After seven weeks, Cuddles back in owner’s arms
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – When Kathy Hersey’s indoor cat Cuddles got out of her Barton Street home and didn’t return, she began a daily search for her furry four-legged friend. Posting flyers around town and running an ad frequently in the Star-Herald, she hoped someone would see the kitty and call or bring her home. But as the days passed, hope’s glimmer dimmed to the point Hersey had all but given up.
“Cuddles went missing the week of Sept. 11. I worried something had happened but hoped that wouldn’t be the case,” said Hersey.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
CUDDLES RETURNS HOME – Kathy Hersey snuggles with her cat, Cuddles, after a good Samaritan by the name of Mr. St. Peter brought the cat home after nearly seven weeks missing.
With Halloween over, Thanksgiving less than a month away and the weather getting colder, Hersey began to worry that, if Cuddles was still alive, the cat would not survive life outdoors as temperatures dropped.
“I’ve had Cuddles about 12 years. The cat’s never been outside and is a bit shy,” said Hersey of her part-Siamese short-haired, bob-tailed feline. “I was afraid what would happen come winter, if the cat was still alive.”
Hersey said in the days and weeks after the cat disappeared, she made a promise to God.
“I promised God I’d find a way to pay back if only I could find my cat,” she said. “I’d make a donation or offer a reward.”
God must have been listening, because last week a stranger came knocking on Hersey’s door, inquiring if she was still missing her cat.
“I’d become accustomed to people calling, with good intention, saying they’d found a cat only to determine it wasn’t mine. They all had long tails and Cuddles has a bobbed tail. When my dog let me know someone was at the door and I found a man asking about my cat, I figured it would be just another stray,” said Hersey.
The man identified himself as Mr. St. Peter, from Cedar Street. He asked Hersey to look in a box he’d brought with him to see if the cat he’d found around Nov. 3 in his back yard was Cuddles.
“I peeked in the box and got the surprise of my life. There looking up at me was my Cuddles,” she said.
According to Hersey, St. Peter had told her he’d spotted the cat in his yard and remembered the posted picture of Cuddles. Using food, he coaxed the cat to stay, eventually getting close enough to pick her up.
“I offered him the reward I’d advertised but he didn’t take it,” said Hersey. “I remembered my promise to God and think I’ll donate the money in Mr. St. Peter’s honor. He didn’t have to try to catch her but I’m glad he did. She’s back where she belongs – home.”
Hersey has already taken Cuddles to the vet for a thorough checkup.
“I’ve been to the vet. Other than being a bit malnourished – she’s lost some weight – the vet thinks she’ll be OK,” Hersey said, when she stopped by the Star-Herald office – Cuddles snuggling under her chin wrapped in a blanket. “I just wanted to let everyone know I got my cat back.”
As the holidays approach, Hersey said she’s found a renewed faith in people.
“This has been such a wonderful early Thanksgiving gift,” said Hersey. “Mr. St. Peter is proof there’re angels among us.”
