ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, January 7, 1997 TAG: 9701070129
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MARK CLOTHIER STAFF WRITER
Milo, if your message was you wanted the house to yourself again, consider it received.
Milo is a 5-year-old gray tabby who walked away from her Christiansburg family, the Goodmans. Seems there was a bit of a territorial squabble, pet-wise.
Eventually, Milo took the high road and left rather than fight with new cats for space that once was hers. That was September 1993.
The other cats in the house, however, were largely Milo's fault. In June 1993, she took off and stayed gone one month. After posting signs and running an ad in the paper, the Goodmans gave up and got a cat named Socks. So when Milo returned three weeks later, she had competition.
It was clear to the family that Milo and Socks didn't get along. Still Milo hung around until young Todd Goodman started kindergarten. Shortly after, Milo left - for 3 1/2 years.
She turned up again like a late Christmas present Dec. 29.
In the Goodman family's eyes, there was never a cat competition.
For proof, consider their Christmas trees. Since Milo left, a framed photo ornament of Milo has graced every one. The frame's caption: Favorite Feline.
Mom Donna Goodman: "We never thought about taking the ornament down. Milo's part of our family. We like her better than Socks. Milo's polite, neat and clean. Socks is just a big loudmouth. She'll stand at the back door and meow til the cows come home."
That fateful last Sunday of 1996, mom Donna Goodman was feeling a little rough. She was on her way out the back door to Wal-Mart for medicine when Milo walked in. The cat went straight for the food bowl like nothing had changed, like 3 1/2 years were just an extended walk in the yard.
The family figured it was her because she looked the same and she remembered where the food was. But if that didn't seal the deal, Milo's tail did. Hers is longer than most and kind of wags when she eats, which it did that Sunday. She also purrs when she eats. She did that, too.
The cat ate two bowls' worth of chow, rolled over and allowed no-longer-estranged family members to rub her belly, then strolled over to what had been her favorite chair and took a nap. An hour or so later she woke up and went straight for the litter box, which also was still in the same place. Sort of a re-marking of her old territory.
Donna Goodman figured that someone who lived close by liked Milo and took her in for those missing years.
For the past week, things have gotten back to normal at the Goodman house. But there are two unresolved issues. The cats still fight, but Milo's point was made. The Goodmans think they might have to find another home for Socks.
They also want to know where Milo spent the past 3 1/2 years.
Anyone who recognizes Milo is asked to call the Goodmans at 382-1926.
LENGTH: Medium: 57 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: Leah Goodman with Milo, who came home after a 3by CNB1/2-year disappearance. GENE DALTON STAFF