Lassie Come Home

Sunday started out as a lovely day. We went to church and stopped for a quick bite to eat on the way home with some friends. We ate outside as it was beautiful picnic weather and the kids could play. As we arrived home ready for Sunday afternoon naps (aren’t they the best) our dog Zoë did not eagerly greet us as per usual. Turns out Zoë was no where to be found; somehow she got out of the gate and was gone. Now before I describe the trauma that ensued let me give you some background on homes and dogs here in South Africa.

Our home along with most is surrounded by brick walls and an electric gate. Not making it real easy ‘to get to know the neighbors’. It has a security system that is widely marketed in various points around our house. Some homes even have barb wiring at the top of their walling and there are those that really mean business and install electric fencing. I don’t suggest the latter with 3 small children and yes, there is a story or more appropriately said, a shock, behind that statement. Each home has at least one guard dog in most cases you will find two or more. Notice I did not say pet. Most people don’t keep dogs as pets but as security detail. This helps me set the stage for my next statement…Zoë was obtained for her scare tactic not to be the warm cuddly animal that sleeps at the foot of the bed. Admittedly, I am not a pet lover. I do like Zoë but I like her best when she is outside and keeping the ‘baddies’ (SA term for bad guys) away. Although for clarity sake my kids would tell you otherwise. To them she is a their childhood pet, you know the one they don’t feed, walk, or clean up after (aka poop in the yard).

Back to where I left off…insert picture of kids in hysteria here. Oh my, the tears, the beginnings of a eulogy (Skyler of course) etc... Come on, it is a dog—one that everyone fought over when having to take care of her…okay insert sensitivity here. “Don’t worry dad will find her or she’ll get hungry and come home; is there food in the dish (need I even ask)?”

I laid Tori and myself down for a nap while Rich took Sky and Blake to look for Zoë. Don’t look at me that way; I said a prayer for Lassie to come home prior to heading off to ZZZZ land. Unfortunately…..I mean fortunately my nap was interrupted about an hour later with the return of our precious German shepherd. Someone had picked her up and turned her into the vet down the street. ....obviously she isn't too scary!

My favorite statement and one that proves my point, I’m not insensitive just HONEST, by my 5 year old son with a twinkle in his eye, “Skyler, do you think if we wouldn’t have found Zoë we could of got a new dog?”

Sorry Zoë you’re no Lassie but glad you came home!