Dogs have always been known for their loyalty and love towards humans. But there’s something more to them that often goes unnoticed – their extraordinary intelligence. Meet Bailey, the remarkable dog who embarked on a 10-mile journey back to the place she called home for years.
Bailey was a beloved resident at the Animal Rescue League of El Paso, Texas, for a long time. Although her delightful disposition captured the hearts of staff and volunteers, finding her a forever home proved to be a challenge. However, recently, Bailey was lucky enough to find a new family and move into a new home. Unfortunately, during a test for a new harness, Bailey became frightened and ran away from her owner, leaving him unable to catch up.
“She got out of his sight,” shared Loretta Hyde, founder of the Animal Rescue League. “He let us know that Bailey was loose, so we asked for people to be on the lookout.”
Bailey’s disappearance worried everyone at the shelter. But little did they know that Bailey had a plan of her own. After several days of reported sightings, they realized that Bailey was getting closer and closer to the shelter, a remarkable 10 miles away from where she had disappeared. “For whatever reason, it felt to me that she was on her way here,” said Hyde. “I said, ‘She’s coming back to the shelter.’”
And just as Hyde predicted, Bailey made her way back to the shelter. On one particular night, around 1:30 a.m., the shelter’s doorbell camera captured an alert on the staff’s phones. There was someone standing outside the door. “Our staff member looked and thought, ‘Is that Bailey?’” Hyde recalled. “You can talk through the doorbell camera, so she hollered, ‘Bailey?’ Then the dog looked at the camera, like, ‘Yeah, it’s me! Let me in!’”
The staff member wasted no time and rushed to the shelter, where they found Bailey patiently waiting. Despite the challenging journey, this clever dog had managed to overcome the odds and find her way back home. “She knew exactly where to go,” Hyde marveled. “Dogs are smarter than we give them credit for.”
Bailey was greeted with love and care from her old caregivers at the shelter. The exhausted dog was provided with food, water, and a warm bed to rest. “She ate a big bowl and slept all morning,” notified Hyde.
According to Hyde, Bailey and her father share a special bond, and they are a perfect match. Bailey’s dad never stopped searching for her during her time away. Finally, they were reunited, and Bailey found herself back in the warm embrace of her sweet home. “That morning, we called him to say we had Bailey,” Hyde added. “He hurried over as soon as he could.”
This heartwarming incident showcased the deep connection Bailey has with the shelter. It’s an unforgettable memory for all the staff members. “They’re welcome to come visit anytime. Bailey’s dad appreciates us, and we appreciate him,” said Hyde. “They will be back to visit. I know they will.”
Bailey’s story is a testament to the intelligence and resilience of dogs. Have you ever experienced a similar situation with your furry companion? Share your stories with us in the comments below. And don’t forget to subscribe for more fascinating tales like Bailey’s!
