Titan-long, sorry
Mockit1,
I know how it must feel to be you. I live in the county on an acre of land and five or so behind me. Titan was always a good dog, he never wandered off or anything. He never left the yard either. One morning he had urinated in the house and I was so angry at him I put him outside. I really didn't think twice about it. I should mention that I don't have a fenced yard and at the time didn't have a tie out either. I cleaned up his mess and went outside to get him. He never came to me. I walked out so i could see the road and there he was right in front of the house on the side of the road. He was already gone. I felt horrible for weeks. I thougth I was a bad parent and I didn't do the right thing. I thought of all the things I should have or could have done differently. I really beat myself up over it. It took me a while before I forgave myself. We buried him in the back yard and I go over and talk to him. I realize now that it could have happened if I were outside with him and he wasn't on a leash.
Since then I have gotten another boxer. Not to replace Titan, just to move on and do things differently. My bf and I are building a fenced area that we can put Petey and Sadie in and I will know that they will be safe. Of course I will be out in there with them just in case. I don't want them to dig out or jump over. I am over-protective of them, and I don't think it's a bad thing. I would rather be safe than sorry. When I take them outside now, I have tie outs, or I leash them and walk to the pasture and let them run free. Petey doesn't leave my side, but Sadie has a tendency to wander.
I am sorry about your baby, and I will pray for her and you. I hope everything turns out ok. I hope you don't take my story the wrong way. I just wanted to share what happened to me. I am glad your baby is still alive. Maybe my story will help, I don't know. God bless you and your baby. I will watch for updates.