I’ve owned an Australian Shepard-mix, shelter dog for 13 of it’s nearly 14 years. I originally adopted Sydney as a companion for my Lab mix, Happy who died earlier this year. When I would take them to Dog Beach, to parks or to other open areas to run, Sydney would often apply her herding instinct to my calls to retrieve Happy off in the distance. Though she has had a sweet disposition throughout all her life, this has masked an annoying character: Sydney has been a constant “flight-risk”. Over the last ten years, my dogs caused me embarrassment and irritation in taking themselves for a walk. At least twice a year, from a loose fence plank, a poorly-shut gate, or a frequently-open front door (3 teenage boys grew up here during these ten years) one or more of our household has gone in a wandering-dog search – or met the neighbor coming to the door. These times, including two occasions when retrieved from the County Animal Shelter, Sydney and Happy – who always took his cue from her – cost me embarrassing encounters with my neighbors. A month ago, this dog got out, and during the night – started shaking and drooling uncontrollably. That episode cost me SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS and a day in the Veterinarian’s care – and little wear on the little beast. I just suffered another moment – as my neighbor informed me that Sydney was down the road again.
Now back at my feet asleep, I am considering what my pet’s contemplating for her next escape.
Truths, Half-truths, and Sea Stories 