Dora the cat isn't talking, so kids will need to come up with stories about her adventures.

Art&Seek Jr. is one mom‘s quest to find activities to end the seemingly endless chorus of the “I’m Bored Blues” while having fun herself.  Impossible you say? Check back on Tuesdays for kid-friendly events that are fun for adults, too.

I really do believe that cats and dogs, like their human counterparts, enjoy taking vacations from time to time. You know how it is. It’s hot, you’re bored, it’s great to get out of the city for a few days and head to the beach. The same is true for Fluffy and Fido. When I was a kid, we had a black poodle named Koko that would bolt for freedom every time we opened the door. He’d run around the neighborhood, get in a few trash cans and head back home when he was good and ready. Once, he got loose wearing my mom’s wig. My friends and I wanted to see what he’d look like as a blonde. I guess he had enough of us and playing fashion model, so he decided to escape. My mom was pretty hacked. Not so much that the dog ruined her wig, but that the dog had run all over the neighborhood sporting a long blond fall and now all the neighbors knew she had a wig. Koko always came home (I think my mother secretly wished he wouldn’t sometimes), but in hindsight he was pretty lucky. This was before pets were routinely microchipped. And since he had a habit of slipping out of his collar, had he truly gotten lost he most likely would have been gone for good.

If she could talk, Dora the Cat would probably have some good stories to tell about being lost. Dora is a black and burgundy cat that was adopted from Arlington Animal Services in May 2011. Lucky for Dora that when she was adopted she received a microchip, because a month later – in June of 2011 – she took off from her new home and did not return until April 2012. Dora left Arlington and traveled 850 miles to Durango, Colo.! You’ll be happy to know that she was found and returned home safely to Arlington after her yearlong adventure. Some vacation, huh? I bet she was tired after that long trip. Since Dora refuses to share exactly how she ended up in Colorada (you know how stubborn cats can be) Arlington Animal Services is inviting kids to write a story about her adventures on the road. Children going into grades kindergarten through fifth grade are eligible to participate in this event. All participants will meet Dora the Cat, learn more about microchip implants and tour Arlington Animal Services. There are two categories for the contest: K-2 and 3-5. The winning story from each category will receive a special prize. Space is limited to 25 young authors, so hurry and sign up.

Therese Powell is an Art&Seek calendar coordinator and KERA-TV producer. She spends most of her free time seeking out adventures for her 7-year-old daughter, Rose. Tell us about your ideas for quirky kid adventures by leaving a comment. Or e-mail Therese at [email protected].