A Dog's Determination
Missy, a spirited Siberian husky mix residing in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, possesses a strong attachment to her daily routine, particularly her visits
to daycare. When her owner, Heath Hrappstead, scheduled a veterinarian appointment on a Monday, a day typically reserved for daycare, Missy decided to take matters into her own paws. Her usual Monday routine, which involves accompanying Hrappstead on his bicycle commute before he heads to work, was disrupted. Upon realizing she was being left behind, Missy expressed her displeasure through whimpers. Her partner then placed her in the yard, unaware of Missy's impending escape plan. This was not Missy's first attempt at freedom; she had previously managed to exit through the gate, prompting Hrappstead to consider reinforcing his yard's security measures to prevent future excursions.
The Great Escape
Driven by her desire to attend daycare, Missy executed a meticulously planned jailbreak. She managed to dig her way out from under the back gate of her yard. Remarkably, she then navigated the familiar streets, following the exact route she usually took with Hrappstead on his bicycle. Her journey concluded at the daycare center, Spot's Place, just before 11 am. Daycare staff were astounded to see her arrive unescorted, noting that she appeared muddy but otherwise unfazed, as if her escape was a completely ordinary event. They described her demeanor as, "Hey guys, I’m here! Sorry, I’m late!" The proximity of her home, only a few blocks away, meant that her arrival was not entirely unexpected for the staff, though the method of her independent journey certainly was. They quickly brought her inside, a mix of shock and amusement on their faces.
Friendship's Call
Missy's elaborate escape was motivated by a deep affection for her canine friends at daycare, especially her best friend, Shaggy. According to Mackenzie Hoffman, a staffer at Spot's Place, Missy and Shaggy 'hit it off right off the bat' when Missy first joined the daycare four years ago. Missy initially attended daycare twice a week with her brother, but after his passing, her visits were increased to daily to aid in her grieving process. The staff recognized Missy's clear intent upon her arrival: she had undertaken the journey specifically to reunite with Shaggy. Hoffman stated, 'They probably want to see each other. She came all the way to see Shaggy.' Despite having other friends at the daycare, Missy and Shaggy exhibit the strongest bond, often gravitating towards each other. This reunion, facilitated by Missy's determined escape, underscored the profound impact of her friendships at the daycare.
