I took this photo this afternoon of our veteran escape-artist, Travis, looking through the new six-foot high (1.8 m) "no-climb" mesh fence we just finished having installed. (Click on photo for larger image.) We have tried everything to contain this boy, but he is so athletic and agile that he continued to outwit us at every turn. He's an incredible climber and jumper, and we finally realized that what we needed was a really tall fence -- with matching 6-foot high gates -- to keep him in.
So we fenced the full perimeter of the east yard of Widget's House with the new fence and also put a fence-line down the middle to give us two separate sections, just in case we needed the flexibility down the road (i.e., in case we get another climber/jumper in the future who doesn't get along with Travis, for example).
The new gates are also easy to adjust for height, so as the snow piles up, we'll be able to loosen a couple of bolts and simply raise the gates up. That should save a lot of time and effort digging out the gates all winter long.
The first time I put Travis in the newly fenced yard, he ran along the full perimeter of the fence, as if he were inspecting it to see if there was a gap or ... well, some way to get out. There wasn't. We've also learned to keep dog houses, cots, and any other structures a good distance from the fence because he will use them as a springboard for a jump.
We think the Steve McQueen of the Rolling Dog Ranch won't be making any more great escapes for a while. But if Travis shows up in the yard with a motorcycle one morning, at least we'll know what he's planning.
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Don't forget, you can vote every day for us in The Animal Rescue Site/PetFinder's Shelter Challenge.
Enter
"Rolling Dog Ranch" and our state postal code, MT for Montana,
and it will bring up our listing so you can cast your vote. Invite your family and friends to vote, too!
Wow .. still No. 3, and that means a $3,000 grant if we can hold that spot! Please keep voting -- thank you!
I feel your frustration with a "jumper." I'm saving my pennies for a 6ft fence, 12 inches of which will be underground to foil the two tunnel digging girls that live here as well as my airborne boy.
Posted by: Jo | July 05, 2009 at 11:04 AM
OHHHHH!!! Good for you but... so sorry for Travis.. :(
Posted by: carolina | July 02, 2009 at 09:38 PM
LOL BIG TIME!!!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | July 01, 2009 at 07:50 PM
And where does Travis go when he gets out? (Well, that should be past tense now.)
Posted by: Janet in Cambridge | July 01, 2009 at 07:03 PM
Not too hard to visualize him on that motorcycle! Hope this does the trick. I bet if he lived in the house, he'd figure out how to open the refrigerator.
Posted by: Tonya | July 01, 2009 at 01:59 PM
Nice try Steve,
I'm rooting for Travis!
Posted by: NinjaPonyDad | July 01, 2009 at 01:58 PM
Travis has a look of being foiled, but you'll just have to wait and see. ; )
After all that fence work though, I hope it does keep your escape artist in. I love Travis!!
Posted by: boundforglory | July 01, 2009 at 09:40 AM
The one good thing about Travis' ability to jump high fences is that he's well enough to do so, even with the fused jaw. So he must be eating enough and feeling well enough to do the jumping. At least now, he'll stay safe. But you know he'll still be secretly scheming.
Posted by: Barb Ribinski | July 01, 2009 at 08:15 AM
Maybe Travis would really excel in the agility contests that they have for dogs. (or he was an olympic contender in another life?) Yes, I can see the wheels spinning in his mind! Maybe he's going to try a high wire walk! He just loves a challenge.
Hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger | July 01, 2009 at 05:31 AM
*Love* the tagline!
Posted by: Moon Rani | June 30, 2009 at 08:55 PM
Coleen stole my thunder. I was going to say watch out for him saving his pennys for a "hog" to jump over the fence with. He looks great.
Posted by: Bob | June 30, 2009 at 07:57 PM
Wow, he is one determined guy! I love your humor this is an hilarious post. But, I can see the wheels turning in his head. That is not a look of defeat on his face, he's working on a plan. Check your phone bill to calls made to any motorcycle shops too!
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | June 30, 2009 at 07:36 PM
That's too funny! I have to admit, Travis is my favorite. Uh, and Wobbly Allie. And Widget. And Callie. And Spinner....
Posted by: Lynne Parker | June 30, 2009 at 07:09 PM
I think you should get a photo of Caille or one of the other dachshunds behind that fence and post it to warn would be cattle rustlers with a title saying 'Do you feel lucky, punk?'
Poor Travis - sigh -no more adventures. How is a poor country hound suppose to find skunks and porcupines if you put up an escapable fence? :(
Posted by: Amy A | June 30, 2009 at 07:02 PM