I let the cats out unsupervised for the first time since I left Vail, CO yesterday. They've managed to escape before and been out on the leash a few times. But I haven't let them out and let them wander on their own since Colorado, where I didn't have to worry about dogs or traffic or the cats not coming back since they would never venture too far in the snow.

But Oakland is a different story. The lots in my neighborhood are close together which means that it doesn't take much effort for them to get into the neighbors yard and then the next yard and the next and then get lost.

Then there are dogs. Lots of them. And this is a tough neighborhood, so we're not talking Shi Tzu's here. I've seen Pit Bulls, Dobermans, German Shepards, basically all the breeds that can tear a little cat to shreds. But my cats are wily, have dealt with dogs, so I wasn't that concerned.

I was really concerned about them just getting lost and not being able to find their way home. Which is why I waited almost a month to let them out. I wanted to make sure they knew where home was.

Still I was nervous. Actually, I was fine until they discovered a seam in the fence behind the storage room in the backyard and disappeared in the neighbor's place. Then I started to panic. I thought, what if something happens to them? What if I never see them again? Totally irrational, I know, but I felt it nonetheless. After about 5 minutes it was time to shepherd them back into the house.

Mak was easy. He's not so bright. All I needed to do was grab a treat container, shake it a few times and he came running in. Fil would never be tricked by something so pedestrian. I started whistling for her. I could hear her rummaging around the neighbors (she has a bell on her new collar). I had to come out a few times and whistle for her, but finally she got on the roof of the shed and I could grab her from my deck. I scruffed her and brought her inside.

I felt so much better. I can't believe how much anxiety I get when I think about not having the cats. I don't know if I'm going to be able to let them out again without having a fucking coronary.