APB -- ALL-PETS BULLETIN: "Gambit" the cat is missing from the corner area of Vine Street and East Avenue in the City of Batavia.

The male tabby, 1 1/2 years old, is gray and white, neutered and very friendly. He wears both a pink and a silver collar with a bell, and a name tag with phone number.

If you see Gambit, please call Mike Columbo at (585) 297-0241.

A gambit as defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as: a chess opening in which a player risks one or more pawns or a minor piece to gain an advantage in position; a remark intended to start a conversation or make a telling point; and/or a calculated move, a stratagem.

Let us hope this sudden and unexplained disappearance by Gambit is not a "stratagem" of his to have sneaky summer fun at the expense of his poor owner's well-being.

UPDATE (By Billie) Thursday, June 21, 4:42 p.m.: Just spoke with owner Mike Columbo who laments that his cat has still not turned up. He's hopeful and plans to put fliers up in the neighborhood. Please keep your eyes peeled for Gambit, readers; it's a calculated move calculated to bring him home!

UPDATE Sunday, June 24:  This afternoon Gambit's owner wrote to say the cat was located in the backyard of a neighbor late Thursday. The cat is home safe and sound. Mike Columbo wrote:

"...I found my cat Gambit on Thursday night! Someone who lives on Elm Street, a block away from me, called saying they saw him in their backyard!  
I was able to lure him out with some treats and brought him back home! Needless to say I was elated!"