The Great Tunnel Escape (That Wasn't): A Thumper Tale

Sometimes the most dramatic cat stories are the ones where nothing dramatic happens at all...

After a solid 5.5-hour travel day to Spacious Skies Campground, we were eager to squeeze in some hiking and ice cream before the day ended. Following our usual routine, I set up an extra elaborate tunnel system - three tents connected with plenty of tunnels - because the cats had been dealing with limited setups for days due to all the rain and mud. They deserved some serious outdoor fun time.

The cats enjoyed their tunnel time while we prepped for our afternoon adventure. Twix and Bandit scampered inside when called, and after my "all clear" check (apparently too quickly), I disconnected the tunnel from the RV door and left it open on the ground - ready for easy reconnection when we returned.

Off we went for our hike and ice cream tour, spending about 2.5 hours exploring the area. We pulled back into our campsite feeling great about our afternoon... until we stepped out of the truck.

Poor Thumper

There sat Thumper.

In the wide-open tunnel. Just sitting there, looking absolutely pitiful, crying his little heart out. He'd been waiting there for hours - in a completely open tunnel that led directly to freedom - refusing to leave.

Let me put this in perspective: If this had been Twix, she would've taken herself on a grand adventure and strolled back when she was good and ready (like the old pre-tunnel days). If it had been Bandit... well, we'd probably still be searching for him. And I didn't even have his collar on - bad cat mom moment right there.

But Thumper? Our sweet rescue boy who we found abandoned and skinny after his previous family moved and left him behind? He wasn't going anywhere. I could practically hear him thinking, "Hell no, I won't go. They have to keep me."

Maybe he had flashbacks to those lonely months when he was left behind. Maybe he was determined that this time, no matter what, he was staying put until his family came home.

Thumper is Home safe & sound

Our poor little guy wouldn't venture back into the tunnels for the rest of the day. Can you blame him?

The LessonEvery cat handles freedom differently. Some see it as adventure, others as abandonment. And sometimes the most touching stories are about the cats who choose to stay, even when they could easily go.---Have your pets ever surprised you with their loyalty? Share your stories in the comments - we'd love to hear about your faithful companions!