Kane on the Loose

Our neighbors have a dog; he is a young German Shepherd mix they call Kane.  For the most part he is harmless, rarely barks, sometimes sneaks into your backyard to play and poop.  The only concern I have about Kane is his aggressive friendliness.  The broken fence on his side of the yard makes it too tempting to hope over into our yard so I can't really blame him for that. Maybe his owner but not Kane.
 


(photo from last spring of Kane visiting while we drew with sidewalk chalk outside.)

It isn't uncommon for Kane to be outside and come bounding over to say hi when we arrive home.  Usually it is just lots of wiggling and poking with his snout, but he is a big boy and just his size alone could knock you over if he decides to brush the back of your knee in his circles of joy.  He has knocked Ian over before coming to say hi so I'm always cautious and get Kane to go home when Ian is around, but when I'm alone I don't mind Kane's little visits.

Thursday evening I ran out to get a few groceries and a treat for work on Friday because it is one of my student's last day.  I piled the few bags in the back of the van at the foot of Ian's car seat.  When I got home I noticed Kane in the front yard with one of our neighbor's friends.  I got out of the car as usual and opened the sliding door to get my stuff.  At this moment, I noticed Kane bounding across our yard at full speed, coming to say hello.  I turned to face him and braced myself in case he jumped on me when he arrived.  Instead, he jumped right past me and into the back of my van.  He wiggled his way into the back behind the seats, like he thought he was going to get to go on a car ride. 

I was totally in shock at first.  I really didn't expect that at all!  After checking to make sure he didn't smash my food I opened the back hatch for him to get out while the neighbor's friend came running calling out Kane's name.  Whoever the guy was he looked completely mortified.  Kane didn't do any damage and eventually hopped back out of the van the same way he came in and went bounding home with the guy.  He was quickly ushered into the house. 

At least no real harm is done when Kane is on the loose. 

It is going to be a blast the next time Mason is in the van and catches a whiff of Kane having been in the vehicle.  He's little smooshed nose will be all out of joint. 





(For the record I feel really lucky to have a friendly dog living next door.  He might stop by for unexpected visits but it could be a lot worse if he was mean.)