There are days in all our lives that are terror-filled when they occur, but humor- filled in retrospect.  Since Shannon has moved into 610 Chester Street, New Cumberland, (also known lovingly, as the Webster house) her first priority has been to make sure the fence would contain her Cavadoodle – Rooney.  While most of the town was either asleep or enjoying their first cup of coffee Friday. Shannon was leaving for work, but things don’t always go as they’re supposed to and her day got off to a rough start. 

Rooney has it pretty good, a whole house to roam, toys and more love than any dog could expect.  Rooney, however, wants to explore Upper Town and has made a few exploratory runs.   This weekend the last of the chicken wire was installed inside the fence ensuring Rooney is secure.   He will effectively have a fence within a fence. 

Rooney must have known Friday was his last chance to explore because Friday morning, I received this text from Shannon.

“I was feeling spritely this morning so I wore a long dress, brand new white tennies .and my hair was on point.  But as I was leaving for work early, I thought to myself, “Hey, this might be a fun morning to go out and direct traffic and slow down those cars that fly by my house.”

 You got it, Rooney slipped out and was on his way to see what he had not yet seen in Upper Town.  I grabbed his favorite toy, a banana with a dog head on it and waived that around.  No response from Rooney, but a few honks from truckers.  …….  I sprinted up the road to the Magistrates Office and went through the wet grass (goodbye white tennies) to the back road.    It was time to get serious, so I called Addison, woke him up and asked him to join in the early morning run ie: chase.   He did not answer immediately, but with a mother’s persistence I continued to call until he arrived with a car.   ……This was serious and there are no words to describe the joy I felt when we met 2 people on the back road who conveniently were carrying a rope.

Rooney who loves people, of course ran right to them and they put the rope around his collar so that I could take him home. A few choice words which I never utter, were leveled at Rooney before I climbed in the car.   My hair was a frizzy mess,  my tennis shoes were covered with dirt and the long dress was not the best choice for the morning run, but I was happy. 

Rooney was lost.  Rooney was found.  I love that dog!(An editor’s note:  Shannon did observe trucks speeding by who were definitely exceeding the speed limit)