So Aussie has learned to jump the fence

Well maybe not so much “jump” as “step over.” There is apparently a mighty stump that is snuggled up close to our eastern fence. We had not known of this stumps existence, that is until this last Tuesday.

How could we not have known about such a large adornment in our own yard? I will tell you. There is an even larger more voluptuous bush that had seen it as its duty to camouflage the stump. However, the winter months have provided less “bush” to said bush by falling most of her leaves which has reduced her concealment powers. Why is that a problem you ask? Well, this has presented Aussie with new opportunities. She, of course, has found the aforementioned stump. At first it was a great new chew toy. Now, however, she has discovered that by stepping up onto the stump she is at the perfect height to step on over the fence and into the neighbor’s yard.

This didn’t seem too horrible. We could always just reach over and get her. Adam got the chance to practice this skill Tuesday evening when he got home from work. However the neighbor’s yard, as we have come to find, is not fenced all the way around. This was also made obvious Tuesday evening while Adam was cleaning up the yard. Aussie stepped right over that fence, found the opening, and continued her exploration down the street.

Aussie really is usually good about coming when she is called. However she is still a puppy and likes to play “Catch Me If You Can” It’s fun in the back yard…not so much in the street, as Adam can attest to.

After struggling with the game of cat and mouse Adam resorted to luring her in with one of her favorite toys…His glove. Adam was pretty frustrated when I got home later that night.

She has spent the last few days in the grandparent’s yard while we have been at work, which we are extremely grateful for. We owe Scott and Mary for the use of their enclosed yard with its TALL fences.

Adam and I are struggling with what to do. We’ve toyed with the idea about putting up a new taller fence, but that is expensive… plus we would have to wait till the ground thaws; what do we do with her till then? Also we aren’t sure how our neighbors would feel about that, seeing as they both have pretty mature grape vines growing on our adjoining feces. We’ve thought about an electric fence, but they are pretty expensive as well, and we both aren’t sure how we feel about that. We’ve also considered the idea of placing her in another home. That last option is heartbreaking.

Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions? Does anyone have an in with Cesar Milan the Dog Whisperer? We could sure use his help right about now.