Are You Coming Home Tonight?

Are you coming home tonight? You can 100% guarantee that? What if your car breaks down? Or heaven forbid, you're in an accident? What if you aren't able to make it home and your pup is home alone without access to food or water and no one knows? What plans do you have in place in case you aren't returning soon?

I came across this article today that lays out just this scenario. The author was biking when—whoa!—an accident caused an unforeseen delay in getting back to their pup.

One sad puppy...because you aren't coming home.

In the old days, before our house was burgled, we had a dog door that allowed Lucy access to the fenced yard. This gave us peace of mind for the dog if we were delayed in returning. (Of course, we weren't thinking our delay would be anything but what we had control over.) Luce had water inside and out, so the only absence, besides us, would have been food—and she could have made it for a while with an empty bowl.  (Lucy wasn't much of an eater and would literally go days without touching her food. I think her tops was four days, her choice.)

Today, post burglary, we no longer have a dog door, so Bella does not have that same freedom. And like the author of the article, we never leave the house thinking we aren't coming back. She brings up great points and stresses her plans aren't for permanent contingencies, but a shorter period of time—24-72 hours.

I am a cyclist also and identified not only with the possibility of an accident, but just the fact that "stuff" happens. I immediately checked my phone's ICE contacts and realized the woman who looks in on our house when we travel was not an ICE contact. She is now, as she as complete access to the premises and loves Bellie to bits. I know she would take excellent care of her. Next up, a list where we keep food, treats, poop bags and leash for our neighbor, and vet notification that said neighbor, knowing our desires, is authorized to make medical decisions for Bella, should they be necessary.

What are you contingency plans?