About once every few years, the dog finds a way to get loose. Now, in her early years, it was super extra terrifying because she had endless energy, would not come when called, and was too fast to pursue on foot. So I'd get in my car with a box of Milk Bones and follow her in the car until I could either corner her, tire her out, or someone else was able to grab her. This happened once in East Nashville, when, as we were leaving a DIY Dog Wash, she backed out of her collar and took off across a four lane road with a middle turn lane - which I guess makes it a five lane road.
I didn't know the neighborhood, but some folks caught her and held on to her and were still holding onto her when I drove up to collect her. Whew. Before today, her last escape was a few years ago in the dead of summer, and the heat shortened the chase. I pulled up to her, opened the door, and she hopped in.
Today, the side gate was open, unbeknownst to me, and she made use of the egress. I can't see the side gate from the back door, and it was raining, so I don't know when she bailed, because, I was also on the phone with a former co-worker. But after we hung up, I noticed Piper wasn't in my sightline. I figured she had probably gone under the deck, and walked over to find out, when I saw the side gate, unlatched and ajar.
If I had to guess, one of the kids next door sent a projectile over our fence and came to retrieve it. But the gate is tricky and requires a little finesse to close properly. The only person I can blame is me.
Anyway, I don't know how long she was gone, but I grabbed my wallet and keys, her leash and some treats, and opened the front door. It was like she was waiting for me to show up to start the chase. She stayed on our block, and it took about five minutes of "chase" before I pulled up to her, opened the door and was able to herd her in. She looked pretty pleased with the whole thing, and since I was already turned to leave our street, we went for a little joy ride around our neighborhood, where she barked at lots of people as we drove by.
So, as scary incidents go, this one was minor. No joggers were harassed, no small children were knocked over. But I always worry when she goes missing that this is the last time I'll ever see her, either because she really takes off, or gets hit and dies. Or, worst case, she hurts someone and we have to get rid of her in the most final way.
But, today she just irritated me, and now she's asleep on the couch.
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| Different photo, her in my office. |
Now, to pivot from that a bit. I saw a lot of women on our little drive today who were wearing really short skirts and short dresses. I want to know - how do you do that without showing off everything? Like, if you drop your keys, do they just stay dropped? I have unintentionally showed my ass in skirts that weren't terribly short - more that I have a large butt, and it's a fight between anatomy, and gravity, and physics - where nobody wins.
There was one woman in particular where I really wonder. Maybe the dress looked fine from the front, but she never checked the back in a mirror. Oh well, not my problem, but I look at stuff from the sixties and seventies with those short, short dresses, and I just want to ask.
And to pivot again - I was at Walmart today and saw a coat that I think I would love - but let's be honest - it rarely gets cold enough for me to need more than the coats I already have - and if I were going to make a purchase for the coming months, a new puffy vest would be the optimal choice. But it was faux leopard. They make it in my size, but didn't have it there. Hmmm. Just things to consider. Online, my size is sold out, or I'd probably have ordered it already. Because you know, when you're unemployed, shopping just makes sense.
Let's hope I am not unemployed for long. That's all I have to say about it.
I'm about to go make a big salad for dinner - it's one of my favorites - I'm planning a huge Greek salad, grilled chicken and some pita. Meanwhile, Piper has woken up from her post-escape nap, and is barking at the people walking down our street.
How dare they!
Keep an eye on your gates, folks.
ae
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