Runaway dog

In addition to the large amount of intentionally off-leash dogs previously mentioned, there are also an incredible amount of strays on base.  I suspect this is in large part due to the fact that most folks' backyard fences are D.I.Y. projects--and may be lacking in the planning/skill department.  Quite a few of them have sizable gaps between end poles and the house, sinking posts, and sagging/unsecured sections of chain.

I suppose I am not one to talk since I usually don't put Petunia's leash on until we are on the patio (her excitement about walks/potty time often results in a submissive wet).  Well, last night, I was taking her out for her bedtime walk using our usual routine.  The second I opened the front door, she took off like a bullet--which is unusual for her as she is not very athletic.  She started barking like wild and made a beeline for a huge white dog--slender and tall, but with a bulldog-like face--who was unattended and squatting on our lawn.  Fearing for her life, I called her back at once, panicking and screaming when she wouldn't listen.

Our seven year old little mini doxie effectively chased a much larger (and probably younger) dog off our lawn--and had him whimpering.  AND, the second she got to the edge of our "property" (as much as base housing is anyone's actual property), she stopped on a dime, turned, and scurried back to me for her potty outing--which let me know she was truly trying to protect the family, without giving a moment's thought for her own regard.

Prior to this, I had always thought of Petunia as somewhat wimpy and mostly food-motivated.  It was nice--and a surprise--to see her loyalty kick in and I am very proud of her.  Definitely won't be taking her out before I leash her again, though.  While she scared this guy off, I know that may not always be the case!