The boys went MIA today.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

This morning I was working from home.  I often do this on a Friday, I use the time to catch up on emails and calls and it's relaxing to know that I don't have to drive anywhere. The weather here has been mild so I had the back door to the garden open for the boys to wonder in and out. So far so good.... Feral cats are the bane of my life and the elderly neighbour to my right has a shed up against our wall where she leaves food for them so they perch on top of the shed and look down at the boys.  Occasionally they venture into our garden looking for somewhere to do their business. Riley and Boris are on cat watch for a part of the day though when I bring them to my ex hubbies they get on fine with the two house cats there.

Well, one minute they were there and then a call came and I was on the phone for three minutes and when I looked out they were gone! Major panic set in, my stomach churned and I grabbed my phone, keys and leashes. I called and called but could neither see them or hear them. There are four possible gardens bordering ours. I called Joe who works five minutes walk from home and headed around to the lane to see if they were out on the street. No sign, I called and called nothing....Joe arrived and calmed me down and then I spotted them in the Cat Garden. I had to climb through brambles and bushes to get in and then the real fun began. They came no problem but I had to lift them over the wall to Joe and they are heavy fellows. We got them both in and they were sent to their crates, they drank about a liter of water each on the way!

I was so relieved to have them back home that it was a while later I noticed lots of blood on my leg and arm and a few bruises in the making. 

We brought them back out to see where the gap in the wall was and they made a beeline for a hole that we had not noticed.  Needless to say it is now well blocked up. I know it was Riley who is the very smart one who led the way but we are so relieved they are home and safe. 

It took a few hours to get over the shock and the panic of those first moments when they were nowhere to be found that I can't imagine losing them. I'm sitting now with a glass of wine, the boys are lying at my feet and all is well in the world again here.

[BG and Gavin]

What a heart stopper. So glad for a good outcome. It is hard to resist the lure of a kitty.

[DJ & Chance]

So glad your boys are okay, but I know that horrible feeling of panic when they went missing. Good reminder to walk my fence and look for doodle escape routes.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Oh Nicky, How terrifying! I cannot even imagine the depth of your panic. Thank goodness you found them quickly and that Joe was able to help you. What a nightmare!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

OMD!! Absolutely terrifying! I had this happen once years ago with a previous dog and those was some of the worst moments of my life! I'm so glad the boys are okay and I hope you are feeling better by now too.

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Wow, Nicky, how scary!  I can't even imagine your panic.  I am so glad all turned out ok and they are safe and sound.  Enjoy your well deserved wine.

[Becka]

So glad that everything turned out OK--this is definitely a huge fear of mine, and I can just imagine how panicked and afraid you were. Your remedy (wine and the dogs at your feet) sounds perfect!

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

OMG, I would have been in a total state of panic.  Sophie got out of the gate one day and was never out of my sight and I still was in a panic.  I'm glad everyone is home all safe and sound.  Hopefully your injuries heal quickly as well.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

How frightening!  Glad they are both at your feet and the wine is well deserved!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Nicky, How scary! I have had this happen with Fudge and I know the panic you felt. I am so glad this story had a happy ending.

[Janie, Jackson and Jilly]

Nicky, this is one of my worse fears. Thank goodness you found them safe and sound!! Whew!

Mine got out once because the gate was open. It was like a comedy act, I was working in the yard, DH and DD took them for a walk. I had the backyard gate open because I was going between the front and back yards. They clearly saw the gate open when they got back, I pointed it out. They go inside and what do they do.. they let Jack and Jilly out in the backyard. I was in the front yard surprised to find Jilly greeting me. Thank goodness she headed straight to me! Then panic hit when I thought of Jack, but he was waiting in the garage by the door to go back inside. Whew!

Hopefully we never have to go through this again!