After having my dog, Cooper, at the kennel for 8 consecutive days as I traveled it was a joy to be reunited with him again.  Part of the joy is watching him discover that the things he loves about our home are still here waiting for him when he returns.  We have a normal path we walk most of the time.  He has learned that path and now makes the proper turns even if he is several feet ahead of me on the leash.  I like the fact that I can expect in most cases that he will make the proper turn.  He has two places on our route where he stops and sniffs intently for several minutes.  I am assuming he is finding the scent of another animal in those locations but then not being a dog, I really can’t say for sure.

When we were in the back yard I attached him to a “tie out” so I could move the car into the garage.  Afterward I went to connect back onto the leash and in the process he was not connected to either the leash or the “tie out”.  Being the smart pup that he is, as soon as he realized he was unanchored he began to run.  I knew outrunning him was a futile attempt on my part so I called to him “STOP”.  He did the right thing and waited, even lying down on his side, until I got to him and could attach the leash.  I was thrilled that I was able to avoid a chase scene and that he was safely tethered to the leash.  Had he been home for days in a row I doubt he would have laid down and waited for me the way he did.  But since he missed me, he did lie down and we had a happy reunion on the driveway and also the rest of the evening when we were in the house.  I am so thankful that Cooper did not get away from me when I brought him home!  I think Cooper is also glad we are reunited!