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An aging dream of mine came true last week, thanks to Baby Miles who was paying attention on our morning walk in the woods - we found a lost dog, a good size black lab. He had no tags, so we waited, and waited.. and waited.. and eventually ran out of patience and took him home.
Good thing that I had a spare leash with me, but navigating 2 large strong adult males - unfamiliar with each other, not used to walking together - through the narrow and hilly trails to the car is not for the faint hearted. It was only about 1 mile (or 1.6 km) long hike, but it took forever.
Especially considering that I had to make sure we avoided all other dogs. Not knowing anything about this lab, how reactive he might be on leash, to which triggers, etc. - avoiding contact was probably the best approach.
And then of course there was a question of getting them both into the car. They eventually did great walking side by side (professional dog walkers would have been super proud of me), but being with a strange dog inside the car could have been too much...
Long story short - all challenges were solved, we got home safely and peacefully, and for a few hours, while locating the owner on the local social media, we had 2 dogs in the house. Now, THAT was awesome!
The funniest part of the adventure was my dearest wife. Her initial reaction was "OMG! Huge, and hairy! Why did you bring him home? What if he is sick? What if he pees in the house? What if he.... Drive him back to the trails and wait for the owners there!"
3 hours later, when the lady owner came to pick him up, the wife was telling the lady how she was secretly hoping that she wouldn't have to give him back, at least not so soon, and if the lady ever goes on vacation she must leave him with us...
And whose heart would not melt seeing how he is asking for treats (last picture)?
So, the thought of having another dog is again in the air. We are considering a Wheaten Terrier girl. There is a breeder not too far, they are expecting a litter next week. Don't know whether we'll do it or not. But meanwhile - if anyone has experience with Wheaten Terriers, throw me some pointers!
Baby Miles The Ridgeback, by the way, just turned 5. Time flies. Here he is, with our unexpected guest.
Good thing that I had a spare leash with me, but navigating 2 large strong adult males - unfamiliar with each other, not used to walking together - through the narrow and hilly trails to the car is not for the faint hearted. It was only about 1 mile (or 1.6 km) long hike, but it took forever.
Especially considering that I had to make sure we avoided all other dogs. Not knowing anything about this lab, how reactive he might be on leash, to which triggers, etc. - avoiding contact was probably the best approach.
And then of course there was a question of getting them both into the car. They eventually did great walking side by side (professional dog walkers would have been super proud of me), but being with a strange dog inside the car could have been too much...
Long story short - all challenges were solved, we got home safely and peacefully, and for a few hours, while locating the owner on the local social media, we had 2 dogs in the house. Now, THAT was awesome!
The funniest part of the adventure was my dearest wife. Her initial reaction was "OMG! Huge, and hairy! Why did you bring him home? What if he is sick? What if he pees in the house? What if he.... Drive him back to the trails and wait for the owners there!"
3 hours later, when the lady owner came to pick him up, the wife was telling the lady how she was secretly hoping that she wouldn't have to give him back, at least not so soon, and if the lady ever goes on vacation she must leave him with us...
And whose heart would not melt seeing how he is asking for treats (last picture)?
So, the thought of having another dog is again in the air. We are considering a Wheaten Terrier girl. There is a breeder not too far, they are expecting a litter next week. Don't know whether we'll do it or not. But meanwhile - if anyone has experience with Wheaten Terriers, throw me some pointers!
Baby Miles The Ridgeback, by the way, just turned 5. Time flies. Here he is, with our unexpected guest.
