"Extremely Confused and Upset"
I had to leave early for work this morning... I needed to go to Yorktown, a 45 minute drive, to do a half-hour show at a daycare. Then, I had to stop off at the office (in Chesapeake, not really on the way home from Yorktown) to change my equipment and drop off money I collected. I was gone about 4 hours total, but I wish I had gotten home sooner.
I live on the very edge of our neighborhood, next to a busy street. When I pulled into the driveway around 12:30, Waffle was in the front yard without a leash, unsupervised. I pulled into the driveway and almost literally flew out of the car. He ran up to me, greeted me, and I looked around for any sign of life from my house. The doors were locked and the fence was closed. My mom and my sister were home, though.
The first thing I did when I walked inside was ask why my dog was outside in the front yard with no supervision or leash. The story we figured out was the garage doors were open for my sister to carry in groceries, and no one noticed Waffle went out. We figure he had only been out about ten minutes before I got home. But, any amount of time outside in the front yard without direct supervision is never okay.
I'm so thankful that Waffle didn't go anywhere, or get kidnapped, or whatever. I was too relieved to feel very angry or upset after I found out what happened, but in that 3 minute span between seeing him in the yard and going inside, I felt very upset and confused.. He hasn't worn his collar because it's been very hot (I get bothered by having things around my neck when I'm hot, and figured maybe it would bother him, too) and isn't microchipped. It would be a disaster.
I desperately want to take him across the busy street to the church field, but I don't want him to think it's okay to walk across it. So, I haven't brought him over there. I also never bring him far into the front yard without a leash for the same reason. He is, however, allowed between the garage and the fence, and on the driveway by the house, because he keeps my Dad and I company as we do work outside of the garage and he doesn't wander. He was rolling in something next to the driveway when I pulled up. I'm so glad he's caught on to the things I've been doing to protect him from the streets and cars. He's so smart. >_<!
I've told my family over and over (and over, and over) to be sure he doesn't get outside in the front--and to check that the fence is closed when he goes out the back, but I guess I haven't told them enough.
Don't let your corgi become the elusive neighborhood bigfoot-- shut the door behind you!
Comment
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Comment by John Wolff on August 6, 2010 at 12:41am
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But you have to be prepared for this eventuality. It WILL happen. Fortunately, Waffle doesn't seem to be a bolter. A neighbor's dogs got loose when a contractor forgot to latch the gate. Things happen.
I made a point to explore the neighborhood in all directions on foot during walks, so the dogs will have some familiarity with the geography and be able to find their way home. I do jaywalk (quiet residential streets), but if you religiously use crosswalks, your dog may learn to use them out of habit.
Have your cell phone # on the collar.
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Comment by Geri & Sidney on July 26, 2010 at 9:58pm
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Ugh, I know how you feel. There was the time Sid slipped away and ran pell-mell down the driveway and face-first into an oncoming car while we watched helplessly. He lost two teeth but kept his life. I'm sure you can relate to what a nightmare THAT was. And then there was the time a cable repairman left our gate wide open. Sid was inside but my two older dogs were in the yard. Once I realized the gate was open and the 2 dogs were gone, I took off in my car, calling for them and crying hysterically. My kids found them in the next block (we live right next to a major 6-lane freeway!). I was relieved but could have committed bloody murder on the stupid repairman. Give me a jury of dog owners and I would have gotten off scot-free!
I think my family thinks I'm crazy for constantly reminding them to secure the doors and gates, but I know my corgi buddies understand my condition!
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Comment by Dana C on July 26, 2010 at 6:08pm
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That's so scary! When Milly was 4 mths old she got out the front door. That winter there was so much snow the banks were about 6 ft high. So she followed the path and ran out into the street. There was a van racing down the road even though it was the beginning of another snow storm. I did not see any of this as I was upstairs packing I just heard my husband scream Milly. He said he just covered his eyes and was thinking about the little body out there. When he looked, she was huddled next to the snow bank and terrified but fine.Just hearing about it I was shaking for hours and I still want to cry about it all this time later.
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Comment by Sunni A. on July 26, 2010 at 5:30pm
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Scary
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Comment by Teresa Gilpin on July 26, 2010 at 5:09pm
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I am so sorry this happened to you. I know that feeling of panic. Once my husband opened the front door without looking for dogs first, (I was out in the front yard doing some weeding). And man they flew out that door! They crossed a busy street to go bark at the neighbors dog who was fenced in their backyard. We were able to scoop them up and take them home. But my heart was racing, to see them running loose like that scared me to death! I am very glad you had a happy ending, and that Waffle is home with his family.
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Comment by Gromit, Sparkle, and Doug on July 26, 2010 at 4:27pm
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When we first got Gromit he slipped out twice. He was about the same color then as our carpet and he was like a Ninja Corgi appearing and disappearing around the place. Anyway, I noticed within a minute that he was outside and found him next door but it is a heart stopping moment when we realize our pals are out and about unsupervised.
About crossing the street: With Waffle on leash, wait until you see a car coming. Walk him to the street and then come to a complete stop while the car passes. When the car passes then tell him "ok" and cross the street. You can train him to watch for cars this way and not to cross when there is a car coming. It's similar to how guide dogs are trained to assist blind people in crossing streets safely. Should he get out off leash for whatever reason he'll be more likely to be wary of the street without you there to give the "ok" to cross.
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Comment by Zach and Lisa on July 26, 2010 at 3:59pm
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Glad to hear all is well. I often have to repeat over and over again about the doors and gates being shut at my parents house too when I visit. They don't have dogs anymore and are so used to walking in and out with leaving the doors wide open. It drives me crazy!
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Comment by Joanna, Rainy and Calvin on July 26, 2010 at 3:34pm
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My mom did this once to Algy when he was still a puppy. We all left for work and she was the last one out of the house and had let the dogs go out before she left. Well, she thought they both came in - but Algy was still outside. He sat out front just waiting until a neighbor saw him and put him in our garage. Luckily, I came home from work early that day. I can totally understand your being upset and confused! I am really glad to hear that waffle was a good boy and stayed put (mr-smarty-pants-good-boy), and that all turned out OK. Hopefully, there won't be a next time.
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Comment by Kevin and Buddy! on July 26, 2010 at 3:12pm
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Glad to hear Waffle is okay. I would be furious too!
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