Tripod's Adventures

Caliesmom said:

Yes, Tripod is microchipped # 985121011118699. He was last seen bolting outside through the woods with his pink leash attached to his purple harness. He has gotten out of his harness before with no problems. So if he did get caught on something, the harness would come off ~I'm hoping~. We were just south of Detroit Lakes in the woods when he bolted. So we weren't even home. I had just stopped to talk to the hubby before taking Tripod to the vet in town. Yesterday I went back to where he was last seen & set up my chair out there with all kinds of goodies for him. I brought a plate that I give him his can food on & the spoon too. So I was sitting out there tapping on the plate like I do at home at feeding time. It used to bring him running from a dead sleep to eat. Calling for Tripod & tapping the plate. No luck yesterday. And now we're past the 48 hour mark, so today I am off to town to pass out flyers & our business cards with Tripod's information on the back. Going to the Dept. of Transportation today, the police dept, the sheriff dept, the highway patrol, all the businesses in that area, animal control, & every place that deals with animals. Today the hubby is going to call in to the local radio station swap & shop for lost pets. I have already handed out alot of cards, & talked to alot of people. Just so happens that when Tripod took off, the people that run the local taxi service for DL was there at the time. And they have been putting the word out to everyone that gets in their taxi. Today I will be giving them a bunch of posters & business cards too. I called the radio station, the police dept, the sheriff dept, & all the animal places on Friday. So today I am going to keep going. I have lots of goodies in the car for Tripod. And I will have a friend with that can do alot more of the legwork than I can. Posted on my facebook & tagged the ones that I think are close to that area. So if anyone sees him, please call. And yes, I am not giving up. I even called the person that had livetrapped Tripod back in Feb. He may go back there. So she is out looking now too. Mega vibes please guys for Tripod to come back to us. Is there anything else that we need to do?
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I am just so torn up over this too. I can only imagine your grief over this. OMG he wasn't even near your home??? :sobbing: I would be camping out there - to tell you the truth. Especially now I find out he had the leash on. OMG I will be praying day and night. I wish I could come out there and help. Here is an article with some more helpful tips. But I think you covered everything. Please get a few traps set up out there. I don't want to scare you more... but what is really worrying me is the harness and leash.... that is why I would be searching in those woods... day and night. He will not be able to hunt or anything for himself if he is caught somehow and can't get out of the harness.... I hope other's in your community will come out in search of Tripod. He needs EVERYONE to help find him. I am scared because it sounds like just woods - right? A park? No homes nearby? I really would be spending all day in those woods - scouring. I am so very sorry and hope he is found. :cross: http://www.lost-pets.org/content/view/3/1/

Calling ALL ANGELS TO TRIPOD

Feralvr said:

I am just so torn up over this too. I can only imagine your grief over this. OMG he wasn't even near your home??? :sobbing: I would be camping out there - to tell you the truth. Especially now I find out he had the leash on. OMG I will be praying day and night. I wish I could come out there and help. Here is an article with some more helpful tips. But I think you covered everything. Please get a few traps set up out there. I don't want to scare you more... but what is really worrying me is the harness and leash.... that is why I would be searching in those woods... day and night. He will not be able to hunt or anything for himself if he is caught somehow and can't get out of the harness.... I hope other's in your community will come out in search of Tripod. He needs EVERYONE to help find him. I am scared because it sounds like just woods - right? A park? No homes nearby? I really would be spending all day in those woods - scouring. I am so very sorry and hope he is found. :cross: http://www.lost-pets.org/content/view/3/1/
Calling ALL ANGELS TO TRIPOD

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Oh my goodness, I am SO SO SO sorry! This is just devastating!

Do you have friends and family - cat loving neighbors - can you form a search party and all go searching for him? I mean - even to find the harness, so you know he got out of it! If you're able to do this, make sure everyone looks up in the trees!

for his safe return! :heart2:

Also consider that nighttime might be your best chance to find him.  Cats lie low in the daytime.  They have fantastic night vision.

 

Feralvr said:

Calling ALL ANGELS TO TRIPOD

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LDG said:

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for his safe return!

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Update:   Tripod was spotted this morning before I left the house. I got the call, & I was in the car on the road in less than 5 minutes. We live almost 40 miles away from where he got loose at. But I have been there every waking moment. I got down there to the woods, & set up my chair with lots of smells from home, some of his fav toys, food & water for him, & plenty of blankets & coffee for me. My stepdad showed up this morning shortly after I got there & started searching too. He wasn't dressed for the cold winds that we have today so he went home. And about an hour later, he was back dressed & ready to search. There was 7 people there searching by noon. It isn't a large setting. But there are alot of dead hollow trees there too. Sometime around 1 I decided that I was going to come home, try to sleep, & head back out late tonight to look again. So we proceeded to load the car for me to head out. When just before I started the car, I heard someone say they saw him. Well long story short the hubby went racing through calling for Tripod. And by the time he was even close to him, Tripod was gone again. So the good news is that he is getting closer to the house that is there. They actually have a house full of young cats with 2 males.So Tripod will be back. And I have permission to come & go as much as needed to get tripod back. Very nice of them. There is just this one house by the woods. There is a car lot up the way on the far end of the woods, We have already been there & talked with them & put up flyers. The people at the car lot are out looking too. And across the highway is alot of businesses that I have already been to. But much to my relief, Tripod has not tried to cross the highway. Everyone said that he is just playing right now. And he may very well be. Because it was almost like he was watching me out there & waited for me to get the car loaded before he came out right were I was with my chair. Stinker So now I am home, going to try & nap. And head back out around midnight when it is quieter there. I left the hubby there with the carrier in his truck. He said that when he catches him, he is going to put him in his coat & not let him go. He will use the carrier though. So I caught a glimpse of him running through the woods today ... made me happy to see that he is still there & not hurt. And the other good news is that he is without his harness & leash. Harder for us to catch him but safer for him on the run. The hubby was looking on the internet this morning & found a GPS system that can go on a cat's collar. He said that as soon as we get him back, he was going to order one for Tripod. And never let him out of his sight again. The good vibes are helping guys ... it's supposed to rain tonight & tomorrow here so let's home we get him before the bad weather hits. he was seen twice today so maybe today is the day for him to come home from those scarey woods.     

   

     

This is realy good news, the leash, everything, all of it!!

I bet when you go back tonight when it is all quiet, he will come out to you!!!!

Oh gosh, I wish I could be there searching with you.

I google earthed Detroit Lakes and I think I saw the big highway you were talking about.  In the middle of the forested woods South/West from town central there is a small pond or something. Is that where you are?  Ohhhhhhh   I pray you find him!!

Oh thank GOODNESS you saw him - and without the harness! I don't know if you read the link that Feralvr provided to lost-pets.org. But it will increase your chances of catching him by NOT moving toward him - but as soon as you see him, you sit down sideways to him (not front on), whip out some strong smelling food, and start talking to him quietly and softly. He has to come to you or he'll most likely just keep running.

And I would certainly consider putting out a trap. Any skunks, opossums or raccoons can be released in the morning. :nod:

I remember when we took our first rescue, Lazlo, out on a leash. He was only 10 weeks old. The original stray that adopted us showed up - and Lazlo FREAKED OUT. He lunged a couple of times, and was out of the harness and GONE. Fortunately we weren't 40 miles from home, but right out front. He ran up into the woods. We were pretty sure he'd make his way to the ground hog hole where he was born. I boiled some chicken, and just layed down on the blanket next to that hole for several hours, quietly talking to him. He finally got hungry and came out. I picked him up, and brought him inside.

He never cried near the door again, and we never took him out on a harness again. :lol3:

Continued you'll be able to get him in a carrier (or trap) and BACK HOME!!!!!!!!!

AWWWWWW HUN!!!!!! OK - this is some very, very encouraging news!!! I have been non-stop praying all day for some sort of news that you or someone has seen the little man. AND he does NOT have that harness/leash on anymore. DO use a carrier when you catch him. Scruff him good and shove him into that carrier. Don't try to hold him in a coat - he will freak again - and squirm away. The carrier is the safest way to take a cat anywhere.

I am also SO happy to hear you have many people supporting you and searching for Tripod. This news just made my day. :lol3: I will sleep better tonight knowing he is out of that harness/leash. I am sure he sees you all coming and going... the little stinker He is watching you. I feel that you will have your little man soon. :cross: NOW I would also suggest putting a trap or two out there near where your hubby built the shelter. How sweet of your DH to do that. I am sure you are both extremely relieved that Tripod at least has been spotted! Please keep the updates coming and I am constantly sending vibes and prayers for his capture and safe return. :cross:

I am so relieved you have seen him! Great news! I think it is wonderful how so many friends and family are coming to your aid. I have been praying and will continue to until he is safely home.

AND WE HAVE TRIPOD !!!!!!   

The hubby & I got out to the woods at 1:45 am this morning. He went to go check for Tripod while I was unloading the car to get settled in for the wait. I took my chair out of the trunk & when I closed the trunk, I saw the hubby walking up to the car. He wasn't saying a word. And he had Tripod inside his jacket. I about went nuts !!! But we got him in the car (the clock said 2 am) & I just sat in there & held him for forever. He has some stinky breath. I'm gonna have to brush his teeth later today. Maybe have him gargle too. But I put him in the carrier right away. I did take him out on the trip home to snuggle him. But put him back in the carrier before we stopped the car at home. Tripod is alot thinner. And his stump is extremely tender. But he is happy to be home. He wouldn't eat when we got him in the car, but as soon as we got home & took him out of the carrier, he dived into the food. And the water. Thirsty boy. Hubby said he is a drinker. I don't know who is happier to be home. Tripod or us. But Tripod is on the floor getting lots of belly rubs & as soon as you stop touching him, he then jumps in our lap. Sooooo ... later today I am going to try to get him into the vet for his booster shots & to have a well check from his little adventure. He was gone for 84 hours. Oh! And he still had his harness & leash on. How he managed that I don't know. We all thought he had lost it when he was seen yesterday, but nope, it was still attached. And the girls all seem to be taking his return better than his arrival. We snapped this one pic of Bubbers & Calie last night. It looks like they were saying a prayer for his return. And here are a couple of Tripod after we got him home. I will get his facebook page up sometime this week since Tripod seems to like adventures, seems only fitting that he have somewhere to talk about them. I have called the Home Again microchip number & cancelled the lost pet alert. I don't ever want to have to call them again. But I know if it wasn't for some of the tips I got from everyone, Tripod would still be lost. Thank you thank you thank you

Now that Tripod is home again, I can go get some much needed sleep. I didn't realize just how tired I am. 

  I so wish he could talk. He could tell us alot I'm sure. I will post updates after I get some sleep. Thanks again guys :-) !!

Wait perhaps a couple of days with these booster shots, so he eats him up again, and rests.

If there is no big hurry, dont rush.

Glad to hear the news!

*vibes*

GREAT NEWS!!!

Hopefully he will not need any more adventures.

I am so happy!: Your persistence and dedication to Tripod is admirable! This is just wonderful news. I am going to say a prayer of thanksgiving now!

And hopefully his future adventures are all indoors! He is a very lucky kitty!

OMG!!!!!!!! I am just SOOOOOOOOOOO happy Thank GOD his little angels kept him safe . I have been so worried for the little guy. I am glad he is home safe and sound. I am sure he is dehydrated and the vet will let you know. He can always give him some fluids to help him feel better quickly.

Caliesmom said:

. But I put him in the carrier right away. I did take him out on the trip home to snuggle him. But put him back in the carrier before we stopped the car at home.

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I just have to say this after reading the above - ALWAYS use a carrier when going to and from anywhere..... please do not ever travel in a car with a cat loose - even holding and snuggling the cat while driving or a passenger is NOT a good idea!!!!!! As you found out, cat's can freak out so quickly and you will not be able to hold on or control them. I would also not use the harness on Tripod any time soon - at least for awhile and only out in your back yard with you holding onto the leash very tightly and the harness fit snuggly on him. That way IF he freaks you can reel him in, scruff him and get inside the house quickly. I hope you understand that I am only saying this because I care, and I especially care about Tripod :heart3: You are wonderful, caring, loving cat lover's and the rescue work you are doing warms my hearts. It is hard for me at times not to get attached to certain TCS rescue kitties :heart2: Tripod is a very special cat. :rub: :heart3: Your lucky to have found him and he is lucky that you took him in and love him so very much.

I'm so glad Tripod is home safe!! I was so worried about him I left this page up half the night till I went to bed waiting to see if he was found

I can't belive it!  I just can't believe it!  I AM SO HAPPY!!!!  You are a true hero, ohmygosh! This really is an amazing story.

Tripod loves you guys SO MUCH.  I just bet he doesn't leave your side for a split second

Tri is one very very special kitty, as are his people

Bless you guys .

Please tell us more about how hubby came back to the car with him.  Was Tripod just sitting there, did he jump into DH's arms?  Details, lots of details, please!!!

I am so happy





"Hi ... I am so glad I found this site. As of this morning, I have a stray/feral dilema on my hands. There is a couple of cats that a friend of mine is feeding, & it is cold here in MN. The trailer court that she lives in has just out of the blue decided to trap the cats & kill them."...posted by Caliesmom 2/17/12 "3 Legged Stray in MN

"http://www.thecatsite.com/t/241416/3-legged-stray-in-mn#post_3175206

...I think Tripod is working on every one of those nine lives.  Maybe God even blessed him with extras .

Caliesmom said:

I know we did do a few things that we probably shouldn't have on the way home. I woke up this morning & thought of the worst if we would have had some unfortunate accident or something on the way home with Tripod. So I fully agree with you Feralvr. The hubby told me the same thing too. IF there is a next time (& I sure hope there won't be), into the carrier he goes & he stays with the door shut until he is inside the house safe & sound.We decided on the way home to get all our cats microchipped & breakaway harnesses and or collars. Right now, Tripod is playing with whatever he can get his paws on. He doesn't stay in one place too long today. If I leave the room, he is right by me ... & if he can't see me, he meows for me to answer. Before he got loose, I was looking into those flexible cat carriers. But now I'm thinking the hard case ones that I already have are the way to go. The flexible ones seem to be too flimsy for a freaked out cat. Ok guys, I have to go get him ready for the vet. Lots of loving & snuggles before the trip. I have the hubby taking pictures of the woods so I can post where he was lost & just how lucky he was that we got him back safe & sound. I have more gray hair today than I did on Friday. Goes with the territory I spose ...  Will keep you updated as Tripod's adventures continue ...[/SIZE][/COLOR][/I]

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Just loads of Thank you for understanding my concerns... I would also recommend getting a hard carrier :nod: I have two of those soft carriers with the zipper's hno: and I had a cat push the zipper open and slip out while I was driving. I learned from that to always use a hard carrier... no way they can escape. :nod:

YES , please keep us posted on Tripod - vibes for a good vet visit

Wow what a story. I am so glad you got him back. I am a cat trapper..a TNR person..and I could not help myself last winter when I brought home a little orange tabby..he was born in the wild..as he was out there with his mom, a beautiful little calico. The mama kitty was not feral..just had been on her own for a time. I was trying to trap the kittens and 4 of them went missing..that left my little Tiggs. He was the shyest of the kittens and would never do anything first. He was all alone and I could not stand it. So I brought him home. He is still sorta timid but is doing great! His Mom also got a home. Anyway when I think of him living under the dumpster I feel like crying..and in no way did my kitty go through what Tripod did. I love you guys..going 40 miles away at 1 in the morning. Omgosh. I am sure the love he will give back will fill your hearts. You guys are my hero's