topic Re: Don’t do what I did. in Among Friends

Don’t do what I did.

Puppy Galore — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:53:08 GMT

My trash pick up is on Tuesday mornings. The trash receptacles can be and are unruly, too heavy full and empty.

I'm in ill health and at times difficult to stand and not fall.

I had a difficult day and decided close to 4pm to bring my one bin in.

I went out my front door with my beloved senior pup, I shut the door and did not lock it.

I went out the gate and locked the gate. My pup was inside the yard, safe.

My house has a picket fence around three sides, one side has a five foot solid gate which when opened leads to a side yard. But there is a gate there, old and wooden. Both gates are unlocked.
Unknown to me a neighbor had lined up the old wooden gate to stay shut and had built up gravel, dirt and rocks along the bottom of the gate.

He meant well. I'm not upset with him.

I went out my front door door without my keys and had only a pair of lightweight sweat pants on and a long sleeved t-shirt. It was already 40 degrees. My pup had on a sweater.

The driveway is huge and there is two large RV gates which I keep locks on which are on the front of the gates. Also a narrow gate to walk through, I have a lock which is inside the gates. I keep that gate unlocked on trash days.

I struggled to walk down the driveway to pull the bin onto it and not fall.

I pulled it up and pushed it through the narrow gate. I locked the gate and did what I always do. I tried to open the side door into the garage, the door was locked. I tried to open the slider door and it was locked.

All windows were locked.

I started to panic and cried. My first thought was for my pup, he would freeze to death in the front, it has been in the 30's at night.

I did not have my cell phone it was locked in the house with my keys.

At this point I didn't have enough breath to yell for help and one neighbor's son his parents have told to keep an eye out for me, he wasn't home.

It gets dark here about 4:30.

At this point I wasn't thinking clearly, I was so very worried about my pup.

I stopped for a minute and remembered the old wooden gate in the back yard and remembered it was open a bit, I wasn't able close it entirely th the last time I was out there. This time it was completely closed. My neighbor had closed it.

I tried to open it but it wouldn't budge.

I had to get on my knees on rock and with my bare fingers try to pull out enough rock and dirt to open it. It took me 20 minutes. I crawled to a post to pull myself up. At this point I had to push the old fence and lift on the gate to get clearance to fit my body sideways through the gate,I must have half a dozen bruised on me where the gate would lock me in between the fence and gate.

There is 40 feet from the gate to the gate leading to the front. I struggled to walk it and breathe.

Once in the front I saw my pup curled up by the front door. We got into the house, it was unlocked.

This was the only time I walked out the front door without my keys and cell phone inside my pocket.

There is another thread today about what is the last thing you think about before you sleep. My last thought and prayer is always my beloved pup passes before I do. He would be so very frightened to be left alone, he's also ill and 14.

I now have to find a place to hide keys in the front and backyard.

Folks, I am alone with no family.`

I'm sorry this post is long, but it's what many of us can go through.

To give you an idea how big the property is, it's just shy of a quarter acre, it's what all the houses are in this old subdivision.

Re: Don’t do what I did.

Susan345 — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:35:03 GMT

That was horrible. I hope you are OK now. I too am alone and try to make sure that any time I leave the house or car I have the keys in my pocket. I also have my cell in my pocket at all times. It's not on but I have it just in case I fall and can't crawl to the house phone.

Re: Don’t do what I did.

Travone — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 23:45:36 GMT

Glad you got into the house. You may want to switch to a lock with a code.

Re: Don’t do what I did.

occasionalrain — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:38:28 GMT

@Puppy Galore

You should be very proud of yourself. Not many would have found a way and overcome what seemed next to impossible.

Re: Don’t do what I did.

Puppy Galore — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:41:35 GMT

@Travone

I have my house up for sale and don't want to invest anymore into it.

If I was staying here I would consider it.

Re: Don’t do what I did.

gizmogal — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:50:32 GMT

Sounds like a freak out moment that could happen to anyone. Sorry it was so upsetting and taxing on your body.

i can suggest a big measure to prevent this forever. I stopped using house keys. I was afraid to risk being locked out. I had my front and back door locks changed to simple digital locks. The locksmith set the unlock numbers I selected, So they are meaningful and less likely to be forgotten. No number can be repeated. Let's say I picked my dad's birthday, July 30, 2021. My doors open with 73021.

I cannot get locked out because I just have to know the 5 digits to unlock the door. I don't even have to remember them in any order. As long as those 5 separate numbers have their buttons pressed in any order, I get in my house. No keys to carry or to hide. Strong deadbolt when I turn the knob to lock the house from inside or outside. I shared the code only with my siblings and a very dear neighbor I could ask for help. I could write the numbers somewhere outside not obvious and help myself if I was really upset and somehow couldn't recall the numbers right!!

Give up house keys! Go visit a locksmith to pick out something simple and safe, and mechanical, not electronic. Advise your neighbor not to "fix" the gate again. Or get it fixed so your neighbor doesn't help you with his own ideas. Be proud of your resilience in getting yourself and the pup back inside.

I very much hope your sweet pup's life is happy and peaceful until he crosses the bridge.

Re: Don’t do what I did.

FranandZoe — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:58:06 GMT

Oh my you poor thing - how horrible. You are very resourceful and strong to do what you did. Thank God you and your dog are ok.

Do you have an automatic/electric garage door opener for your garage? If so you can get a wireless keypad for outside the door.

Some years ago I locked myself out and had no way to get back in. My husband was home but asleep. He finally heard me ringing the doorbell. I had the keypad installed - it's very handy.

Re: Don’t do what I did.

KittySoftPaws — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:59:01 GMT

So sorry you had to go through such a scary and uncertain situation. As I read it, I was thinking that you showed such great strength and resolve, and I admire that. Especially being as scared as you were and with your limitations. I often times look back at things I have done in the past, and wonder how I ever did them.

There is a saying by Eleanor Roosevelt that goes, "A Women is like a tea bag, you never know how strong it is until it's in hot water" So true, and if there was ever a strong Woman.....

I also thought while reading your post that any one of us could, and may become, just as you are and in your current life situation.

As for your pup, and as someone without children like yourself, I feel having a pet gives you a purpose other than your own, and is one of the greatest joys there is. I'm so glad you have one another.

Lastly, what you did was nothing short of amazing, and you should feel very proud of yourself. It's not what or how you got in the situation that matters, it's how you handled it. You did it albeit some bruises, but I for one, am impressed. God Bless you, and your pup.

Re: Don’t do what I did.

Pink123 — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 21:00:56 GMT

This is a very sad but enlightening post you made. I am happy you are ok though first off.

Please never go anywhere without your phone in your pocket, by your bed, wherever, and your keys. They have these little wristlets stretchies in all colors I saw at the Home Depot when making another set of house keys. 99 cents - or you can also hang something around your neck if walking is a difficulty for you including the phone.

My boyfriends daughter teaches school in Spain and when she came to visit I said why are you wearing your cell phone around your neck? She said that the kids (mostly gypsies) steal and so she hangs everything around her neck. She is only 45 but it is smart. I guess she did it out of habit. lol.

Thank goodness you made it and you are ok. Take care, best.

Re: Don’t do what I did.

Puppy Galore — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 21:02:02 GMT

@gizmogal

Thank you. My house is for sale, when I move to another place I'll do what you suggest.

Re: Don’t do what I did.

Mom2Dogs — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 21:26:40 GMT

@Puppy Galore. What a horrible experience for you, I am glad you and your pup made it in....have you ever considered getting a life alert to wear around your neck??

I despise those large trash bins.

Re: Don’t do what I did.

nambee — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 21:37:54 GMT

@Puppy Galore What a terrible ordeal! But you should be proud of yourself that you didn't panic and persevered. You're a tough cookie! But you must have been physically and emotionally exhausted when you and your pup made it inside.

I know what you mean about being alone and having a senior pet who you would do anything to care for and protect. I was in the same situation before my dear pup went to the Bridge. It was just us two and and I would pray each day that God would keep me able to take care of her til it was her time. I miss her dearly but was with her til the end and for that, I am forever grateful.

We've all been in situations where we've forgotten our phones or didn't have our keys and something out of the ordinary happens. Makes us feel stupid especially as we get older. But don't beat yourself up, everyone has a similar story.

Good luck with selling your home and finding a better living situation. Try to enjoy your evening - cuddle your pup and remember you're both safe and sound!

Re: Don’t do what I did.

Puppy Galore — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 21:38:36 GMT

@Mom2Dogs wrote:
@Puppy Galore. What a horrible experience for you, I am glad you and your pup made it in....have you ever considered getting a life alert to wear around your neck??

I despise those large trash bins.

@Mom2Dogs

No, I never considered it always thought those are for older people who have health issues. LOL, i am now there.

Re: Don’t do what I did.

tansy — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 21:40:13 GMT

I am happy the two of you are safe, @Puppy Galore, and hope your house sells quickly.

Re: Don’t do what I did.

DSD2 — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 21:44:28 GMT

I am so glad you and your fur child are all right!

I admire your courage and ingenuity for finding a solution. Your cool head prevailed and thankfully you both are safe.

I also hope your sell your house quickly. Bless you both.

Re: Don’t do what I did.

Puppy Galore — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 21:48:51 GMT

@nambee wrote:
@Puppy Galore What a terrible ordeal! But you should be proud of yourself that you didn't panic and persevered. You're a tough cookie! But you must have been physically and emotionally exhausted when you and your pup made it inside.

I know what you mean about being alone and having a senior pet who you would do anything to care for and protect. I was in the same situation before my dear pup went to the Bridge. It was just us two and and I would pray each day that God would keep me able to take care of her til it was her time. I miss her dearly but was with her til the end and for that, I am forever grateful.

We've all been in situations where we've forgotten our phones or didn't have our keys and something out of the ordinary happens. Makes us feel stupid especially as we get older. But don't beat yourself up, everyone has a similar story.

Good luck with selling your home and finding a better living situation. Try to enjoy your evening - cuddle your pup and remember you're both safe and sound!

@nambee

Thank you. I very sorry for the loss of your sweet pup. It's what most of us dread and understand that time will come to break our hearts.

I cry when I read everyone's posts.

I will keep my independence and live in an apartment with my pup. With those pads many have suggested.

Re: Don’t do what I did.

kaydee50 — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 21:59:17 GMT

@Puppy Galore Happy that all turned out well and so HAPPY that I live in a condo building with doormen.

Re: Don’t do what I did.

Etoile308 — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 22:01:28 GMT

@Puppy Galore, what an ordeal! Glad you came through it okay. Shows you're stronger than you realize.

I have one of those heavy unwieldy 65 gallon trash cans. I keep it empty and push it out to the curb empty. The trash bags are stored through the week in an old smaller bin in my garage. On trash days I use to place two at a time in a yard wagon and roll down the driveway to the trash can.

When I felt my walking with heavy items became more unsteady, I took my mom's old rollator and placed the bags on the seat to roll to the trash can. Now it's a breeze to take out the trash and recyclables.

I have a keypad on my garage door if I need to get in the house. If the door between the garage and house is locked, I have a key hidden in the garage.

Re: Don’t do what I did.

Puppy Galore — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 22:01:43 GMT

@kaydee50 wrote:
@Puppy Galore Happy that all turned out well and so HAPPY that I live in a condo building with doormen.

@kaydee50

Thank you! You're living a dream I always wanted.

Re: Don’t do what I did.

LdyBugz — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 22:08:45 GMT

@Puppy Galore. It's so scary when stuff like that happens, right?! I'm glad you are o.k. though and we're able to find a solution!

All last summer long, I was outside in the evenings watering my new lawn. To ease my fear of locking myself out, I would unlock both the front and back doors, and, I made sure I had my phone and keys with me before I stepped outside. Overkill? Perhaps!

Maybe you could hang an extra key on the inside doorknob of the door you use. That way you will see it and could put it around your neck before you head out.

BTW, those huge trash barrels are a pain, aren't they?! Sometimes when I get home from work, a windy day has made those darn barrels travel down the street! Aaarrrgg!

Be safe, glad you are o.k.!