I adopted Max about two years ago, and he’s been the best thing to happen to me in a long time. He’s a wiry little terrier mix with a lot of energy and a weirdly expressive face, like he’s constantly judging my life choices. He’s smart—sometimes too smart—and has a knack for doing things that make me wonder if dogs are capable of more than we give them credit for. One of the first things I noticed was his independence. Max doesn’t act like other dogs I’ve had; he’s never been clingy or overly excitable. He seems to have his own routine, like he’s got stuff to do that doesn’t involve me. For example, every morning, he stares at the door around 6 a.m. until I let him out. He doesn’t go to the bathroom right away—he just disappears for ten, maybe fifteen minutes before coming back. I figured he was just exploring the yard or saying hi to the neighbor’s dog. Then a few months ago, I started finding things that didn’t make sense. Once, I found a half-eaten sandwich on the porch—not something I had made, and definitely not from my kitchen. Another time, there was a tennis ball in the yard, but not the cheap kind; this was one of those expensive ones with a brand logo I didn’t recognize. I asked around the neighborhood, but no one claimed it. The weirdest thing happened last week. Max came home wearing a red bandana. I’ve never bought him a bandana, and no one in my immediate area owns a dog that wears one. It wasn’t dirty, either—it looked brand new, tied neatly around his neck. I joked with my friend that Max must have a “secret second family” who spoils him. She laughed, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that there might be some truth to it. I decided to test a theory. A couple of days ago, I followed him when he went outside in the morning. I kept my distance so he wouldn’t notice, and after a few minutes, he darted through a gap in the fence and ran down the street. I tried to keep up, but he was fast, and by the time I turned the corner, he was gone. I couldn’t find him anywhere, so I went back home. About ten minutes later, he showed up on the porch, wagging his tail like nothing had happened. I have no idea what Max is up to, but I can’t deny that he’s got something going on. Part of me wants to investigate further, but another part of me feels like maybe I should just let him have his secrets. After all, who am I to question a dog who clearly knows how to live his best life? I hope u liked the story guys!
Yeah right. Sorry but I don’t agree with him getting out of your yard. This may end up being a tragedy.
Grier said:
Yeah right. Sorry but I don’t agree with him getting out of your yard. This may end up being a tragedy.
Same here, keep your dog in your yard. I don’t know where you live. Where I live we have leash laws. Which also means keep your dog in your yard. We have a house across the street, they have 5 big dogs that roam the neighborhood. I have a service dog, an Australian Labradoodle 62 pounds. A year ago one of the neighbor’s English Bulldogs came into my yard and attacked my dog. It cost me $4,200 at the Animal ER. I went over to talk to them, all they said was do you have proof. Right, like I’m going to be walking around constantly with my phone ready to take a picture or video, just in case their dog decides to attack mine. My dog nearly died, he cost $30,000. The only thing I could do was call the sheriff. In our county, if a dog is in your yard and you feel threatened you can shoot. The Sheriff went over and explained that to them. It’s amazing, now their dogs don’t run loose in the neighborhood anymore.
Grier said:
Yeah right. Sorry but I don’t agree with him getting out of your yard. This may end up being a tragedy.
I wish I could laugh at the cute story but I just can’t. So irresponsible.
Get a tracker fitted and watch on your phone
Milo said:
Get a tracker fitted and watch on your phone
Ya tracker and find out if the lil shit is cheating on you with another family. If he is leave all his toys and food bowl on the curb.
@Noor
Yeah!!! And buy a puppy to really pi** him off and stand in the window cuddling it gloatingly. (Is that even a word??) 
Milo said:
Get a tracker fitted and watch on your phone
How about just tying a note to his collar?
Milo said:
Get a tracker fitted and watch on your phone
How about just tying a note to his collar?
Could do…but I’d want to play detective. I’d want to see for myself where he goes lol
He’s always wearing a collar and tag when he goes out, right? And I really hope he’s been chipped. I think, at the very least, you should get the tracker where you can watch his route on your phone. Even better if you can safely attach a camera that won’t risk him getting stuck on another fence, or something else, that could harm him. Once you know what’s happening/where he’s going you could then assess if the risk is worth letting him have this freedom. Some places are safer than others for dogs to be roaming without supervision. Some dogs are smarter, so they might be at less risk than their dumbass (said with all affection) “cousins”. But, I’d still be worried. Even if the dog knows to avoid roads and isn’t gone for long, there are so many other factors that could get him killed. Predatory animals, terrible humans, stupid humans (who might be well-meaning and think they’re just giving this random dog a treat, not knowing that x,y, z can be deadly to dogs.) random wrong place/wrong time situations…you just don’t know. That being said, I’d still want to know where he’s going. So if I felt confident he’d be able to make it safely home a few more times, I might track him and then fix the fence. If he does have a “second family” perhaps you can arrange some supervised visits. And please update us on your results! I’m curious about this little dude’s mysterious adventures!
Get a GOPRO camera!
Terriers are on another level.
Lane said:
Terriers are on another level.
I had a Jack Russell and they are legit too smart for their own good.
Attach a message to his collar? See if you get a reply.
Block that hole in your fence and stop him getting out. He could run into the road and get hit by a car, or whoever he is going to might think he’s a stray and try to keep him.
My brother had a dog very much like this. His dog just showed up and adopted him. He ran around the neighborhood and everyone knew him and some would let him in their homes for a visit. He lived a long life and was loved by all.
I believe your dog to be a cat, sir or madam
oh, the thrill of the double life
As long as you’re not worried about him getting hit by a car or stolen or something I see no harm in his adventures. You could attach a note to his collar introducing yourself and see if you get a reply. At least then you’d know where to start if he ever doesn’t come home and maybe you’ll meet a new friend!
Omg! He definitely has another family or Shay. I would try to find out that is so so cute.