Margi on the run!
Many pet parents have experienced it, that gripping fear that comes over you when you realize that your pet is missing. I experienced that a few years ago on Christmas day just as the sun was going down.
I had let both of my MuttButs out for a potty break and only Riedi came back inside when I called them in. It took me a minute to realize that Margi was no longer in the back yard. I went out the front door and started calling her and that’s when I saw her running down the street, tongue hanging out. She glanced back at me and was almost laughing as she took off faster tongue wagging all the way!
Normally Margi is pretty good about coming when called, but for some reason she didn’t this time. I gathered up my things and went to drive around the neighborhood calling her. I drove up and down each street numerous times, stopping everyone I came across and it didn’t help that I was getting over a cold and had my window down yelling for my Margi, but she was worth it.
Searching & Searching
After about two hours, I went back home to regroup and tell Riedi that his sister was missing. I decided to give him a potty break and as I opened the back door, in runs Margi!!!
Since she knows where her belly gets fed (and rubbed) she had managed to escape out of and then back into the backyard! Even though I was really mad at her, I was so happy she was home, all I could do was hug her. I wish I had their Flash & Glows at that point. It would have saved me hours of searching if I had seen it blinking!
The Evidence left behind!
I did find out where she escaped. One corner of the chain link fence had come apart and Margi left her fur behind on it as evidence. I quickly mended it so she couldn’t escape again. Although, I do think she was probably back home before I left the garage and was laughing at me the entire time as I was driving around the neighborhood looking for her.
This got me thinking about all of the things we need to do if our pets go missing.
Don’t give up hope, some animals that have a microchip have turned up after months of being lost. Best of luck to you and I hope none of you go through the awful experience of having a missing pet.
Fence Jumper?
Fortunately neither of my MuttButs are fence jumpers, but I know how difficult that must be. While volunteering at the local shelter, I had one of the dogs scale the fence right in front of me! The fence was really tall, at least 8 feet. Luckily I was right there scooping poop and while the poop flew, I was able to grab the dog just before she made it over the top of the fence. Needless to say she was on leash for the rest of her time outside.
I did find a really ingenious post about a DIY project for fence jumpers. You guys know how much I love DIY projects! It involves PVC pipe on the top of the fence. The post even includes a Youtube video. Check it out if you have a fence jumper.
Good Luck!!
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There’s always one isn’t there. I was in the same boat and when I just had little ones I had to worry about getting the bottom of my fence fortified. But once I inherited a jumper, I had to come up with another solution, enter the roll bar fence you shared. It’s worked wonders with my American Bulldog – hope it works for anyone else who tries it. And thanks so much for sharing!
Tell me about it! Margi is a hunter at heart, so I have to watch her. Luckily she knows where her belly gets rubbed and fed 🙂
I saw your post and thought it was a great idea. Great pictures and video too!
I think it’s one of the worst feelingso in the world…..to have you pet escape and lost. Although Mary is not a runner she is microchipped. You just never know. Great article thanks for sharing
I know. Riedi doesn’t run, but if he were to somehow escape, I think he would try to have some fun before letting me catch him!