Lost Dog!

Today I got a real sense of what it takes to look after a dog. This weekend, we have been dog sitting for friends of ours who went camping for the week. Devoutly, we have been letting the dog out and taking him for a walk around the neighborhood. Yesterday, we took him down MacKenzie Ravine but had to take a short cut when a family walked by and told us that up ahead there were coyotes that chased their dogs. Seeing that Owen is only knee high, we thought be better not risk it and took the very long flight of stairs back up and out of the River Valley. Today, I was on my own. Feeling sorry that the dog had to be cooped up in the house, after lunch I took Owen out for a very long walk again through the River Valley. Too tired and in need of a drink, I decided to stop at our house and let the dog run loose in our yard. After walking through our backyard and dog proofing any potential get a-ways, I gave him water and went inside. After cooling down a bit, I peeked outside and saw him lying on the stairwell. Thinking he was okay, I fell asleep on the couch. After waking up, I decided I better go check on the dog and lone and behold, there was no dog in sight! Panicking, I start looking very thoroughly through our backyard looking behind bushes and flowers and still couldn't find him. I start yelling his name looking to see where he could of escape. I run to the back alley looking frantically and even go into our neighbor's backyard thinking maybe he squeezed himself through the fence. No dog! I call Wackie in a panic saying I lost the dog! Not much I could do but look, so I take the leash and walk out my gate. I see my neighbor across the street and I ask her if she seen a greyish looking dog? She goes, that one and points behind me. Owen is running towards me. He jumps up and down all excited to see me. I'm like, yep, that would be the one. Where did he go? I have no idea. Maybe he was hiding on me, maybe he was stuck somewhere, maybe he did run away and heard me yelling his name. But none the less, the dog is back in his home safe! Whew! Lets just say, I don't think I will be leaving that dog alone in our backyard again.
At least tomorrow I'll have Wackie with me. 4 eyes are better than 2!