Journal Entry 3 - Oh Dear

Just wanted to share something that happened today. Nothing exciting really, a common place thing, but one of the neighbours dogs got out today.

I was just reading in bed when I heard my dogs barking, which isn't unusual, but it started getting really growly. Our older one is a really good girl, but she really doesn't like other dogs in our yard and this thing was so small that I was a little bit anxious because around my place are a lot of big dogs including my two.

I looked out the window and saw it, but it moved on quickly, so I had hoped it went home. Yet just as I went back to my book, the dogs were acting up again and sure enough, he was back in our yard.

If any of the other dogs, that were all barking quite viciously, were to get loose, this little thing wouldn't stand a chance. So I went outside to see if his tag would have any information. Thankfully, there was a mobile number on his tag. 

I called it up and as I had actually expected, it was the house at the end of the street and their dogs always get loose. In the 28 years we've lived in this house, they've gone through about five little black and white fluffy dogs. They have all gotten out somehow. One of them was even mauled and killed by another dog that had gotten loose, I was the one that found it only a few moments too late while out for a walk. Hence why I was really worried today, I didn't want it to happen again.

She said she was on the other side of town, but that her son was nearby and should be able to pick up the dog. Just so that he wouldn't wonder off from me, I grabbed one of our dogs' leads and held onto him for the fifteen or so minutes it took for him to get picked up.

Two things you should take away from this. Firstly, if you get a dog, it's not just enough to get them chipped, get them a dog tag with your number on it. Not everyone wants to take your dog to the pound to check for a chip and then wait for the chip to be scanned. Secondly, if you get a little dog, make sure it can't get out, even holes that you think aren't big enough, cover them anyway, you'd be surprised by a dog's innovation when it wants out. Likewise, if you get a big dog, make sure your fences are high (they can jump) and that the gate is sturdy enough (they have pushing power, one of ours from when I was a kid was able to push open the garage door).

Ended well this time, but it doesn't always.