When Sampson, Delilah and I walk the neighborhood, I always have my eyes sharp.  I’m on the lookout for someone walking, whether it’s by themselves or with their dog.  I’m also watching for  squirrels, chipmunks, wild turkey, deer, cats, cars and mice.  Yes mice.  One windy morning Delilah perked up over what I thought was a leaf.  I don’t know who was more surprised when the mouse ran right under her nose, her or me.

Anyone watching me would think I was either drunk, slightly off my rocker or both.  I know which yards have the e-fences where the dogs lurk in the back yard only to come charging out when you approach.  Or the yard that doesn’t clean up after their dog and has huge piles on the lawns.   

Typically I cross the road to avoid the potential hazards, with the exception of the lawn with the disgusting piles.  The house across from the yard with the piles has a dog on an e-fence.  Gretchen is very excited to see another dog and keeps her ears sharp, I usually hear her well before I see her.

Such was the case on Sunday.  We were approaching Gretchen’s house and I had my eyes and ears sharp, listening for her.  I heard her, she was inside.  I think there was a little party at her house because there was a few cars out front and the house was all lit up.

I walked along the street, the dogs beside me walking along the edge of Gretchen’s yard.  Just as we passed the front door, it opened and one of the little guests let Gretchen out.  Here she comes tearing across the lawn to greet the dogs.

I was quick.  I moved out into the street bringing the dogs with me and then struggled getting Sampson away as he wanted to greet Gretchen as much as she wanted to greet him.

Meanwhile the little guest kept calling to Gretchen who of course ignored him.  I finally got Sampson a safe distance past the house, cursing and mumbling under my breath the entire time.

Did you see that? I was SO close.

Once I got home I changed my pants and relaxed. 😉

How do you handle the situation with guests and your dogs?  Do you allow your guests to let your dogs out, or do you handle it differently?

Welcome to Day 16 of the #Advent4Dogs Giveaway hosted by Kol’s Notes, Dogthusiast, Heart Like a Dog, NEPA Pets & Wag’n’Woof Pets. Today’s give away is sponsored by Jones Natural Chews. Enter now for your chance to win a $25 in all natural, delicious, Made in the US treats your dog will love.

Today’s trivia question can be found on Wag ‘N Woof Pets.