I've had a very embarassing situation this afternoon.  I'm laid up on the sofa with a torn calf muscle and can't walk.  My son took the dogs out this morning then left them with the run of the kennel, garden and conservatory.  I made a cup of coffee mid morning and they were fine.  I went to get lunch and couldn't find our springer so hobbled down the garden to get him but he wasn't there.  The back gates were both open as was the garage door.  No sign of the dog.

Trying very hard not to panic I hopped back down the garden to the phone to call for help and had no sooner done this than the dog warden was at the door, dog in tow.  What an embarassment; all I could do was apologise.  He hadn't gone far and had found refuge with an old lady with a packet of digestives despite having breakfast before going!  I offered my apologies and explained about the open gate (only to later find my garage has been disturbed by visitors).  All of mine are microchipped thank goodness but he didn't have a collar and tag on.

He's never gone anywhere before, even when the gate has been left open by mistake, although I always feel different circumstances, like me being at home in the day unsettle animals.  He could have gone chasing a female on heat I suppose.  It's all a bit worrying as although mine are kennelled during the day and at night, the kennel isn't locked as if they really wanted to get in they would just push the shed panels in or remove the bolts from the mesh.

For the past hour or so he's been sulking under the coffee table in the knowledge that he's been naughty!  It's the first time in eight years of dog owning that this has happened so I suppose I shouldn't worry too much but I did feel terrible as I don't like to think of myself as an irresponsible owner.  I can't find anything missing in the garage but the recycling boxes have been trodden on in an attempt to get to the shelves behind. 

Phew!  what a day!

Oh dear ! At least he is back safe and sound :)

It is abit worrying about the garage. have you called the police ?

Lucy
xx

Yes, they have given me an incident number but nothing else.  They aren't sending anyone out!  There were some cars broken into locally on Monday so it could all be related,

sounds like a **** day ! At least they didn't steal your dog ! and now you can be prepared .

\jo x

What a good job you were home.

If he doesn't normally stir when the gate is open, I would suggest that he has gone after the burglars and is likely to be the reason why nothing was taken from your garage.

I would stop the sulk and tell him what a 'good boy' he is ;)