On Feb. 20, our little black cat, Squeaky, went missing.

Of course cats are notorious for wandering about and taking an occasional trip away from home or falling victim to cars or predators, but not so in this case. She has lived in the same cul-de-sac in the middle of Simi for over 10 years—coyotes or speeding cars were never an issue—and she is/was shy and a very cautious animal.

When it finally became apparent that Squeaky was nowhere to be found we covered all available options (Animal Regulation, checking with neighbors, posters, etc.).

Then the reason for her disappearance started to become more clear; in all probability our pet had been trapped by a cat hater and spirited off to a distant location and unceremoniously dumped to fend for herself.

In talking to neighbors we found that several other cats living within one or two front yards of our home had also vanished suddenly without a trace, so the possibility of a cat hater being involved becomes even more glaring.

If this is indeed the case, then a more heartless and unfeeling person I can’t imagine, and I passionately hope there really is such a thing as circular karma for this cretin in the years to come.

For the record, we named our cat Squeaky because that’s the sound she makes when she is picked up. She has the blackest coat and the greenest eyes you have ever seen, and on cold days she loves to lie in the sun near a bush or hedge.

If you see her wandering around in your area I pray that you try to help her; she doesn’t require much more than a little kindness, and we miss her more than words can say.
Fred Romero
Simi Valley