If There are Treats!

As pet owners we all have those moments that we know will literally cause our hearts to stop.  I had one of those moments this morning.

Todd is never allowed to be off lead outside our fence. This morning when Carl left for work, in the darkness he didn't get the gate latched. After he'd gone I let the dogs out. The others came back inside, and as I always do, I left Todd outside for awhile. I loose track of time on my days off, so I'm not sure how much time passed. But when I went to bring Todd inside for his breakfast, there was a strange silence as I called him several times and he didn't come, and I didn't see him. It only took me a minute to see the blown open gate, and realize that Todd was gone!

With my heart in my throat, I kept calling him, knowing that in the wide open space of the country where we live, Todd could be anywhere. I tried not to panic and continued calling for him.  And, just like that, there Todd was, standing on the far side of the yard, on the other side of the fence, his tail wagging and looking at me.

I knew that Todd coming to me would have to be his idea. So I kept the mood light and kept talking to him as I quickly went inside for treats to bribe him with.  I opened the gate on the front porch, called him, showed him the treats, and he happily came to me.  I gave Todd the handful of treats, and there was celebration from both of us, and he quickly raced from one end to the other of the porch, stopping only for a moment to jump up on me, as I told him over and over what a good Scottie he was!  The celebration continued inside, as I overindulged and calmed my nerves and racing heart with early morning treats.

I also gave thanks for this Scottie that has maybe, just maybe learned to come when called.  Providing of course, that there are treats involved.