Smokey’s Walkabout is a middle grade novel that tells the story of a cat who leaves home and takes the next two years and nine months to return.

The story is inspired by actual events. Smokey is my cat. And he really was away from home for two years and nine months. He’s fifteen now, a sweet-tempered, patient and loyal companion who likes to hog the pillow while purring loudly at night, and still gives me “the look” until I chase him around for playtime.

The “Girls,” Tinker, Bella and Rosie are no longer with us physically, but I still feel them hovering close by. Those that we love that dearly are never truly gone.