She looks so sweet and innocent. She was a pup in this picture, but the look is the same. You'd never suspect the grief and sorrow she has caused her mama.
We use an electric fence in our back yard to allow the dogs a bit of freedom. One or the other of us keeps an eye peeled, but it only takes a split second to lose track of a dog. I spent two and a half hours searching for Maddie, including traipsing through my neighbors' back yards, walking down all the streets around us, slipping on the icy paths of the nature preserve. Neal was ready to come home from work after my teary call to him.
Finally, finally, I heard her bark. I found her in the front yard of R.J. the cat's house. I think R.J. may have led Maddie on a wild chase; Maddie had perfumed herself with some sort of nastiness.
I snapped her leash on and walked her home. After a quick call to Neal (yes, sobbing so hard I couldn't speak was a part of it), I prepared the bathroom for a bath. Maddie was tolerant of her bath, and I was starting to relax.
Then, as I dried her, she stepped on my left little piggy. The broken one. Bottle rocket zambino! The tape and ice had been helping, but I think there are still a few of those cartoon birds whirling around my head.
Want to know what I did learn, though? Even with a broken toe, I can run if it means getting to my little lovey before she gets hurt. That's good to know.
I'm going to try to find a way to quiet myself down after such a big, scary adventure. Yarn and some needles might help, don't you think?
Something fruity with vodka may also be in order - yikes. I'm so glad she's okay!
We use a fence, too. Our oldest is a regular Houdini and likes to run in front of cars so as to give Mama heart palpitations. ;o)
Posted by: JessaLu | March 06, 2008 at 03:15 PM
Thank goodness you found her safe.
How about some hot tea to go with that yarn? Sounds like you may need it.
Posted by: Cookie | March 06, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Honey, I think something with GIN will help.
xoxo
Posted by: elisa | March 06, 2008 at 05:00 PM
Yeah, I'm not a drinker, but the pain AND worry combined would make me grab the bottle. Maybe something like a little red wine, a soothing cashmere blend yarn, some quiet music? And of course the little troublemaker herself, hopefully curled up somewhere nearby.
I broke my big toe once; the Dr. said just to tape it up with medical tape and keep pressure off it. Try the tape--not too tight but firm enough to keep it aligned--and stay off it as much as possible.
At least the story had a happy ending! I'm glad you got your girl back.
Posted by: Jenny | March 06, 2008 at 05:28 PM
It only takes a second it seems. I'm glad she is safe, but you definitely need a calm-down. Needles, and wine should help.
Posted by: Jennifer | March 06, 2008 at 05:32 PM