After much persuading by my daughter, Gibson the kitten was adopted during the Christmas season 2016. The joy of a girl and her cat!

Gibson was an outside kitten at adoption, and while we tried to keep him as an inside only cat, he insisted on exploring the 3 acres where we were living. On the farm, he was friends with the chickens, our Yorki-Poo Charlie and Weimaraner Gus.

In the fall of 2017, we moved from our little spot of land to a development 5.5 miles to the North, still lots of space- backing up to the wildlife refuge. Gibson adapted to the new home along with Charlie and Gus. In the Spring of 2018, we were enjoying an unseasonably warm evening on our porch when Gibby jumped off my lap, headed toward the backyard. Always home before bedtime, Gibby didn't come home that night, or for the next 7 months.

We were all absolutely heartbroken. We called the shelters, visited the humane society and posted on all social media platforms. "Desperately Missing Gibson."

Our previous home and Gibson's first home was purchased by my neighbor, a Buddhist Monk & his faith community. The Buddhist community was acquiring space for a new temple. Last Thursday, December 6th I received a text letting me know the Monk believed my cat was visiting his home. I didn't believe him, Gibson had been gone 7 months already! I sent text pictures back, showing Gibby, "This cat?!??" "Yes! That is the one. When the Monk sees him again, we will text you right away!" Friday afternoon I got the text. As I pulled into the driveway I saw Gibby running across the yard, I stepped out of my car door called his name, and he stopped dead in his tracks. Meowing, we met halfway. Gibson was back!!! (see the picturefacebook post  of happy Gibby in the crate and many more! /www.facebook.com/mccann.amy ) Our prodigal kitty! What adventures did he have? What stories could he tell?

I went straight away to our vet, Hazel Dell Animal Hospital in Vancouver, WA. I picked up a de-wormer and flea medicine. Back home, I observed he had a difficult time breathing, and we went back to the vet Saturday morning. He tested negative for feline leukemia, anemia and generally seemed in good health. The Dr. prescribed antibiotics as a precautionary measure. This morning, December 15th we went back to the vet for an X-ray, his breathing has not improved. Turns out Gibson's body can tell the story he cannot. Due to traumatic injury, Gibson has a pelvic fracture, remnants of a pellet or bb, and most serious- a Diaphragmatic Hernia. Gibson is essentially suffocating. A diaphragmatic hernia is a condition in which a break in the diaphragm allows protrusion of abdominal organs into the chest. In cats, automobile-related trauma is a common cause of a diaphragmatic hernia. I was given two options, surgery or termination. The estimate for surgery ranges from $2668 - $3665.

With grateful, exploding hearts we welcome Gibby back home and feel like he is our Christmas baby again! His story is amazing, and we desperately want a happy ending. It feels unbearable to euthanize a cat that after 7 months finally found his way home. Any donation towards the cost of this life-saving surgery is a gift and appreciated beyond measure.