 Pippin ran out the gate
I had taken Pippin, and Marley out in the back yard. I opened the side gate to go into the front yard, and Pippin flew past me and ran around the garage. I think he thought my daughter was home. He looked around for a second, and took off again across a pretty busy street. I was running as fast as I could, but you know how fast a yorkie is. It was like watching a nightmare in slow motion. I kept yelling for him, and he didn't even look back. I was so afraid a car was coming. He ran over to where a man was standing by his car, and I caught up with him. It's been about 15 minutes and I'm still shaking. I feel sick to my stomach.
My last dog (a lab) was a runner. If someone (usually company) didn't close the door all the way he would open it with his paw and take off. I have purposely taught my boys to sit and wait when I open the door. They have never tried to run out. I can't believe in that one second I could have lost the most precious thing in my life.
Pippin's trainer told me of a woman who took her dog for day care. When the lady would get home at night, she would pull into the garage, and let him out of the car (without his leash) and they would go into the house. This was their routine for 3 years. About 4 months ago when she let him out of the car he saw a cat, and took off across the street, and was hit and killed. That's what I was thinking about as I was chasing Pippin.
I just learned a lesson. I've had Pippin 2 years, and he's never, ever tried to run out the door. I was so lucky today, but from now on I will never assume he's going to stay and not bolt out the door. |