Dog Today.... Gone Tommorrow
I got one dog because that was all that was available. I put up a 20 X 20 portable dog yard, bought food, plastic dog house, collar etc. Went and got the dog, a Beagle Puppy stray @ 10-12 weeks old.
The dog sqeazed under the door while I was snapping the doghouse together. I caught him, fixed that spot and got him set up with food, water and shelter.
I watched him eat some food and take his first dog crap in his new yard. I went inside. Fifteen minutes later, the Dog Was Gone ! I haven't seen him since. I've searched by foot with flashlight, by bycycle and on my Harley. The only plus: I've had a nice visit with most of the neighbors.
Lessons Learned:
- When setting up a portable Chainlink dog pen, dig a trench to lower the bottom rail into the ground.
- Add landscape timbers at the base.
- Chain the dog for the first few days to be sure he learns where his home is so that if he ever gets out, he, at least knows where to return to for food and water.
- Lock in the garage or in the house if necessary so the dog has time to get to know you.
I haven't given up but it's possible he was picked up on the road by some caring person who felt he may get killed or he's been taken in by a neighbor I haven't talked to. At least I hadn't known him long enough to get distraught about it.