My little runaway

Sometime during the early morning hours of January 30th, my Norwegian Elkhound Bailey (lovingly nicknamed Houdini) escaped from my home and disappeared into the snow storm.

When I awoke on my futon at 3 am to go upstairs to bed, he was still in the house. When I came downstairs at 8 am, I found the kitchen door wide-open, the entryway soaked and my house freezing. (The kitchen door has a tendency to open on its own if its windy and I fail to remember to lock the deadbolt).

There weren't even paw prints in the back yard, so I knew Bailey had to have been gone for quite a while. The only thing that kept me from going into complete panic-mode was that I assumed there wouldn't be many cars on the road due to the snow. That and the fact that I replaced his name tag (with my number on it) at Christmas.

After I ran upstairs to find my water-proof boots, threw on my coat and put Zoe in her crate, I thought to check my cell phone. Someone had already called, I must have missed it while in my closet upstairs. She said Bailey was hanging out in her yard and looked very cold - he is, after all, a domesticized Elkhound!

Bailey had crossed four lanes of traffic to end up about a half-mile away in a nearby neighborhood of town homes. I was amazed - though not for the first time - to find him in the woman's yard with her, unleashed and just sitting there. He immediately recognized my car, perked up and came over to me. He always does this - runs off but then is obviously relieved when I find him. He's such a stinker.

I can't blame him - I'm sure most dogs other than Zoe would exit the house if given the same opportunity. I still can't believe I didn't bolt the door.

Anyway, Bailey was home safe and sound before 9 am. He was caked with ice and snow but otherwise uninjured. I am so grateful, and also mindful of reminding all owners of "wandering" breeds out there to keep their dogs on a tight leash!