A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS

Once upon a time, there was a little furry girl named Penny. She was found late one evening in a park by some teenagers who took her to an emergency Veterinarian. She was so very small, 8 pounds. She had a choke chain growing into her neck that had to be surgically removed. After about 2 weeks of convalescing at the Vet's office, she was ready to find a home.

We just happened to be the lucky family to get her. We named her Penny. No one knew or could figure out what breed Penny was or her age. We already had a three year old Poodle, Sassy. We felt she needed a companion.

We quickly became very attached to Penny. She was the perfect dog in all respects, but one. She was a "runner". If the opportunity arose (and it only took a second for her to do this) she would dash out the door and never look back. We needed to get into a car and chase her when this happened. We lived in fear of her just disappearing at some point. she could wiggle out of the tiniest opening. We thought we had the yard "wiggle-proof" after 5 years.

Because of her impulse to run like that, we felt she needed some ID. So, we had her chipped by her Doctor.

On November 19th, 2005, my husband and I had been gone from our home for a couple of hours. Tom returned home before me. When I got home around 5pm, he said Penny must be taking a nap someplace, because he had not seen her. By this time, it was getting dark, but we jumped in the car and went out and called out for her, talked to people, etc. We spoke with one young girl who had seen Penny, but because she was not wearing a collar, she let her go. We opted to not put a collar on her because of her rather large scar from her surgery.

We were quite distraught. We checked with SPCA and the Sacramento Shelter so often we were almost on first-name basis with the workers. It was all to no avail.

In late January, we took on an eight week old puppy named Molly. She was Poodle and Papillion. She really tore the place apart for such a small dog; my shoes, rugs, carpeting, my glasses, to name but a few. I am thrilled to report she has morphed into the nicest little girl, a real delight.

On January 12th, 2008 (3 YEARS after Penny disappeared), we received a phone call from out Vet's office to tell us "they" (the ominous "they") had found Penny. She was in Sonoma -- 85 MILES away!!

WE WERE IN SHOCK!! The very next day, we jumped in our car and toddled over there and sure enough -- they had her!. Once we got her home, it took her about 24 hours to really recognize where she was. After that, it was as if she had never left. All of our girls get along beautifully. Molly has since taken over Penny's training.

Needless to say, we are very careful when anyone enters or leaves our home. Penny is always on guard and hoping she is not being watched.

Hopefully, this tale will end "Happily Ever After".

Nancy

Great story, Nancy! Thank you for sharing.

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