Last week, Riley ran away during her clay sculpture class. She went screaming down a long narrow hallway which led to several places. I followed with Jingle on the leash, but we weren’t quick enough. Riley took a corner and disappeared. We didn’t know if she had gone upstairs to the public library? Outside(not in the best neighborhood)? To the bathroom, or if she was hiding somewhere in the studio which is in an old winding basement with lots of nooks and crannies and side rooms. Jingle went toward a side room. I poked my head in and looked around but she wasn’t in there, so I took Jingle with me to look all over. I went in one direction and the teacher went in another.
Turns out Riley was hiding in the room Jingle led me to, but I hadn’t let her go all the way in to find her. A lot of the dogs at 4 Paws for Ability are tracking dogs, but Jingle wasn’t trained for that.
I didn’t pay attention to where Jingle was trying to go and actually led her away from Riley.
Their bond has increased so much since Riley started homeschooling in January. If we are out somewhere in public, and Riley walks away to use a restroom, Jingle cries until she comes back out. Riley has made up a “Jingle” voice, and she speaks to us from Jingle’s point of view. We learn a lot. Jingle has much to say.
Next time, I will listen to her.