I have definitely learned that lesson and for me it was happy ending. A few years ago Brandi (RIP) got out the house without me knowing. Fortunately for me, she didn't stray too far away from the house but Brandi knew how to get back home. All I had to do as call her name and she came running. That happened twice. I was also fortunate in that I live on a cul de sac and virtually no traffic. All of my neighbors knew Brandi and had they seen her would of been knocking on my door.
Although she had a microchip she didn't have her tags on. Now my current Yorkie keeps her tags on 24 hours and she is also microchip. I believe both are necessary because non-pet owners just may not know about microchips and will not go to the vet to get it scan.
I also make sure they know how to get home from short distances. I walked Brandi (and Dutch) everyday an a variety of different directions. It had gotten to the point where Brandi would lead me back to the house (on leash of course). I would just let her guide me back home. I believe that's why when she got out she didn't go very far. I lived in a neighborhood that had sidewalks. When we needed to cross the street. I made Brandi stop and not move unless I moved. I guess I tried to teach her survival skills in the event she did get out without me knowing.
Although i was extremely diligent, my little one manage to slip out the house without me knowing. Short of having a GPS on them, teaching them little things like not crossing the street or how to find their way home from short distances might save their lives. |