We have to give a shout-out to the firefighters at Station 11 today.  The New Dog (whom we have named Hansel for his Germanic deliberation in all things), rather than come in at 10 PM after his evening patrol of the back yard, broke off at a run and squeezed himself into a 16-in.  or so gap between the wall of the garage and a wooden fence on the property line.  He then ran 30 feet deep into the gap until he bumped into a wall.  So we have a 60 lb. dog jammed 30 feet into a skinny passage. In the dark.  He can't turn around.  We decided this was a job for professionals, and, after consulting with the sheriff, called the fire department.

A firetruck and two nice firemen pulled into Altadenablog World Headquarters a short time later.  By the time we got to the back of the garage, Hansel had somehow managed to turn himself around and had retraced his steps but for four feet.  With some coaxing, some firefighter muscle, and an offering of the night's leftovers, we managed to get him out and blocked the gap so he wouldn't pull that stunt again.  More excitement than we needed.

But we appreciate the prompt response and good humor of our local firefighters — so thank you!!