Tragedy of Door Darting

While we are sad to report this tragic story, here at Bill Foundation we feel it is important to make our adopters and all pet owners aware of the problem of door darting.  This is a tragedy that can be avoided by using a few simple training techniques. Several trainers around town teach owners how to correct this bad habit which can lead to horrible consequences.  This behavior usually catches people by surprise and they don't see the dog slip out the door until it's too late. Accidents do happen but as doggie parents, there are things we can do to minimize them.

Hayden was one of our rescues adopted in February of 2005. We received this email from his doggie mom earlier this year.

Dear Jo:

It is with an extremely heavy heart that I write you to advise that Hayden has died. I am so upset and still trying to come to terms that he is gone.

I ADORED that little guy and I can honestly say that there was not a single day that I didn't look at him and say, "I love you Hayden and I am so happy to have you in my life". He always responded to tell me the same with a nuzzle, a tail wag, or even a smile. He was my constant companion who went everywhere, met everyone, and charmed everyone. He was a very happy dog and many remarked about what a happy guy he was.

I had gone back to my home state of Tennesse for a visit. I booked us on a nonstop flight so Hayden wouldn't have to change planes and would have the shortest possible flight time for his first big trip. My sister picked us up and we drove to Norfolk where he and I stayed at my parents. Everyone LOVED him where ever we went. He was so well behaved and such a sweet, sweet dog. People always would come up to us just to meet Hayden. He had an amazing aura.

On our last night we stayed at my sister's because we needed to leave early for the Cincinnati airport drive the following morning. It was still dark at 6 am when we loaded the truck with the luggage and crate. Hayden came up behind me as I approached the door to take out the last suitcase. I turned to him in the house and said stay and looked at him. He stopped and stayed. My sister has a security door that doesn't click shut. The door closes but you just push it open if it's not key-locked. Somehow Hayden scooted through that door after me. My sister came outside as I was about to re enter the house and said she thought Hayden might be outside. I didn't think he was because when I looked at him and said stay he assumed a stay stance. I said he must be inside somewhere - I had visions he was checking out one of her closets (he liked looking in closets). I called for him outside before I re entered the house but it was dark and I didn't see him anywhere. I truly felt he was inside so I went back inside and started calling for him while my sis stayed outside looking around in the dark.

I heard her call his name once and whistle once and then... heard her scream. I dashed outside but it was too late. He apparently had gone across the street to check out the neighbors and when he heard her whistle he started running full out towards her locking his gaze only on her. There was only a single car coming down the street and Hayden didn't see it and I am sure he did not understand about moving cars. Hayden was fast as a rabbit when he would run. Many people would comment about his speed whenever we went to the dog parks. He was really  quick. He was looking at my sister racing towards her and he ran into the front side of the lone car breaking his little neck. He died upon impact. He was not run over, there wasn't a mark on him. He just looked asleep.

I still cannot believe that any of this happened. I hope that you will not think badly of me or that I didn't care properly for him. I cherished him, I loved him SO much.  He was always leashed. I can't believe he made it past her security door and got out. I can't believe that just because it was still dark outside that the driver didn't see him off to the side. I can't believe that if only Hayden's speed or the car's speed been a split second different this wouldn't have happened. I spend a lot of time thinking if only..... but I know it won't bring him back.

While not all accidents can be avoided, this story stresses the importance of training and the loss that can occur in any situation.  Door darting is covered in many classes throughout the city.  Take your dog to obedience class – it's the fall, the perfect time to go back to school.