The Great Escapologist

A dog named Scout

Pet dander.The tiny particles of skin shed by animals and birds.

There are two types of escape artists: those that dig and those who climb. I recently brought you the story of Kyon, who was a tunneller as opposed to today’s miscreant, who favoured scaling fences. In this instance, 7-foot high fences.

Now, for those who think that this is impossible, many years ago I witnessed a dog doing the very same thing. I observed from afar, reluctant to interfere as a fall backwards could have been disastrous. I watched in amazement as he climbed the fence, but what terrified me was the jump from the top. He survived the drop and landed on all four paws, and the establishment then promptly installed an additional 45-degree angle fence topper. What was particularly impressive was the size of the potential escapee. I assumed early in my career that only small dogs could succeed in this endeavour, as their low weight made it possible, but even quite large dogs can scale wire fences.

Fortunately, I was able to capture that particular mischievous mutt and return him to where he belonged.

Having seen what I thought was impossible, nothing surprises me anymore.

Little is known about the dog that arrived at the Antrim County Animal Shelter, Michigan, USA. He was black and tan, nervous, had no name and showed signs of abuse. His face showed signs of pellets embedded, so it appeared that he had at some point been shot at. He would flinch at the sound of loud noises. And even the jangling of keys would draw a reaction.

This particular inmate didn’t even wait one night to escape, and in order to gain his freedom, he was obliged to scale multiple fences. Having gained that freedom, he appeared to have a plan.

He carefully wandered a short distance despite having to cross a busy road, where he found a nursing home for the elderly, The Meadow Brook Care Facility.

The facility

This establishment is a long-term residential home for those without family, those suffering from dementia and those who are terminally ill.

He discovered that the automatic doors opened into the lobby and found a comfy leather sofa where he promptly settled down to sleep. I guess a leather sofa was a definite step up from his accommodation at the shelter —not surprising, since most shelters don’t usually provide a leather sofa as a substitute for a bed!!

Discovered by staff in the morning, he was returned to the rescue shelter, but he promptly escaped again the following evening and returned to the nursing home. He was returned to the shelter yet again, and then a third time, and finally, the management of the retirement home realised that fate had decided this errant hound was intended to be a permanent resident. They consulted the staff and, finding no objections, he was adopted and became the patients’ support dog. Fortunately, the facility was a haven of tranquillity, and the dog’s initial nervousness didn’t present a problem. With a permanent home and a new family, he needed a name and was promptly called Scout.

Emotional well-being

Being in a home means not being in contact with a pet, and for those who have had pets all their lives, this was not conducive to emotional well-being. Because the home caters for those with dementia and those who are terminally ill, it could easily become a depressing environment, but Scout ensures that this will not occur. His infectious enthusiasm permeates the entire establishment. Scout has perfected the art of avoiding being run over by wheelchairs and carefully steers clear of any mobility aids whilst he accompanies the residents.

Having a pet in a residential home will bring its own problems. Some will raise hygiene issues, but that is usually a non-starter, as many animals are a damn sight more hygienic than many adults and, in particular, small children who come to visit. From a personal point of view, I can’t think of a more uplifting moment than having a pet for the vast majority of folks who are struggling with their health. I certainly know that if I must be in such a facility, the worst part would not be being able to interact with my dog.

Allergies

The only honest discussion worth noting is the allergy argument. Some people are allergic to dog hair; well, to be accurate, it’s the dander that causes the problem. None of the residents has any such issues, and the stray interloper has now been formally adopted and freely roams around the facility, knowing that particular residents are easily conned into providing cookies. He has even mastered the art of opening doors; handles are no barrier as Scout continues his daily search for illicit treats.

Scout even appears to understand when he is really needed and stays by the side of the most vulnerable, and has even been observed staying close to those who pass away. He has been voted resident of the month, and his popularity has inspired the facility to adopt a second pet. Scout has been joined by Willow the cat, and the pair now share emotional support duties. Finally, we need to remember that Scout and Willow not only bring solace to the folks who have made Meadow Brook their home, but they also provide comfort to the staff who do one of the most underappreciated, undervalued, and poorly paid jobs in the world.