On the phone, Kathy was sobbing. My eyes needed wiping, too. But after a few hours of internet research and another couple of calls to the vet, we decided not to do that. Not now, at least. The spreading of the virus to other cats only happens through deep bites, not sharing of food or litter boxes. A kitty with the virus, with good care, can live for years with few serious issues. We know how to take care of cats. And we think we can gradually get Koda and Simon to accept Paddy. So we decided we would keep him and care for him and give him a few years of living in a ‘nice world’ with affection and love and safety, just as we had planned. It’s a big investment, but we felt good about our choice. As I once wrote, the only thing this little guy has in this world is his life. Let’s give him a better one. A happy one.

Then Nature intervened. That night, a huge storm with fierce winds and rain blew open the garage door where Paddy stays. Not knowing this, Kathy let Koda out in the morning. When she checked later Paddy was gone. Boxes and stuff knocked down in the garage where Paddy had never disturbed anything. Paddy did not return all that day or night. Or the next day. Had Koda hurt him? Badly? Scared him away, along with the terrifying storm? Along with the trip to the vet? The weather was now very cold, damp, and windy. I was furious with myself for not latching the garage doors more securely for Kathy.

Then Sunday night, at 10pm, Paddy was back at the door. Kathy had remembered she had never heard any sounds of a cat fight through the open window. Nor were there any signs—lots of fur or whatever—of a serious encounter. Maybe Koda—who is not a mean cat—had simply chased Paddy away. Or the storm had blown the boxes down. We allowed ourselves to be hopeful. And Sunday night Paddy was home.

So, back to our plan. Today I took little Paddy in to have the bad tooth removed, gingivitis treated, and neutering. He’ll be getting his shots. A rough time for the little fellow, and a big investment. But he is so sweet and affectionate, he has thoroughly charmed us. I will pick him up in a couple of hours. He will be held and comforted. We’ll keep working on the cat-introductions and transitioning. Are we foolish? Perhaps. But we think and hope this sweet little fellow will be part of our family for years to come. And however long it is, that he’ll be safe, secure, and happy. Enjoying the parts of life he’s never known.