Roy Dufek was both thrilled and relieved when he typed an email to friends and the media on Sunday, exclaiming, “WE FOUND CAMO!!!”
The cute feline was hiding in a box spring mattress which Dufek sold on Craigslist on behalf of his girlfriend, Hayley Crews, as reported by oregonlive.com. Dufek was looking at a hell of a Christmas after having sold his partner’s beloved cat by mistake.
Fortunately for Dufek, a woman reported seeing Camo in the area of the Hillsboro Airport, so on Saturday night Dufek and Crews set up a live trap, baited with sardines and a piece of clothing from their apartment.
Just an hour-and-a-half after the trap was set, Crews and a friend came back to the trap and found a very agitated Camo inside.
Also on Sunday, Dufek and Crews sent a heartfelt message to everyone who helped locate Camo,
“We can’t ever repay or say thank you enough to all the people that spent their cherished holiday time, and resources to help us bring Camo home. It was quite emotional last night; we’re in shock of this whole experience, and have been holding him tight! It’s been quite the ride and we couldn’t possibly formulate the words to describe how grateful we are for all the people who have reached out to us for suggestions, help, stories, comfort, and information. It’s the best feeling in the world to know friends and strangers alike have had our back in time of need, and to have him back safe and recovering. We can’t even imagine what’s he’s been through in a week and half running wild near the countryside especially in this weather. Today is a great day!”
KPTV reported that, despite losing a few pounds and having a cut lip and some broken nails and bleeding paws, Camo was, all things considered, in good shape when found, as Dufek reported,
“He spent the night getting up several times eating and drinking and was taken to the vet this morning. The vet gave him an antibiotic shot, a good inspection….. Hayley gave him a bath, and he’s been cleaning himself vigorously since. All is good.”
