We returned home after a lovely morning at the local botanical gardens, and as I pulled in the driveway I saw that the side gate was wide open. I knew that gate was closed when we left. I also knew I had left Bailey in the backyard (as usual), and I knew she wasn't wearing her collar (as usual - I won't get into THAT right now). I knew she was gone...and I was right.
We drove around the neighborhood for a while and I talked to Animal Control (on my earpiece, of course) as we drove. They told me to post something on Craigslist (hello 2011) and call back at 4:45pm. 4:45pm...she could be in Mexico by then! After calling the micro-chip company and alerting Bailey lovers out there via Facebook, I got a really good idea (if I do say so myself). Samantha and I hauled in the enormous art easel from the garage and made a "LOST DOG" sign. Then we placed the easel in the driveway hoping that all the school pick-up foot traffic would see the sign and maybe someone would know something about the whereabouts of our dog. Oh, and Sam added a pile of dog food under the sign to entice Bailey home.
Well, the sign had been out there for less than 10 minutes when I got a knock on the door. A kind mama from down the street said that someone else up the street had a sign in their yard that said, "FOUND DOG." Lost dog sign + Found dog sign = happy-happy-joy-joy-reunion
Here is what this experience reinforced for me:
1. Despite the fact that my relationship with our sweet Bailey has suffered greatly since the birth of my children, I do in fact love my dog. I felt like I was missing a child (well, almost) for those hours she was unaccounted for.
2. We live in a GREAT neighborhood.
3. We have great friends. In addition to the Facebook sentiments and support, I had 3 people call or stop by out of concern for our pup. This fact both touched me, and gave me confidence that in a time of need loved ones, near and far, would be there for us. Thanks guys!
4. While advances like micro-chipping pets and Craigslist are all great, our dog was located thanks to 2 handmade signs. Score one for the old-fashioned way of doing things.
5. It is time for a new collar that doesn't jingle so loudly that we take it off the dog every night (and then forget to put it back on every morning). It's been ordered.
Welcome home Bailey.
