Dog Days

This weekend I am taking a break from the job search and watching dogs for THREE families. From Friday to Sunday I am making a more-or-less continual circuit between the Cambern, Van Nada, and Barrett homes while looking after a total of 5 dogs. Since I love animals so much this is more a relaxing pleasure than work.

There was a bit of excitement this morning, however. I decided that each of the Cambern dogs would enjoy a bit of one-on-one time so I started by taking their Australian Shepherd out for a walk. A half hour later I returned and began to leave with their miniature Schnauzer. The other dogs, disappointed at being left behind, began to bark. Before we reached the end of the block I heard a sudden silence. Pleased that the dogs had calmed down so quickly, I went to turn the corner. Just as I did, the other 2 dogs ran up!

Somehow they had managed to get out of their fenced-in yard. Thinking that I must not have shut the gate firmly enough, I corralled the dogs back in their enclosure and, double checking the latch and placing a wooden block in front of the gate, I headed back out with Ike (the Schnauzer). Minutes later they were there again! Apparently they have somehow figured out how to open the gate. Now I am tying the gate shut with a leash when the dogs are out there and only letting them out when I am in the house and can see them.