Something is strange...and a rant

I know it's still a little bit early here, but I'm once again feeling concern over my lack of seeing Teddy in the flesh/fur. He might have come by yesterday to clean his leftover plate, but I have no way of knowing that for sure. It may mean a search party for the weekend, if he is a no show today and tomorrow. I just don't get it-outside of something major happening or having another major food source, why he stopped returning so regularly.

A few minutes ago, I thought I heard his bark, but then...so did our youngest pup and as she barked, the outside barking ceased. It sounded like him too, at least I thought it did, or maybe I wanted it to be him. I don't know. I scanned the back yard and lower mountain with binoculars searching for a black and white flash, but saw none. Luckily I do not have neighbors behind my home or they might think I'm a peeping Thomasina because I'm always outside with the binoculars.

Each time he doesn't show (and I begin to worry) I really get a little angry at this entire situation. THIS should NEVER have happened! This beautiful creature had some fear issues before he was adopted-this was a well known fact. But yet I and others are the ones who are worrying, trying to feed him and trying to save him. Now, this poor fearful boy has been running for a year from God only knows what or who, struggling to survive, when all he and any other living breathing thing should have is a warm bed, clean water, love, and fresh food.

I won't apologize for my rant-it is unfair to him especially and torturous to those of us who are trying to get him in our grasp. He's had a long year where he has learned more fear and less trust, and THIS should NEVER have been. He is probably filled with ticks and who knows what he may have been bitten by along the way. The possibility of infestation with fleas and possibly heart worm exist, after all he's been in nature for a year without any protection. (Fortunately he had a rabies shot so at least he has that protection for a while) The list could go on and on, and the ending can only be one of four-he can succumb to illness or an attack of some sort (and die a horrible death alone), he can continue to live the life of fear but surely his life will be cut short, OR he can be rescued and rehabilitated for a loving home. The last one is what keeps me going-I can only hope and pray for this.

I've invested much emotion in this and it is so disheartening to think that this all could have been avoided first, and second I wish I'd seen him last year before fear and mistrust were so embedded in his psyche. However, I'd do again and again and again if there was a chance to help one of God's precious creatures-like so many others out there! You know who you are!

Keep him close in prayer, please!