The Wandering Wahls’ Wandering Dogs
Jul 29 2010
During several years of our assignments overseas, our kids often asked about getting a dog. We always answered: “when we get back to America.” We saw too many hassles of traveling and PCS’ing with dogs in tow. But when we did get back to America, our 41-foot RV just felt too tight to share with pets. (Although that did not stop our kids’ constant pleas.)
So when we finally settled in to our home on five acres with deer grazing occasionally and hawks soaring overhead, we saw it only fitting to have not one but two dogs to make up for lost time. Our newest members of the family have quickly adapted to the Wahl lifestyle—but have taken “Wandering Wahls” to a new level.
Why is it that 5 acres is not enough for them? They have managed to escape our fully fenced property at least a dozen times. They visit neighbors (even the ones we haven’t met yet), and follow us any time we dare to leave them alone. We have patched the gaps, placed boulders in the holes, tried chicken wire below the fence—but “Houdini” and his sidekick still manage to wander.
Our neighbors suggested cayenne pepper along the fence-line. I guess we’d better make a trip to Costco.
Other than the $1200 estimate from the Invisible Fence company, does anyone have any other suggestions?
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Tom Wahl, MOAA. MOAA said: Have any advice for our blogging family, The Wandering Wahls? The Wandering Wahls’ Wandering Dogs http://bit.ly/9OrJ16 @petsforpatriots [...]
Hi Tom and Mary Claire–my only suggestion would be 1) keeping them in or 2) getting the invisible fence!! One is impossible, two is expensive:>) MC, got your message–in Copenhagen now and will get on the cruise ship in two days! Very excited. Will get back 30 Aug-maybe we can get together then. Take care. Paula
Well your dogs are very social and just like meeting new people
I think you are looking at spending some money on that invisible fence just wondering if even that will work.
Thanks Pat and Paula. This morning they were in our neighbor’s yard twice. I found the hole and spent an hour filling it and other potential spots. Then I turned around and they were gone – they had found a hole into the Moonie’s compound behind us. After waiting for 10 minutes for the pups to return, I filled that hole. Now I’m off to pick up Joe at scout camp and I hope the dogs stay put!
So did the dogs stay put? Were they there when you go home from picking Joe up at the scout camp?
Well the good thing is that they are coming back home on their own and not being picked up by the pound. My sister had a dog that was constantly getting out and they knew the dog by name at the pound.
@Pat: The dogs always return, but we hate to bother the neighbors. I think we have all holes fixed though. But, as I write this I’m wondering where the dogs are – it’s too quiet. Better go look.