The Gasp

I went out to get the mail this afternoon and there were Hairy coming up to greet me. Blackie had moved to a new spot in front of the carport door. But what I saw next still has me concerned.

Blackie was panting, almost like a dog pants. Granted it was 92 degrees but Hairy with all that hair was not panting. Besides a cool breeze blowing through the carport which is shaded makes it much more tolerable than you might think looking just at the thermometer. Perhaps that's why Blackie chose the coolest spot, which was by the door.

Blackie got up and with weak meows started walking towards me. At this point I begin to be more concerned. I went back into the house to get water to top off his preferred water bowl and he started drinking. Well at least that would seem to be a good sign. As I walked towards the mailbox I noticed that my once very green lawn from even two days ago seemed to be struggling for water. I then pondered what to do for Blackie. Unlike Hairy he's shown little interest in coming inside the house. I would have let him stay in the utility room in back but that wouldn't have worked because it is directly in the sun and is not air conditioned anyway. The only thing I could think of is for it to rain so the temperature would come down some so I said a little prayer for rain.

Low and behold within an hour it DID begin to rain! And not a heavy Florida semi tropical heavy downpour with thunder and lightning in abundance. Just a nice, cool, gentle rain, the kind that the grass and flowers really appreciate. So I went outside to check on Blackie but there were no kitties in sight.

I don't know exactly why but when it rains, especially a hard rain with a lot of noise and flashing, the kitty friends usually run off next door to the carport of the man who goes to work early. All I can figure is it is because he has a wall along the side of his carport so that only one side is open from ground level and it makes them feel safer.

Then suddenly here came Hairy trotting up, having braved the rain and all soaking wet to make a plea to come inside for a visit. I refused because like I said she was soaking wet. So she just camped out by the front door where she is even now. I'll probably let her in when her fur drys because who really wants a soaking wet cat on their lap?

I can't wait to see Blackie and make sure he is feeling better. I might have to trot next door myself just to make sure the panting has stopped. But knowing him he will either just look at me like I was crazy for worrying and that he was not to be disturbed or will follow me back and demand a can of food. I gladly would have opened a can earlier but I was afraid he would just be sick because of the heat.