Trouble Truffle Tuesday

Well, Truffle really did it this time!!!  She almost gave Mom Paula a heart attack.  Here's the story from Mom Paula's perspective:

I've had a Lane recliner couch and love seat since moving back into my home 10 years ago.  I need the recliner because I'm so short that I can't sit down on either and be comfortable (and my legs stick straight out!).  Praline never gave me a problem with the recliner the whole time she was around it (7 years) and would rest on the footrest of the couch all the time.  When I got Truffle and Brulee, I was too afraid to raise the footrest because of the fear of either of the girls getting stuck under the couch or crushed by the metal frames. In fact, I didn't even try to raise the footrest until January this year (2 years later) because of the need to sleep on the couch for two months because of my shoulder surgery.

front of the couch (when Truffle was a baby, she could crawl under here)

I was very careful when I raised the footrest the first time.  Both of the girls came over and looked under, but didn't attempt to actually go under the couch, which surprised me.  I actually got down on the floor on "all fours" to inspect their view and realized there was very little space under there.  Now that I look at the space through this picture, I do see areas where curious kitties can get in.

front of couch with footrest raised

I've been hoping Truffle or Brulee would eventually start resting on top of the footrest while I was sitting there because it was always so comforting when Angel Sweet Praline would do so.  To my surprise, Sunday night Truffle jumped on the footrest and settled down for the evening with me.  I was thrilled.

peaceful evening together on the footrest

I was still at home recuperating from the stomach bug Monday (yesterday).  I heard a scratching noise on the carpet and I looked for Brulee because she likes to scratch in the corners of the room on the carpet.  To my surprise she was laying on the back of the couch.  I called for Truffle and when she didn't respond, I put down the footrest and stood up hunting for her.  I even grabbed a treat bag and called her name and still no Truffle.  I don't know what made me look down, but I saw some white fur coming out from the back of the couch.  You won't see this in the picture below because I didn't dare waste time for a photo during this.

back of couch

I called Truffle's name and she didn't respond.  I even touched her fur and there was no "chirp" from her like usual. I became frantic!  I started to lift the back of the couch to let her crawl out, but then thought better of it because she still didn't move and I was afraid when I turned it over, she would be crushed by the metal framework and moving parts.  My only thought was to take the chance and lift the footrest again, hoping she wouldn't be injured or worse.  

You can imagine how my heart was racing, tears were beginning to flow, and prayers went up to God.  I carefully lifted the footrest and out Truffle came!  You can imagine my relief.  I immediately checked her to make sure she was okay.   She didn't seem in any distress or pain and was moving great.  In fact, a few minutes later, she and Brulee were racing up the cat tree! Thankfully, Truffle appears fine!  It did teach me a very important lesson though.  I can't get complacent or lazy around this one.  I must always be aware of where she is.  She has a knack for getting into places she shouldn't and getting trapped (previous posts on the closet, the front door, and now the couch).  She's so darn fast!  I think my heart is still pounding!  My beautiful, but naughty, Truffle is still with us!

That was a very harrowing experience!