Oh poor little guy - something MUST have traumatized him ...but how lucky you were to get him back and what a nice neighbor to take him into her home ! I would have freaked OUT
I know what kind of fence you probably have because I'm in Texas too and Cheri loves to dig....My backyard is now full of Carpet Samples up against the base of my fence and boards so she cannot dig under it .....Texas soil is too easy to dig thru and that's why I lay down the Carpet and tile - plus it keeps their feet cleaner...Have you thought of something like that ? It's not pretty but DOES work
Do you think him travelling will be the right thing to do ? It may make him more uneasy being away from his home that he knows....I don't know what to tell you bacause I know you have the babies too in the house.....Poor Rebel - he may have gotten too adventerous for his own good here and I'm SO GLAD you found him !