A pleasant surprise...but disappointed

I decided no matter what, I needed to set the trap just in case he might return. I don't know whether it is my stress or his I'm worrying about at this point (just kidding). I figured if he came back perhaps he'd really be starving and so desperate to eat that he would forget himself and walk into the trap.

I loaded up a delicious assortment of smelly foods, piled high on a plate and placed them inside the trap. I figured he might pull out the blanket covering part of the floor, so I made sure to place the food beyond that point. I filled his water dish with fresh clean water and retreated to the house and waited.

I sporadically checked the area with binoculars hoping to catch a glimpse of a black and white flash. The fog blinded me at times, but it eventually cleared permanently, giving me a clear view. And then I saw him...

He paced and pawed at the trap ever so careful so as to not set it off. I hoped the trap wouldn't go off with his pawing as for sure I'd lose him then. I so wanted today to be the day he was rescued. I watched as he paced, and my heart broke for him. I can't imagine being so hungry yet fearful of eating. I felt like I was being mean, but my dog warden friend told me that I have to stay firm in keeping food inside or he'll never go in. Unfortunately...I don't think he WILL ever go in. Because he has been running for so long I doubt that a humane trap is going to entice him beyond his fears enough to capture him.

He walked around the area for some time and then I lost sight of him. I slowly walked up mid way in the back yard and suddenly he came from behind part of our fence. I backed off slowly and I don't think he saw me. I waited and waited but he didn't come back to the area. I needed to check the trap to make sure it didn't lock without him in it. So I made my way slowly to the area and found no Teddy in sight.

The trap had not gone off but the blanket was as I expected, pulled from the trap. The food still aromatic sat at the back of the trap beyond the set plate. I reached into get it and the trap closed on me-scared the you know what out of me! I can only imagine what it might do to a frightened animal. I couldn't reach it and was not enjoying crawling around in the mud, and then I remembered the hatch in the back of the trap-duh! I noticed at the back of the trap our friend has obviously been pawing and digging to try to obtain the food, but was not successful naturally. He really wanted it but I guess not bad enough to enter the trap-bummer! Major bummer!

I can only assume that he is getting some food from another source, whether it be wild, some one's garbage, or someone else is feeding him. I can't imagine why he if he was indeed starving, he would pass up some chicken, liverwurst, hot dogs and beef-but then again, I'm not him. I can only imagine what goes on his fearful mind.

I moved the food forward a bit inside the trap in case he might return, but I am doubtful of that for today. I can hope for tomorrow. There has got to be a way to capture him safely.

Once again our prayers were answered...Teddy returned. Although I feel bad that he didn't (at this point) have a nice meaty meal. I know I have to be strong, but it is so hard thinking of his empty belly. Maybe we need to not only pray for Teddy to return, but perhaps that he now gets rescued, and ask God to guide him into the safety of kind humans. Let's try...thanks!