What a great end to a scary story! I would be heartbroken if one of my guys got out!
Please give him a scritch behind the ears from me!
Grats DianaG! I’m very happy for both you and GaryCat. I know what it’s like to have a pet run away. You are right on about telling everyone who lives nearby, posting hundreds of flyers, and never give up looking! My beloved Mao left home once, and I never stopped looking for her. It took me 14 months, but I found her again. It was one of the happiest days of my life. 
Give Gary a little skritch from me, wouldja? Good on both of ya!
I’m glad your cat came home. Mine’s been missing since October 10th. Well, I can’t really say she’s missing because we’ve seen her 3 times, hiding on our deck. She clearly knows where she lives and she’s even more clearly not ready to come in yet. I’m expecting her to make an appearance when the weather is much colder, but it kills me to see her and not be able to get her into the house. Give your kitty cuddles for me.
YAY for Gary!
My Cuthbert escaped on Saturday night, about midnight. It was the first escape I’ve had for 15 years AND I was sick and coughing AND he’s deaf. It was terrifying. But the nice thing about deaf cats is they don’t hear you sneak up on 'em, even if you’re coughing up a lung at the time!
ETA: Forgot to add my congrats to a happy ending.