It's Bill, 3/25/25: Catastrophe Averted

A Spring Sunset and an Unscripted Drama

A local drama unfolded on North Lubec Road as the sun was about to set on Thursday, May 15. A playbill of this episode includes a cast of five female characters from 15 to 80, some meeting for the first time. A memorable evening ensued with each character fulfilling their unwritten role.

Cast of Characters: From Cats to Cat-Whisperers

Melinda, a friend and neighbor who keeps two horses, was away visiting with her husband Andrew. Melinda had asked a local young girl, Summer, to take care of her two cats—Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia, both beloved, elder Siamese house cats. In that Siamese cat-like way, Luke saw this as an opportunity to enjoy the enticing spring outdoors. And out the door Lukey went.

Princess Leia, the serene and watchful queen of the house—keeping a close eye on the galaxy from her pink throne.

Cat on the Run

Summer watched in horror as the escapee headed into the great unknown. Calling, trying to entice the Siamese did not work. Going back in the house was not in Luke’s game plan. Instinctively knowing it’s better to keep moving, Luke moved silently into the shrubbery. The horrified young woman was beside herself and quickly called both her mother and Melinda.

Luke Skywalker, caught mid-scheme—plotting his next great escape while soaking up the sun in his lookout tower.

Enter the Swat Team

The girl’s mother, Nicole, showed up immediately, while Melinda, from afar, took over the command post of her four-woman swat team. Melinda has two fine neighbors who have helped her with her animals before—Patricia and Nancy. Melinda’s assembled crew of four met as they approached about 200 yards from Lukey’s departure. Patricia had seen the casual and peaceful Luke off in the bushes. Having no training in catching wild cats, Patricia channeled Jane Goodall to set off into the bush with strong resolution and some cat food. And Patricia sat. Luke, appreciating Patricia’s wild cat capture craft, also sat. Nancy, holding a blanket and cat carrier, stayed behind Patricia.

A Wild Bond and a Quiet Capture

Still channeling Jane, Patricia took over field command by bonding with Luke. Both sat patiently apart, appreciating their unspoken moment of truce. Keeping her eyes on Luke, Nancy perfected the end run—approached from the rear, still holding the blanket and cat carrier, circling slowly, softly, around Luke to approach him from his backside. This tactical maneuver took 15 minutes or so as time stood as still as Patricia and Luke. Daylight ebbed with all eyes focused on the escapee.

Mission Accomplished

Seeing Nancy in position, Patricia gave an imperceptible nod to Nancy. It was a perfect capture—totally impromptu and unrehearsed. Luke walked into his cat carrier. Luke was returned to his domicile and fed. The fine female field crew went home appreciating their successful mission. It is generally agreed that Lukey had so much fun, he is probably considering breaking out again.

Lukey the Siamese, safe and sound after his sunset adventure—rescued and returned home thanks to a determined crew.