So hungry..so afraid

He was here this a.m., obviously very very hungry as he trotted down toward the house, staring momentarily and then spooking when he heard a noise elsewhere. He lingered and circled the trap, and stared with keen intent. I saw him stick his head inside at one point but his head or tail must've bumped the trap door above as he jumped back and ran a bit before returning. This IS the problem, he just is fearful of the trap, a place that he knows there is no exit from. It's not like it is something novel in his environment as it has been there for quite some time. It's when he approaches and a body part touches the trap, he bolts. I even hopefully made it more enticing by adding three plates of a variety of good smelling foods. I graduated them back toward the back of the trap, first one just before the middle, second a little bit further, and the last at the back. I though at least if he could get most of his body inside, he might forget himself because everything is so delicious and continue on to the trip plate, but so far not yet.

We had to leave for a few hours this morning to take our young pup to Reading for a test. As we were driving away, I saw a white flash sort of rear up in the trap area-I slammed on the brakes and was like "whoa! what was that?" I backed up to get a better view and to see- what apparently had happened was that he bumped the trap door and it startled him. We had to leave, but he was on my mind for the entire trip.

I actually flew home hoping and praying that he was IN the trap and that he wasn't in there too long, and panicking. My anticipation was so great I couldn't go fast enough (of course you know I drove safely and just about within the speed limit). My husband wanted to go to the farmer's market and I said, "You go. I need to check on the dog situation. I'll take Maddie (our little pup) and tend all the dogs including my hopeful "catch" in the back yard." Unfortunately.....no Teddy in my trap. Oh I was sooooo disappointed. And now I am worrying. I'm so concerned about his lack of food. I know I'm suppose to hang tough, but I think soon I may have to go back to square one and lock the trap open and place his food gradually inside again. I so hope I don't have to do this again, as this takes so long and so many things can happen to him.

I did take some water up and mixed a little turkey broth in so perhaps he could get a little liquid sustenance without deterring his appetite. I know you all share my concern...please keep praying. God has got to help us help this beautiful boy.

I'll provide an update if anything changes.