Penny Was Missing for Three Hours and Came Home

On a Sunday evening in Khon Kaen, our Shih Tzu Penny slipped out when the gate was left open. We searched the soi for over an hour before we started to panic. Penny is almost four years old, does not usually go far, and is very friendly, which made us worried someone might take him. What helped us: we posted photos in the neighborhood group, called the local vet clinics, and asked neighbors to check their garages. Penny came home by himself around nine, sitting by the gate like nothing had happened. He had been wandering two streets over, where a noodle vendor had kindly fed him. Tips from us: check your gate latch every night, keep a recent photo on your phone, and microchip your dog if you can. Thank you to everyone who helped search.