I called the Police

One night I arrive at Kooky's house. She leaves the front door unlocked so I push through the door and head straight to the barn with the dogs close behind. I immediately notice something is not right when I walk through the double doors.

The door to the feed room is open, brooms and pitch forks are on the ground, halters are moved - it’s very messy. Definitely NOT how I left it that morning. Kooky keeps a strict routine, I follow it and now I can tell when something is out of place. Never thought I’d be singing the praises of that military drill sergeant!

I semi-freak out and run inside. Then I realize the patio door that leads to her bedroom isn’t locked. The intruder could be in the house! I know they aren’t in the barn, Dingbat would have killed them by now. The dogs - they are old and would let anyone in. Dingbat is the real watch dog of the bunch.

Time to dial 311 AKA: the police non-emergency number. I want them to come search the house before I can feel comfortable again. They arrive after a long while. I was supposed to wait out front but I got bored and went back to the barn to do chores. Apparently, I’m not scared anymore. The police boys arrive and get to searching the house. They sound a little freaked out when I tell them the dogs are of Doberman and Chow origin. Not to worry police boys- these doggies are old and not so limber.

They search the house, backyard and barn. Nothing. I can tell they think I am stupid. They kind of nod there heads and uh huh me a bunch, but I know how I left the barn. And I didn’t leave it messy. Believe me police boys – someone was in here. I bet Dingbat scared them away. Alas, he is good for something!

Meanwhile, I tried getting Kooky on the phone several times. She was skiing in Vail and probably didn’t have cell phone service. I left her a couple messages telling her I called the police. Finally she called me back and said don’t worry, the dogs will attack anyone who comes in the house. Interesting – they didn’t seem inclined to attack the two police boys! Nice try Kooky, they are quite friendly. And old. She did tell me that she had some trouble with the neighborhood boys a few months ago. They kept swooping in and stealing things. Maybe they stopped by for another shopping trip?

Luckily, the police didn't find anyone and I was able to finish my night of pet sitting. I slept with the hall lights on - and allowed the "watch dog" doberman to hang out in my room.