Naughty boy!

So the other day I was just innocently on my way up the steps with a load of clean laundry when I discovered our front door WIDE OPEN. Whuh? With days being cooler we've been fortunate enough to keep the heavy wood door open while keeping our metal security door closed... or so I thought!

Seems our little friend Duke decided to break out of jail and go on a little stroll all by his lonesome.

Terry, Justin and I jumped into 'rescue' mode and split up in search of him. While Terry headed down to the lake (where Duke's walks usually start out) I decided to jump in the car and drive over towards Jim & Kathy's. Duke has met their pugs in the past and the last time we were near their house it was all I could do to pull him away.

About halfway there (which is only about a block) I saw our furry friend lah tee dah tee daaahhhh just hanging out in someone's front yard, sniffing the 'new' smells in the air. After I pulled over and jumped out of my car, he looks over to me as if to say, "Oh, hey, hi Mom. Whatcha doin?" wag, wag, wag

Of course I respond with, "Hey Duke, I'm just enjoying the beautiful day. How'd you like to go for a little car ride with me, hmmmmm????"

"Um, yeah, thanks anyway mom, I think instead I'll just run the other way down the block."

Me: "ACK!" As I reluctantly decide to abandon my still-running, wonky-parked car a few houses away. Knowing I shouldn't chase him (which is one of his favorite games actually) I was fortunate because some nice gentlemen were out working on their truck. Fortunately for me, they had their trusty dog hanging with them. Imagine that - a dog that just stays where he's supposed to and does not run off to the neighbors.

One of those nice gentlemen grabbed Duke's collar for me while holding his own dog's collar and still managed to keep the cigarette from falling out of his mouth.

After appropriate thank yous and coaxing Duke into my car, we returned home. I knew it didn't make sense to punish him at that point because dogs have about a 3-second memory when it comes to naughtiness. Also I didn't want him to think coming home was a bad thing. So instead we just gave him a treat (maybe doing that from now on will get him home easier?) and went on with our day.

Of course throughout the day, the next day, the following day and every day after that he's constantly scratched at the door, obviously hoping for another chance to escape the prison that is our home.

Dude, what is so bad about your life here that you want to leave? Twice daily feedings not enough for you? That endless supply of tennis balls not squeaky enough? Bits of chicken and steak after family meals not to your taste? Fluffy down comforters on your king size bed not soft enough? By the way, thanks so much for letting me and Dad share that bed with you, else we would have to sleep on your napping couch. Oh and yes, let's not forget your slave-boy who is tasked with picking up your special outdoor presents. We know you like him doing this because as soon as he's done with the job you run right out and leave another one or two for him.

Well, we hope you consider staying with us for a few more years and we'll do our best to continue to accommodate you. Please just don't run away again.

Linking to: Saturday Sampling on Half Past Kissin' Time