I have deposited Hannah to Denison University for her sophomore year. She’s got a fabulous room and roommate situation this year and she said, “I have really good vibes about this year.”  I cried for just a short while instead of the entire trip home. Progress on the empty nest front – although I’m already missing her and I just got home.

After my trip to Ohio, I spent a few days with my folks in Pennsylvania. While I was away I received this email from Paul entitled, Minor crisis on the home front:

I came in from the shop for lunch and I saw Gidget racing out of the office, all disturbed and barking. She headed frantically for the French doors, so I figured she had to go out. I opened the door and she raced to the end of the porch and was fidgety and whiny. She kept looking back at me like she wanted me to do something.

That’s when I heard cries from Miss Kitty and they were not the usual meows. They sounded panicked and distressed. I started looking around and it sounded like the cries were coming from the lower cabinets by the stove, but there was no way she could be stuck in the the drawers.

Then I looked up and noticed a kitchen counter window open – without any screen in place. That’s when I knew what happened.

I raced outside. Lo and behold! I found Miss Kitty in the bushes outside the window, the screen beside her, completely terrified and freaked out. She was frozen in place, crying for help.

I picked her up and tried to comfort her until she calmed down and brought her back inside She actually let me snuggle her up without any “shushy paws.” I deposited Miss Kitty on the sofa and returned to put the screen back and lock it into place.

When Gidgy realized Miss Kitty was safe, she calmed down herself. I later found her visiting Miss Kitty, nuzzling and being gentle with her.

Miss Kitty (aka Cinder) is an indoor kitty – she hasn’t set foot outdoors since she was trapped as a kitten in the woods. She loves to sit in the window and watch “Kitty TV”. It’s no wonder she was frightened when she tumbled out of the window with the screen.

I’m so proud of Gidget for rescuing Miss Kitty! I can’t image what would have happened if she had not alerted Paul.

Just another day in the Bennett household.