Clever Dog Escapes Shelter to Find His Forever Home
For many dogs in shelters, the dream of finding a forever home is a long and uncertain journey. But for Tiki, a 9-year-old senior dog with an unbreakable spirit and a deep love for human companionship, waiting was not an option. His remarkable story of determination and cleverness captured the hearts of animal lovers everywhere.
Tiki’s story began on July 4th when he was found roaming the roads near Ann Arbor, Michigan. Despite being microchipped, no owner could be located, and he was taken in by the Humane Society of Huron Valley. From the moment he arrived, it was clear that he thrived on human interaction.
A Daring Escape at the Shelter
Due to overcrowding, Tiki was temporarily placed in a crate inside an administrative office at the shelter. However, space constraints didn’t stop this resourceful pup from taking matters into his own paws.
His first attempt:
- He broke out of his crate.
- Opened the office door where he was being kept.
- Explored the shelter before making his way to the front doors.
- Walked right into the arms of a veterinarian arriving for work at 6 a.m.
At first, staff thought it was just an accident—perhaps the crate hadn’t been secured properly. However, when security footage was reviewed, it became evident that Tiki had not only escaped intentionally but he was also following a well-thought-out plan.
A Second, Even Smarter Escape
Determined to be free, Tiki made another breakout attempt—this time with even more precision. Security footage captured him:
- Unlocking the office door.
- Navigating multiple hallways to find the shelter entrance.
- Standing in front of the automatic doors, which opened for him when motion was detected.
“We were amazed at how he figured it all out,” said Wendy Welch, the shelter’s director of marketing and communications. “It’s not obvious where the front doors are, but he managed to find his way.”
Finding His Way Home
After escaping the shelter, Tiki made his way to the nearby Matthei Botanical Gardens. Luckily, the garden staff recognized him and quickly returned him to the shelter.
“He’s smart and determined to be with people!” Welch commented, admiring his persistence.
Though Tiki was adopted soon after his escape, the first placement didn’t work out due to his strong separation anxiety. However, his story didn’t end there. A few months later, Tiki found another adoptive home—this time, a perfect match.
Watch Tiki’s smart escape in the video below:
Now, Tiki’s days of escaping are over—he finally has the loving family he always wanted. His story is a testament to the determination and intelligence of shelter dogs, proving that sometimes, they know exactly where they need to be.
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