I Just Had A Major Scare!

[Linda,Yankee & Finn]

I am in the basement on the computer as usual. DH is gone out and Cody (my grandson) is running around the house like a madman as usual. It was a typical evening. For those who don't know, Cody is autistic and non verbal. The TV down here is on and I am hard of hearing.

All of a sudden, I think I hear voices upstairs so I go up to take a look. There are 2 of my neighbors standing in my front hallway. I wondered what the heck was going on.

They informed me that a child came to my door selling chocolate bars and Cody opened the door but didn't say anything of course. Well out the door went both my doodles. The boy didn't know what to do so he ran next door to tell them what happened. I guess the 2 neighbors rounded up the dogs and managed to get them back in the house. (no collars or leashes) They were going to call 911 because they thought Cody was home alone.

I am in tears just thinking what could have happened. The "what if's" have me very shaken up.

Obviously, I have become too comfortable with the situation and even though I have an inside lock that Cody can't reach, I haven't been using it. I haven't had to use it in a long time but that just changed. Horrible things could have happened and it would have been my fault.

[Diane]

I'm sorry about this experience but thankful you shared with us. It's a good reminder to me about the possibilities at my house as I also have a son with autism who is nonverbal. Don't be too hard on yourself.

[Debbie Penny]

Things happen for a reason, in this case, it was just a wake up comfort call. All is okay, I can imagine your heart was on your ceiling. We are all human, and with that, we make mistakes. Glad all worked out okay, and just so you know.. it happens with all kids, not just children with learning/living challenges. Glad all was okay. Hugs.

[F, Calla & Luca]

A high chain lock might be a good idea so tha the door could be opened only a little if appropriate. How old is COdy. Also, I have a doorbell extension upstairs that plugs int an outlet since I can't always hear the bell up here. Something like that in the basement might be good, or a laptop computer!

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Yes, but they did not. I can not tell you how many times I have thanked God for a "scare" to keep me taking care to "take care". In the long run you have to love life's little scares. I am just so glad this was one of those for you. You have obviously given thought to the necessity of taking care and we all get a little lax sometimes. Just say thanks and don't beat yourself up over it.

[Camilla and Darwin]

That is scary! I am glad everything worked out.