Operation Fred-Chapter Nine
Mom, I’ve Got a New Friend!
(Timing is Everything)
Although I wasn’t as devastated after the second failed capture attempt, I was concerned. Fred left that morning without eating any breakfast and he had a new wound on his neck. He had clearly been in another fight.
When he showed up for breakfast on the 22nd, the morning after the second failed capture attempt, I had his food in the kennel. And he was having none of it. He refused to go all the way in for the food, and I refused to feed him otherwise.
I hoped he would return and try again, but after a while it was clear he wasn’t coming back for any more food, and Penelope was eager to go on her morning walkabout. Now, as you read the next part of the story, you are probably already rolling your eyes at me for being this naïve, but during the early days of Operation Fred, I truly thought that we were keeping Penelope “safe” from Fred by keeping her inside while he ate breakfast.
At 8:40am I was walking into the kitchen when I caught a glimpse of something unusual out of the corner of my eye through the back door. I was shocked!
There, on the path between the house and the garage, were Penelope and Fred. Lounging. Looking to all the world as if they had been best buddies forever! I excitedly called Jeff to the room, and we both stood there, transfixed. A couple of moments later Fred saw us looking and got a little nervous. He popped up, looking like he might run away, and his movement prompted Penelope to rise too.
But within a few seconds of them walking around and sniffing each other, Fred went back to the path and sat down in a movement that seemed to show deference to Penelope. For her part, she played the Regal Queen acknowledging her royal subject, and soon sat again as well.
Like I said before, you probably already figured out that these two already knew each other in the “real” world and not just through the door, but I hadn’t even considered the possibility, so set in my intention to capture him and keep her safe in the process. Now we all knew the truth. Penelope was probably more annoyed at me for not letting her join in on the breakfasts with her new friend.
A few more minutes of lounging later, Fred had enough again and took off, up and over the fence. And yet again, I thought we were done for the day. But I was still wondering about that hungry belly of his since he had refused his breakfast in the kennel.
And here’s when I really learned the power of the belly. If you are hungry enough and have found a relatively safe and reliable food source, you aren’t satisfied with a hungry belly. You want a full belly.
At 9:48am, Fred showed up on the front porch. He was looking for food, and he was willing to try something new.
Fred wasn’t willing to go in the kennel for his breakfast, but he was willing to try a bowl of food in the doorway. And this became the start of something completely different.
Momma’s POV–Chapter Nine
I don’t know why I didn’t assume that Fred and Penelope already knew each other...
Momma’s POV - Chapter Nine
I don’t know why I didn’t assume that Fred and Penelope already knew each other. I have been so fixated on doing things by the book. Trying to keep Penelope safe. Trying to get Fred to trust me. Trying to trap Fred. And that single-minded focus kept me from seeing the truth. Maybe Fred isn’t just coming here just for food and companionship from me. Maybe he’s got a thing for Penelope.
Hm. I am not sure how I feel about that. I want them to be siblings, and Fred might have other ideas. But he is still pretty young too, so if we can get him captured, we can get him fixed.
I know one thing for sure now, though. My grand plans of keeping them fully separate until we can have him checked out, are out the window. Will this make things easier, or harder? I’m not sure.
Fred’s POV – Chapter Nine
I’m not sure why mom keeps hiding my food in dark places. I don’t like that...
Fred’s POV – Chapter Nine
I’m not sure why mom keeps hiding my food in dark places. I don’t like that. It’s hot and cramped and doesn’t feel safe. So today I think I’m just going to skip breakfast. I will be just fine. I can miss a meal.
I wish Penelope would come out to play though. She’s not mean to me anymore and doesn’t make those growling noises at me when she sees me outside. Maybe I’ll see if she wants to hang out. That will also keep my mind off my empty belly.