Hi,
I have a Rough Collie called Echo who is now 2yrs and 9 mths old and I have had her for 2 and a half years. I have never had any problems with her at all and can't complain about anything...well maybe fur everywhere, but nothing major.
Today was the first time that she has ever wandered off on her own and not come back after about 20 mins. I wasn't too worried at first because it's a good area and there's loads of space for her to run around so I thought she was just out exploring. After about half an hour and looking and calling for her and not being able to see her anywhere I got really worried. I went everywhere looking for her and couldn't find her. Four hours of total panic went by until I got a phone call to say someone had spotted her outside a supermarket on the other side of the town I live in! I then went and got her straight away and brought her home.
I just can't understand what could have made her suddenly want to go off on her own for so long. She's always been as good as gold. Whenever we're out walking she goes a bit ahead, but she is always looking back to make sure I'm there. She always comes when she's called and she's great with people and kids and other animals...she's got a great temperament.
There's been no major changes in her life lately, diet's the same etc.
Could this just be a one-off and why would she do this? I'm going to keep her lead on for the short term, but she loves to run around and I don't want her to have to be on the lead all the time from now on.
Can anyone give me some advice?
Many thanks,
Mark
