Mission Im-paw-sible: Florida Cat’s Epic G
No one likes going to the doctor, but for one Florida feline, a routine visit to the vet turned into a daring escape. Just after being neutered at SPCA Florida, George the cat put his kitty GPS to the test when he broke out of his cage, trying to make his way home. As if his daring getaway wasn’t impressive enough, the tabby scampered across 3 miles full of obstacles to return to his owners’ doorstep. On the day of the incident, George managed to pop his cage open and scurry out in a matter of seconds. Still loopy from anesthesia, the housecat evaded clinic staff, scaling up fencing before disappearing. Employees did everything they could to stop the escape artist, lifting each other over fences, but George was too quick and determined to catch.
Owner Bob Beasock was heartbroken by the news and searched for his little buddy alongside clinic staff for nearly a week. Just when it looked like they might never find his furry companion, Bob found him at home, curled up in his favorite armchair in the carport. “There was George, stretched out in his chair in our carport, looking like he had just returned from a grand adventure,” Bob told reporters. ”He was a bit thinner, clearly hungry, but otherwise no worse for the wear.” Though George was unscathed, his journey home was no walk in the park. He had to trek through multiple subdivisions, maneuver around a couple of lakes, and cross five or six roads to reach his destination.
Cats are skilled navigators who use a combination of scent, visual markers, and even geomagnetism to find their way around. But George’s journey wasn’t all prompted by a deep instinct or fear of the vet; he just wanted to get back to his owner. Though they express it more subtly than dogs, research has found that cats love their humans and form a deep attachment with their owners. Bob was relieved to find George safe and sound, but said he would have done it just a little differently if he ever found himself fleeing his doctor’s appointment.
“If I had been stuck there, I would’ve called an Uber. But George didn’t have that option.”
EMPTY NEST, FRESH START Smart Housing Moves for Your Next Chapter
Fall is a season of fresh starts for teenagers and young adults as they begin college
guests? Or have you been yearning for the freedom to travel without the responsibility of maintaining your house? If so, moving to a smaller home or remodeling your current one may best serve your needs. HEALTH No one wants to think about potential declines in their health, but laying the groundwork now to meet changing needs can avert untold hassles and expenses in the future. Is your current home easy to navigate? Is it free of stairs, narrow hallways, or small bathrooms? If such obstacles would make it difficult for you to live there as you grow older, renovating your home or moving to an age-appropriate residence may be wise. FINANCES Any decision about keeping, remodeling, or moving out of your present home involves financial tradeoffs. Staying in place allows you to build more equity in your home, but it bypasses the opportunity to cash out and invest the money elsewhere. Remodeling or updating your home imposes upfront costs but could increase its future value. And while trading down to a smaller home may reduce your utility, insurance, tax, and mortgage payments, it also may impose other unforeseen costs, such as homeowners’ association fees.
or take a new job. But it brings different challenges for many
parents, who may feel abandoned and forgotten in an empty house.
A well-known clinical psychologist once said that your child’s life will be filled with fresh experiences, and it’s good if yours is, too! Figuring
out what to do with all that space is a promising place to begin. Of course, there is no one right answer, but here are some factors to consider as you determine your best path forward.
LIFESTYLE The letting-go stage often stirs deeper questions of personal identity for parents. How do you see your life as an empty-nester changing? Do you cherish the comfort and familiarity of your current home and community and enjoy having peace, quiet, and extra space to welcome
As these tradeoffs show, every empty-nester’s dreams and circumstances are different. Only you can decide the right moves for you!
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