A TAIL FOR LABOR DAY: Shrewd Dog Escapes Shelter For Lifetime Of Werther's!

Behold the face of an cunning escape artist and a sly cuddle-whore. Confused? Let me explain. The dog pictured above is named Scout, a deceptively cute name for a wily canine who six years ago was living in a shelter in Michigan - and turning down any human who expressed interest. This wasn't a big surprise, because Scout's previous owner cruelly abused him; his jaw actually had pellet wounds, likely from a BB gun being fired at him, and he exhibited a jittery fear of anyone who came near him. But living out the rest of his days at a shelter? 

This was a no-go for Scout, who had a taste for adventure and people with plenty of time on their hands to pamper him as he felt he deserved. So he broke free. Go, Scout, go! Actually, he broke free several times over the course of a year, bravely climbing over a 6-foot fence and taking off across a busy highway. For where, you ask? 

For the nearby Meadow Brook Senior Facility, where he was first spotted acting all casual-like, plopped on a couch in the lobby - as if this were perfectly normal, as if he'd lived there all along. Some stunt, Scout. Unfortunately, he was whisked right back to the shelter. But do you think this discouraged him? Please. Scout proceeded to do his great escape - over that humongous fence, across the busy highway - several more times before it finally dawned on the Meadow Brook staff (duh!) that maybe they should let Scout stay. 

Besides, he'd already hopped up on several beds and more couches, brazenly demanding hugs, pets and smooches from everyone within reach. Smart move, Scout; wear them down. Scout is now celebrating his 6th anniversary at Meadowbrook - and his story is finally being told, the story of a crafty, scheming hound who got exactly what he wanted: humans who have the time and willingness to spoil him absolutely rotten. He's even got the entire staff at Meadow Brook running around doing chores for him, like feeding him, taking him to vet appointments and keeping his favorite treats on hand. Yes, my friends, Scout is living the life. 

Okay, sure, they sometimes hang sticky-sweet signs around his neck - but the cushy blankets, the non-stop belly rubs and nose boops. Worth it! And, yes, they now whore him out to fundraise for the shelter he escaped from, but hey, Scout figures we're all whores for comfort and the sweet smell of Werther's, so why not? Let this be a lesson for us all: persistence and harlotry. It works. 

Photo Credits: Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility