Last night Sophie went missing. I won't say she was lost, because she knew precisely where she was. It had been pouring rain and hail all day long and she really needed to get out for a minute now that the rain had let up. My son was packing his truck for the trip back to college and had left the side gate open. Not realizing this, I let Sophie out the back door into the yard. It was dark. She slipped past Ahren out the open gate and away she went.
I realized she was gone within five minutes, but it was too late. She was out there somewhere in the night and could be in real danger if we didn't find her. Her typical pattern, if she manages to escape the house is to meander down the usual route I take when we go for a walk. Then, when we get to the end of the street, she heads for the hills up a walking path. The last time she did this it was daylight, and I could see her way up the hill dashing around delightedly, diving into bushes to scare out all the birds nesting there. She finally came to me, thank goodness.
Finding her in the daytime is one thing, finding her in pitch blackness was another. Besides, we weren't even sure if she had headed up into the hills. Ahren got in his truck and drove around the neighborhood, a container of treats at his side. I walked up and down the sidewalk calling "Sophie! Sophie!! We searched like this for an hour, the skies overhead threatening to let loose another downpour such as we had had all day long.
By 9:00, I decided to go back home and sit by the phone in case someone found her and called me. She was wearing her tags, so that was good. I sat in silence imagining her hit by a car, kidnapped by gang members and being bait for pit bulls, or worse. And then there is the coyote issue. I hear those animals howling at night up in the hills. If she had ventured way out there into coyote territory it could be all over. My boss just lost her cat to coyotes last week.
At 9:30 I phoned Ahren and told him to come back home. He had been out searching for her for going on two hours. If she was going to come home when she got wet and hungry she would. If a neighbor was out walking their dog before bedtime, there was a good chance she might join up with them and be rescued.
About ten minutes later I heard Ahren come in the door. "Mom! Mom! Guess who I found!!" She was soaking wet, muddy from head to toe, but home.
She had gone up into the hills all right, and Ahren had hiked nearly a half mile before she barked in response to him calling her name. He ended up giving her nearly the entire container of treats he was so relieved to have found her. And guess what? When I took her collar off to put her in the tub to wash off the mud, her identification tag was missing.
If she had been picked up there is no way anyone would know where she lived or who to call. Two lessons learned here last night. The first one is obvious–make sure the dog can't escape the yard. The second? Check your dog's collar often to be sure the ID tags are still on!
100 responses to “Dog Missing”
Oh, goodness. You must have been so frightened. I’m so glad Sophie is home safe. We have had similar incidence with our dogs. Maggie, for one, is a runner. If she gets out front she is flying as fast as her little paws can take her. All of our friends are pretty aware to be careful when they come over and are opening the door. We keep a padlock on the gate. When I had the bar-b-que for my Mom’s birthday and had lots of people over, I just took her to the kennel.
I’ll for sure check Maggie’s tags today. Do you have Sophie chipped?
Big sigh!
Oh, goodness. You must have been so frightened. I’m so glad Sophie is home safe. We have had similar incidence with our dogs. Maggie, for one, is a runner. If she gets out front she is flying as fast as her little paws can take her. All of our friends are pretty aware to be careful when they come over and are opening the door. We keep a padlock on the gate. When I had the bar-b-que for my Mom’s birthday and had lots of people over, I just took her to the kennel.
I’ll for sure check Maggie’s tags today. Do you have Sophie chipped?
Big sigh!
I’m so glad she was found!! Have you considered getting a microchip in her?
I’m so glad she was found!! Have you considered getting a microchip in her?
So glad to hear Miss Sophie is home and well.
So glad to hear Miss Sophie is home and well.
I eventually bought a collar from gundogsupply.com, which has a name plate that’s riveted directly to the collar. Before that, we lost several sets of tags when a human would accidentally clip the leash to the ring holding the tags, rather than the collar’s D-ring, and lost several collars due to them coming off when the dog went swimming. The particular collar, a “Glo Dog Dee-End” has now lasted for three years of seriously rough use.
(Not affiliated with them, just a happy customer.)
I eventually bought a collar from gundogsupply.com, which has a name plate that’s riveted directly to the collar. Before that, we lost several sets of tags when a human would accidentally clip the leash to the ring holding the tags, rather than the collar’s D-ring, and lost several collars due to them coming off when the dog went swimming. The particular collar, a “Glo Dog Dee-End” has now lasted for three years of seriously rough use.
(Not affiliated with them, just a happy customer.)
So glad Sophie is home AND safe! I agree with the previous commenters – micro chipping is the most reliable way to identify pets. The first thing most shelters do is scan the animal to see if they have identification.
So glad Sophie is home AND safe! I agree with the previous commenters – micro chipping is the most reliable way to identify pets. The first thing most shelters do is scan the animal to see if they have identification.
Nicole, get her & Ozzie chipped. If they are ever stolen the first thing to come off will be the collars. . .but the chip can’t be removed without surgery.
My heart sank when I saw the title of your post & the picture. . . I was so worried that I would end up not liking the result of your note.
I’m very glad that you & Sophie were reunited. Give her a hug from me!
Nicole, get her & Ozzie chipped. If they are ever stolen the first thing to come off will be the collars. . .but the chip can’t be removed without surgery.
My heart sank when I saw the title of your post & the picture. . . I was so worried that I would end up not liking the result of your note.
I’m very glad that you & Sophie were reunited. Give her a hug from me!
So glad for the happy ending – I have a runner and get such a scare when he escapes. I did scroll to the end to make sure you found her first.
So glad for the happy ending – I have a runner and get such a scare when he escapes. I did scroll to the end to make sure you found her first.
It’s funny how we become friends without really knowing each other. As I read your story without knowing the outcome I had my heart in my throat and when I read that Sophie had been found, I realized that I was on the brink of tears. I remember how my Pepper always used to find any reason to dash out the door if left unattended. She would run around in glee without realizing the danger she was in because we always kept her sheltered. I knew exactly how you felt and I am soo happy Sophie is safe and back where she belongs.
It’s funny how we become friends without really knowing each other. As I read your story without knowing the outcome I had my heart in my throat and when I read that Sophie had been found, I realized that I was on the brink of tears. I remember how my Pepper always used to find any reason to dash out the door if left unattended. She would run around in glee without realizing the danger she was in because we always kept her sheltered. I knew exactly how you felt and I am soo happy Sophie is safe and back where she belongs.
Soooo happy that story had a happy ending! My dog is so special to me and I can’t imagine life without her. I will check my babies tags just as soon as I get home! Thanks for the heads up! Lizzie
Soooo happy that story had a happy ending! My dog is so special to me and I can’t imagine life without her. I will check my babies tags just as soon as I get home! Thanks for the heads up! Lizzie
I was terrified of reading all the way down to the bottom….I did NOT want to see a sad ending….but I am sooooo glad you found that rascal. I’m a STRONG believer of dogs having ID tags….I’m known as the neighborhood dog narc…if they are in my yard, they get locked up in back yard while a call is put out to owner. 99% of the dogs escaped their yard…silly things. Love your blog by the way!
I was terrified of reading all the way down to the bottom….I did NOT want to see a sad ending….but I am sooooo glad you found that rascal. I’m a STRONG believer of dogs having ID tags….I’m known as the neighborhood dog narc…if they are in my yard, they get locked up in back yard while a call is put out to owner. 99% of the dogs escaped their yard…silly things. Love your blog by the way!
Oh how scary. I wasn’t breathing till you found her. I’m so happy your furry baby is home and safe. What a terrible night to be lost in, or looking for her in. We live about 300 miles up from you and the weather has been terrible. Take care, Brandie
Oh how scary. I wasn’t breathing till you found her. I’m so happy your furry baby is home and safe. What a terrible night to be lost in, or looking for her in. We live about 300 miles up from you and the weather has been terrible. Take care, Brandie
My heart stopped when I saw the title of the post and then the photo of that coyote. I’m so glad this story had a happy ending. I am too familiar with the fear and relief that comes from a dog missing and then returned. We check our dogs’ tags every few weeks, because strange things happen to them – they get bent or go missing – and you never know when you will need them.
My heart stopped when I saw the title of the post and then the photo of that coyote. I’m so glad this story had a happy ending. I am too familiar with the fear and relief that comes from a dog missing and then returned. We check our dogs’ tags every few weeks, because strange things happen to them – they get bent or go missing – and you never know when you will need them.
I could imagine how ill you were feeling just waiting for her return. I’m so glad this one ended with a happy ending.
I could imagine how ill you were feeling just waiting for her return. I’m so glad this one ended with a happy ending.
OMG my heart was pounding and I was holding my breath…I was afraid to get to the end of the post, but then I saw her sweet face, and was able to breathe again. I’m so glad she’s home safe and sound.
OMG my heart was pounding and I was holding my breath…I was afraid to get to the end of the post, but then I saw her sweet face, and was able to breathe again. I’m so glad she’s home safe and sound.
Oh Nicole, that must have been so scary for you. I was happy to read a good ending to this.
Nicole you are a writer!! You do such a good job telling a story. You should look into writing a book.
I hope you have a good week.
Beverly in WA
Oh Nicole, that must have been so scary for you. I was happy to read a good ending to this.
Nicole you are a writer!! You do such a good job telling a story. You should look into writing a book.
I hope you have a good week.
Beverly in WA
A happy ending to a dog owner’s worse nightmare!! Our new puppy takes off when we are not looking…she just doesn’t know any better..YET! We have fenced our campsite off completely so that helps a lot…but she is fast and always has her eye on the gate…keeps us on our toes. We take them for lots of walks so that helps curb her enthusiasm for freedom…but they love to explore!! So glad you had a happy ending. In Canada they tattoo ears and put in chips when your dog is spayed or neutered. That way if your dog is lost they can track you down.
Take care! Your dog is sure a sweetie!
Paulette
A happy ending to a dog owner’s worse nightmare!! Our new puppy takes off when we are not looking…she just doesn’t know any better..YET! We have fenced our campsite off completely so that helps a lot…but she is fast and always has her eye on the gate…keeps us on our toes. We take them for lots of walks so that helps curb her enthusiasm for freedom…but they love to explore!! So glad you had a happy ending. In Canada they tattoo ears and put in chips when your dog is spayed or neutered. That way if your dog is lost they can track you down.
Take care! Your dog is sure a sweetie!
Paulette
Oh, thank heavens. We have the coyote issue, here, in Murrieta, too. I am so happy for you. The two dogs we have now, are rescues, we’ve had them for over 5 years, and they won’t leave the yard if they’re not on a leash. We’ve had 10 dogs and these two are the only ones like that.
Oh, thank heavens. We have the coyote issue, here, in Murrieta, too. I am so happy for you. The two dogs we have now, are rescues, we’ve had them for over 5 years, and they won’t leave the yard if they’re not on a leash. We’ve had 10 dogs and these two are the only ones like that.
I am so glad you found her. That is a fearful thing. I have been there myself.
I am so glad you found her. That is a fearful thing. I have been there myself.
My Bear would run to the next county if he ever got out, we always said. So glad your son found Sophie and she is well, as well as you and your son. Take care.
My Bear would run to the next county if he ever got out, we always said. So glad your son found Sophie and she is well, as well as you and your son. Take care.
Oh NO. My heart started pounding as I started to read your post. I too have had the scare of my life when my dog has gotten out, but it has never been at night! I am so glad that your son was there to help you. What a blessing that Sophie was rescued so quickly even though it must have felt like an eternity. We love our four- legged babies so much because they truly are part of the family. I am so sorry that you had to go through this. But thankfully there is a good ending!
Oh NO. My heart started pounding as I started to read your post. I too have had the scare of my life when my dog has gotten out, but it has never been at night! I am so glad that your son was there to help you. What a blessing that Sophie was rescued so quickly even though it must have felt like an eternity. We love our four- legged babies so much because they truly are part of the family. I am so sorry that you had to go through this. But thankfully there is a good ending!
SO glad that she was found!
SO glad that she was found!
How scarey Nicole! What was that little girl thinkin’? I hope you gave yourself a treat too! I am so glad you found her!
How scarey Nicole! What was that little girl thinkin’? I hope you gave yourself a treat too! I am so glad you found her!
I am so glad she was found and is back home safe and sound! Your story did make me check my dog’s tags to make sure they are secure! I hope you can finally relax!
I am so glad she was found and is back home safe and sound! Your story did make me check my dog’s tags to make sure they are secure! I hope you can finally relax!
Oh thank goodness she is alright and got home safe and sound…you can get micro chips implanted so that even if they lose their tags a vet, or most shelters, can id her and call you to come get her.
Oh thank goodness she is alright and got home safe and sound…you can get micro chips implanted so that even if they lose their tags a vet, or most shelters, can id her and call you to come get her.
Nicole,
After the first 5 words of this blog I jumped to the bottom to ensure there was a happy ending to this post. I’m so happy Sophie is home, safe and sound. (I’ve been known to do that with books too!)
What great suggestions, the dog collar with the attached plate and the micro chipping. I would be like you if Cooper escaped, thinking up the worst possible scenarios.
Luckily everyone that reads your blog is having a day much better than if Sophie had not made it home. She is loved by many.
Nicole,
After the first 5 words of this blog I jumped to the bottom to ensure there was a happy ending to this post. I’m so happy Sophie is home, safe and sound. (I’ve been known to do that with books too!)
What great suggestions, the dog collar with the attached plate and the micro chipping. I would be like you if Cooper escaped, thinking up the worst possible scenarios.
Luckily everyone that reads your blog is having a day much better than if Sophie had not made it home. She is loved by many.
I am so glad she is at home!
I am so glad she is at home!
I’m so glad she came home. The photo with your post had me worried!
I’m so glad she came home. The photo with your post had me worried!
You must be so relieved! I’m so glad you found her and that she is safe.
You must be so relieved! I’m so glad you found her and that she is safe.
Whew!! That’s a big double whew! This is my worst nightmare with my 4-legged guy. We are micro-chipped, too, just in case. So glad it was a happy ending! She is a rascal! Did you hear the recent story of the lost dog, Jojo, in San Francisco (dognapped outside a Safeway) – a happy ending, too! The owner got a call from a vet in San Rafael who scanned his ID chip when someone brought him in. Now if we could just implant GPS devices on them! So glad Sophie is home with her family.
Whew!! That’s a big double whew! This is my worst nightmare with my 4-legged guy. We are micro-chipped, too, just in case. So glad it was a happy ending! She is a rascal! Did you hear the recent story of the lost dog, Jojo, in San Francisco (dognapped outside a Safeway) – a happy ending, too! The owner got a call from a vet in San Rafael who scanned his ID chip when someone brought him in. Now if we could just implant GPS devices on them! So glad Sophie is home with her family.
Phew, glad she made it home safely. The only time my dog has gone missing, it happened that she was without her collar on as we had bathed her and not put it back. Fortunately she turned up a day later at the local shelter.
Phew, glad she made it home safely. The only time my dog has gone missing, it happened that she was without her collar on as we had bathed her and not put it back. Fortunately she turned up a day later at the local shelter.
I’m with Thelma! I jumped to the end to confirm a happy ending before I read past the 2nd line.
I’m so glad she’s home and I’m glad you were able to eventually heave a huge sigh of relief! The alternative would have been awful for everyone ~ including us, your blog-buds.
I’m with the others who’ve already written this ~ CHIP Sophie! Rosie’s got one ~ she’s had it since she was about 6 months old. Though I don’t worry so much about Rosie running off into the hills… not unless she were following a trail of biscuits left by a nefarious coyote. 🙂
I’m with Thelma! I jumped to the end to confirm a happy ending before I read past the 2nd line.
I’m so glad she’s home and I’m glad you were able to eventually heave a huge sigh of relief! The alternative would have been awful for everyone ~ including us, your blog-buds.
I’m with the others who’ve already written this ~ CHIP Sophie! Rosie’s got one ~ she’s had it since she was about 6 months old. Though I don’t worry so much about Rosie running off into the hills… not unless she were following a trail of biscuits left by a nefarious coyote. 🙂
Thats so scary especially because of the coyotes. I’m so happy that your son found Sophie. I’m sure she is glad to be home. Silly dogs.
Thats so scary especially because of the coyotes. I’m so happy that your son found Sophie. I’m sure she is glad to be home. Silly dogs.
That Sophie of yours sure likes to have adventures- I am glad that you found her safe and sound-even if she a little bit bedraggled.
Hope the weather improves and that you, Ahren and Sophie suffer no ill effects.
Happy quilting,
Warmest regards,
Anna
That Sophie of yours sure likes to have adventures- I am glad that you found her safe and sound-even if she a little bit bedraggled.
Hope the weather improves and that you, Ahren and Sophie suffer no ill effects.
Happy quilting,
Warmest regards,
Anna
I’m so glad that this story had a happy ending. Have you thought about getting Sophie micro-chipped?
I’m so glad that this story had a happy ending. Have you thought about getting Sophie micro-chipped?
Nicole..glad you found your dog. I have the same situation with my 2 dogs. Many times we would get phone calls from people who found our dogs. They stick together at least! Luckily no coyotes here in Virginia! I placed a lock on the fence so my kids can’t accidentally leave it open, and I spot check their collars to make sure they have ID’s on them.
I know my heart sinks to my stomach when they get out, and I am SO glad you found Sophie.
Nicole..glad you found your dog. I have the same situation with my 2 dogs. Many times we would get phone calls from people who found our dogs. They stick together at least! Luckily no coyotes here in Virginia! I placed a lock on the fence so my kids can’t accidentally leave it open, and I spot check their collars to make sure they have ID’s on them.
I know my heart sinks to my stomach when they get out, and I am SO glad you found Sophie.
Oh Nicole, I was checking your blog just before going off to bed and it gave me such a fright that I’m wide awake now. I totally agree with the rest of the group that you should have Sophie micro-chipped, we got Scribbles done when she was about 6 months old. To be on the safe side I always have my vet check her chip during her yearly check ups to make sure it is still working (I am a worrier). I bet you will never forget how you felt when you saw she was all safe and sound.
Oh Nicole, I was checking your blog just before going off to bed and it gave me such a fright that I’m wide awake now. I totally agree with the rest of the group that you should have Sophie micro-chipped, we got Scribbles done when she was about 6 months old. To be on the safe side I always have my vet check her chip during her yearly check ups to make sure it is still working (I am a worrier). I bet you will never forget how you felt when you saw she was all safe and sound.
Thank Goodness she’s found. I about died when I saw the blog post title. Phew.
Thank Goodness she’s found. I about died when I saw the blog post title. Phew.
I have been in your shoes, and know how horrible it feels. I am so happy that Sophie is home safely. And thank you for the reminder to check our pets’ tags.
I have been in your shoes, and know how horrible it feels. I am so happy that Sophie is home safely. And thank you for the reminder to check our pets’ tags.
I hate that when it happens around here!!!Just checked, sure enough I put a new collar on the pup – but hadn’t moverd her tags – thanks for the reminder!
I hate that when it happens around here!!!Just checked, sure enough I put a new collar on the pup – but hadn’t moverd her tags – thanks for the reminder!
That crazy Sophie…never a dull moment! Glad she’s home safe and sound.
That crazy Sophie…never a dull moment! Glad she’s home safe and sound.
Oh Nicole, my heart sank when I started to read your post, how horrible for both your and Ahren, I would be sick, just sick… What a wonderful son you have to go hiking to find her, she is also one lucky girl….. Home safe and sound what is a little mud????? A happy ending for sure… Give her a big hug and extra treat from Max, Sophie and their human Mom….
Oh Nicole, my heart sank when I started to read your post, how horrible for both your and Ahren, I would be sick, just sick… What a wonderful son you have to go hiking to find her, she is also one lucky girl….. Home safe and sound what is a little mud????? A happy ending for sure… Give her a big hug and extra treat from Max, Sophie and their human Mom….
Sophie is a naughty one, glad to know she is home safe.
Sophie is a naughty one, glad to know she is home safe.
OMG – I was so scared when I saw that wolf in your photo! I’m glad it ended well and that Sophie is safely home!
OMG – I was so scared when I saw that wolf in your photo! I’m glad it ended well and that Sophie is safely home!
Our cat wouldn’t wear a collar. She hated it so bad she would get it worked up and around and choke herself so she couldn’t breathe. Seems impossible, but true. The micro-chip was the answer. They’re great. Painless, and not at all expensive.
Our cat wouldn’t wear a collar. She hated it so bad she would get it worked up and around and choke herself so she couldn’t breathe. Seems impossible, but true. The micro-chip was the answer. They’re great. Painless, and not at all expensive.
Nicole,
Boy did I read this post fast…so glad I found a happy ending. I’m sure those couple of hours seemed like an eterinity. I’m sure that gate will be checked and double checked to insure it is closed now. Maybe she thought she would find Ozzie beyond the gate… Give her a big hug from her blog friends 😉
Nicole,
Boy did I read this post fast…so glad I found a happy ending. I’m sure those couple of hours seemed like an eterinity. I’m sure that gate will be checked and double checked to insure it is closed now. Maybe she thought she would find Ozzie beyond the gate… Give her a big hug from her blog friends 😉
How dare you scare us like that, California Sophie!!!! Glad you’re safe, pretty girl.
How dare you scare us like that, California Sophie!!!! Glad you’re safe, pretty girl.
Been there done that. I’m feeling it for you even right now (Friday). I’m so glad it ended well.
Been there done that. I’m feeling it for you even right now (Friday). I’m so glad it ended well.
I’m glad there was a happy ending too- after the first picture I thought that maybe I don’t want to read this! I’m so glad Sophie is safe and not in the jaws of that wolf. Silly girl! But oh that face!
I’m glad there was a happy ending too- after the first picture I thought that maybe I don’t want to read this! I’m so glad Sophie is safe and not in the jaws of that wolf. Silly girl! But oh that face!
OMG! I can only begin to imagine the anguish and worry you felt. I was so happy for you that this had a happy ending.
What a relief.
Hugs for both Sophie and Ozzie!
OMG! I can only begin to imagine the anguish and worry you felt. I was so happy for you that this had a happy ending.
What a relief.
Hugs for both Sophie and Ozzie!
Now she is home, have her microchipped if she isn’t. Also check with your local shelter if they have a web site to list them missing, Also http://www.petfinder.com has a lost site to list. Our shelter uses http://www.petharbor.com to list our found in the shelter but the general public can list their lost animals. I work at the shelter and see 1000’s of lost animals come in with no ID’s.
Now she is home, have her microchipped if she isn’t. Also check with your local shelter if they have a web site to list them missing, Also http://www.petfinder.com has a lost site to list. Our shelter uses http://www.petharbor.com to list our found in the shelter but the general public can list their lost animals. I work at the shelter and see 1000’s of lost animals come in with no ID’s.