Scout and I had a scare a few weeks ago. It was a beautiful spring evening and I had opened the window for him to enjoy the fresh air and bird song. It’s hard to tell what happened but he somehow pushed the screen loose and tumbled out the window.

I heard it happen and was able to get to him pretty quickly. He was sitting on the ground right where he had landed, looking dazed and confused.

I live in a rural area, surrounded by woods, but the road is busy. Any direction he could run would be dangerous for a cat that has been inside since he was a tiny tot.

He’s fine but we’re both a bit traumatized. I avoid opening any windows and he avoids sitting in that one in particular!

We made a little trip Saturday to the Humane Society in a neighboring county. They were micro chipping pets in a clinic for just $25. So Scout now has a tiny chip in the back of his neck that connects him to some important information including my name and phone number.

If we’re ever separated and he’s taken to a shelter or vet, they’ll check him for a chip and be able to return him to me. He has a nice collar and ID tag but pets are pretty good at slipping collars.

I tell you all that to tell you this.

If you ever find a stray animal, take it somewhere to have it checked for a chip. There could be someone out there desperate to find their pet and that chip is their lifeline to being reunited.

So Scout made new friends at the Humane Society. They told him he was a beautiful boy, he enjoyed chin scratches, and he even got a treat. On the trip home, he napped with his mousie and was ready to help with chores when we got back.

He’s pictured above supervising the changing of bed sheets. His quality control inspection slowed down the process but I didn’t have the heart to make him move. He rolled around in those dirty sheets for a few minutes before taking a cat nap.

We were both home together and all was right with the world.