Lost and Found

October 12, 2020 ***

Sadie got lost today. Charlie and I went for a walk in Channel Ridge with Sadie and Neimar, who love each other. We took one of my favorite trails off Merganzer and up towards what we lovingly call "the moonscape", the area where they tried to develop housing several years ago but were stymied.

Anyhoo, I know there are bunnies where there is broom so I am usually cautious with Sadie in those areas, but today she had not veered off the trail at all so I was complacent. As we turned up towards the moonscape, she ran off ahead with Neimar - and then l00 feet later - no Sadie. We started calling and whistling, figuring she would return any moment. 5 minutes - 10 minutes - should we go back the way we came? Or keep going forward? We did both - after 20 minutes, I was worried. I had my phone on me so we stopped and I posted on the Salt Spring Exchange (using Charlie's prescription glasses since I cannot read the words on my phone without specs!). I also posted on Facebook at the same time.

We kept walking and retraced our steps again. Back at the moonscape and a phone call. They had her! Some folks who live on Cormorant had found her here and she looked confused so they took her home. Yeah. What a relief. That was at about the 35 minute mark. 

I did not have a meltdown - shocking I know. I was getting worried but keeping it inside. I did briefly think what life would be like without my gorgeous, loving dog but I pushed that thought away. It was too sad to contemplate. 

So we started walking back towards the car, down Broadwell, up Sandpiper and then Ginny came by! She had seen my Facebook post and jumped in her car immediately to come and help. Now that is a true dog lover! She gave us a lift back to her car, and we drove up to Pat's place on Cormorant to get Sadie. She was wet but fine. Apparently they had already fallen in love with her. It doesn't take much with that amazing dog.

All the way home messages were coming in on the phone and in the car - is she ok? Have you found her? So many people love her, and of course they all know how much I love her, as well. I feel grateful to live in a community with so many dog lovers!

Anyway, we are all safe and sound and at home again. Sadie has been on the grooming table getting burrs removed and her feet washed and getting a good overall combing, and is now resting on top of the couch, as per usual. I made a fire and some tea.

Please Sadie, don't do this to me again.

I started looking on the internet for dog gps tracking devices, just in case.