Whenever we got out-to the store shopplng, visiting, or whatever-we crate our dogs. Now, I'm certain that statement evokes two opinions from readers...one thinking it's not nice to crate dogs and the in its antithesis, meaning it's O.K. to crate 'em. Initially, I adhered to the former belief-that is was cruel to confine animals.

However, after living with our pack members for over 12 years (some no longer with us), I now believe that they love their crates. It gives 'em a sense of security and makes 'em feel content. Just so everyone feels at home there's a separate crate for each of the dogs: one for Lyric, one for Lily, one for Declan and one for Douglas.

So, the other evening when the bride and I were going out, I called the pack to get into their respective crates. This is a happy occasion because it means they're gonna get cookies! No sooner had I called to the dogs than a mighty trampling sound was heard, increasing in its intesity until the pack rounded the corner and quite literally flew into their respective "houses." Declan's crate is stacked on top of Lily's so there are times when I need to give our little alpha Sheltie a boost to make it up to the second floor. After doing this, I put the cookies for each of 'em into the crates and left the room, not goving my actions a second thought.

Imagine my surprise when, returning from our evening out of a couple of hours I opened Lily's crate and out both she AND Lyric came, flying out the door into the other room. Somehow, two dogs had occupied the same crate for the past few hours!

Here's a crate similar to the one our two Shelties were in the other evening. Although the two girls were O.K. after their "ordeal," from now on, I'm gonna be sure the crates are occupied one to a customer!