls or by the time we get over there, he's gone. Apparently he's made a nest in the woods in a hollowed out log behind their house. They've been feeding him but when they call him or go near him, he runs. I knew that if I could just see him and call him, he'd hear my familiar voice and come to me.

Today one of them called right after I put little A down for a nap as I was making lunch in the kitchen. I looked out the door and there he was, right in their front yard! It WAS him! I threw my sneakers on my bare feet, grabbed my keys, locked the door and ran out there in a t-shirt and capris. I bent down and called him gently like I always have. He looked at me...and ran. WHAT?! Don't you recognize me?!

I chased him through the woods but I couldn't keep up with him. There was too much snow and he was far too fast. I didn't even see where he ran off to. Plus, little A was napping so I couldn't be out there long.

I couldn't help but cry when I saw him. I was happy to see that he was ok. I mean, it's been a month since he got out. It's been freezing at night and snowing and raining off and on for days. And at this point, he could have wandered into the next town over for all we knew. I've never lost hope but I knew that him being an indoor cat who never had been out before was not in his favor. And the fact that he ran from me, well, that just broke my heart.

Hopefully the trap we're setting in the neighbors backyard works and he's home soon. Keep your fingers crossed. We're getting close.