We live in a world of surprises.

Some humans attempt to define us in what humans call stereotypes - which I suppose, if one were to examine our behavior in a human sort of way, their conclusions are essentially, the most convenient way of explaining the unexplainable.

We had some rain in our neighborhood these past two days. The rain is good, as I'm told. The temperature has cooled some allowing a few of us cats to venture outdoors, but not far from our home I might add. And it's not just the cats that are outdoors enjoying the cooler weather, and the feel of wet grass between their toes. Our neighborhood dogs are also enjoying the cooler change in temperature too.

Our poker game was postponed. "Virgie" didn't show up either. We have another missing pet in the neighborhood too. This time it's a 12-year old golden retriever with a white muzzle. Their humans seem to believe the dog got lost somewhere. If found, call the human at 518-2386.

Dogs and cats. Some do actually get along you know. I should know. I'm platonically involved with a French poodle. She's been microchipped. My human is talking to me about getting microchipped too. Personally, I think a tattoo is so cool.

My human is looking at me disapprovingly.

Summer heat! Phew. It's hot.

As most of us cats are indoors where there's air conditioning and a nice bowl of water filled with ice cubes, others are not as fortunate as they brave the heat.

Breaking News straight from the neighborhood: "A Lost Cat" A new family of humans lost one of our own. He was last seen running from Hunters Blind Drive towards North Beaver Dam on July 10, 2007.

His humans posted "Wanted" posters all over hoping to find one of our brothers. My human picked up a copy for me to write on my blog. Okay you cats, we need your help in locating this poor, frightened fella:

LOST: Tailess Cat, Reward Offered
Physical description: large, male, short-hair tabby, brown black & white with white gloves and white boots, stubby tail

Personality: Shy and timid, will probably run away if approached by a human or dog

IF FOUND: call his humans at 255-5238

Humans. Our greatest allies and sometime foe. Earlier this week, as the cats gathered to catch up on the latest gossip, it was brought to our attention that one of our beloved humans heroically saved "Virgie", the freedom loving feline who loves the feel of fresh morning dew between his toes. According to eyewitnesses, "Virgie" minding his own business, was on his driveway when two big ferocious looking morning walkers snarled, growled, and threatened to tear him into pieces. Once again, we cats can't stress enough just how important leash laws are.

As of this writing, "Virgie" is in therapy from the terrible fright he experienced. Get well soon "Virgie" we have our poker game in two weeks and we need you well, fully recovered, and your best "poker face" at the table.

"In the last week's session of the Kitty Council the main topic of discussion, once again, seemed to revolve around the dogs not abiding by the city leash laws." At least that's what I read from an old edition of The Daily Cat Tale. I found it sitting on top of my human's coffee table one afternoon.

I have noticed that my human has been adding "Cat Fancy" to her collection of reading material recently. The human must have thought the centerfolds would help me with my separation anxiety.

But more importantly, the latest rumor and gossip must be mentioned here.

I live with my human in a community that cares about its wild-life. I live indoor protected and sheltered, but some of my brothers and sisters do live both indoors and outdoors freely. Rumor has it, an orange tabby maybe missing from the neighborhood. She was last seen walking home and had just entered her driveway when she alledgedly went missing (more like abducted by a stranger passerby).

Humans should read the sign posted on our main entrance when they drive through our little community. Most of us cats belong to someone or several someones. We like it here. The community has plenty of water and many different species of birds. The humans here have nice landscaping and plenty of bushes to hide in. Some humans will even leave a can of tuna or cat food out for us. So, please! don't stop to grab us. More likely than not, we belong to someone.