For Pete's sake

COEUR d'ALENE - These days, Walter Babich's wife, Anna, often refers to him as "Captain Ahab."

Because like the character in Herman Melville's classic "Moby Dick" who was determined to get his whale, Walter is determined to get his cat.

"I'm obsessed," he said. "This cat is a nice cat. I don't want to see it die if it doesn't have to."

But it has been nearly two months since "Pete," a 16-pound orange tabby, was last seen at the Babiches' Beauty Bay home. There have been sightings here and there of a large cat crossing the highway, of one running into the woods or sitting near a residence. Babich, who has posted hundreds of "Lost Cat" fliers, has checked them all out.

Nothing.

But he's not giving up hope. He's even upping the ante.

This week, the retired federal government worker offered $500 for the return of the cat that has become a family member and close friend, too. He has tried to recruit the Boy Scouts to conduct a search-and-rescue operation.

"I'm not rich, but when you get older like me, your perspective changes," the 69-year-old said.

Ironically, Babich didn't want the cat when it first showed up outside his home three years ago. It was freezing and snowing, when what seemed to be a feral cat peeked through a window. Despite Walter's warnings, Anna Babich fed it.

Soon, they built a small shelter for it in front of their house, complete with pillow. Next, it was sleeping inside the Babich home and finally, in their bed.

Walter, meantime, was trying to get rid of this guest. He sought its owner. He checked with the Humane Society to find its owner. No dice. Gradually, though, he warmed up to this cuddly cat - and it warmed up to him. It followed Walter, even headbutted him as a way of saying thank you.

"I don't even like cats, but he won me over," Walter Babich said. "He had to win me over because I was trying to get rid of him."

Pete, as named by the Babich family, was affectionate, smart, clean and nice.

In turn, he has been looked after, fed, sheltered and taken to the vet to be treated for cuts and scrapes suffered in cat fights. A gunshot wound to Pete's foot required a $2,200 surgery.

Money well spent, Walter said.

"I have four kids. He gave me less problems than any kids," Walter said, smiling.

But in late August, Pete disappeared. Walter believes a group of four or five feral cats that tried to stake claim to his front porch scared him off.

His initial efforts to track Pete came up cold, so he has renewed his efforts with reward money, more fliers and even a call to the Boy Scouts.

"Look, you guys are out in the woods," he told them. "I'll give you a couple hundred dollars. Why don't you look for my cat?"

Despite some sightings around from Beauty Bay to Gotham Bay, Pete's whereabouts remain unknown. Perhaps the victim of a coyote, perhaps he has moved on, perhaps too hungry and too weak to return home.

Walter believes he's still out there. And like Ahab, he won't quit.

"I don't want him to have to be a part of the hundred other stray cats out there trying to survive," he said. "I want to bring him back if possible."