Day 4: Proof that you can't plan for everything

OMG what a night. My room here is in the basement and very quiet. At 12:15 I woke up to a noise that sounded like howling wind. Howling wind in the basement?

I quickly grabbed my sweatshirt and raced upstairs to hear HOWLING winds, lashing rain and continuous thunder. Lightening flashed everywhere.

Yes, a hurricane and Catcher's out in it. Is he smart enough to use the shelter? Or maybe that would be dumb given the force of the wind and he's smart enough to stay out. I stood by the backdoor of the garage in a panic. Wanting to go out but knowing I could end up in the news as one of those pet owners who perishes trying to save their animal which of course survives.

I wander around the house looking for the owners to discover that they've taken shelter in the basement at the advice of their storm alert system. Oh man.

I stood at that door for about an hour until the wind finally settled enough for me to venture out.

I found Catcher frightened and shivering at the far side of his paddock. Thank goodness he'll follow me freely as I was able to lead him into the shelter. Once inside we discovered mostly dry ground instead of the 6" of water everywhere else and dry hay. To my surprise Catcher started to eat as I rubbed him encouragingly. After about 30 minutes he stopped shivering and I started.

Each time I tried to leave the shelter he'd follow me but I wanted him to stay in as it was still quite windy and raining. Hmmm. OK I can curl up on the dry hay. Eventually Catcher stopped eating and actually had a nap! This is good. I stayed in there about 2 hours and eventually shivered my way back to the house at 3. Still worried but not quite so much.

This morning Catcher seems fine. He's dry and warm. Ate his breakfast and seems in fine spirits trying to steal the basket as I wandered around the paddock trying to clean up after him.

I'm happy we only have a 6 hour day!