Get this – he was meowing inside just a few minutes ago, to go out back. So I gave him a personal escort, and was watching to see if he’d show me how he escaped. He started heading around the side of the house – I thought “aha! he’s going to do it!” but all he did was go lay in the garden. I pulled some weeds out while he laid there, and when he heard me he sat closer to keep me company. But didn’t make a single move for the gate. About 10 minutes later he got up, I followed him, and he went to the back porch, I asked if he wanted in, he walked straight to the back door and he went in!! Normally he’d stay out here for HOURS. !!!
I think you guys are a cool kind of magic! Thanks for your help with this issue that’s been driving us crazy!