Catch Me If You Can

Alright, we've solved the problem of containing Kipper by buying a crate. Not so. One day, we let Kipper out back to do his business and the next thing we knew, he was gone! Further observation revealed that he jumped the neighbor's fence and escaped out their open gate.

Not wanting to install a privacy fence, we decided we would need to chain him when he goes out back. Ironically, this did not totally solve the problem. We soon discovered that he knew how to open the back screen door as well as the door on our sun room. Then he would use his long nose to lift the latch on the gate, and out he would gallop, like a thoroughbred in a race!

My husband, Steve, gave chase around the neighborhood. If he drove his car, Kipper would actually start running beside or behind the car, chasing Steve. Kipper could easily run 30 miles per hour in his youth! It was an amazing thing to watch as he ran across front yards up and down the neighborhood. Next he would head for the park for a dip in the dirty creek. Eventually he would get tired or Steve would trap him in a backyard and bring the naughty pooch back home. Kipper was never sorry for what he did--he would pant happily--proud of his latest adventure!

So we bought a lock for the gate and vowed to keep the sun room door locked. However, there is more than one way out of a house. Is there no end to Kipper's escaping abilities? So it seems...