Pocky Got Lost in the Rain and Came Back

On a heavy rainy day in Korat, Pocky ran out the moment I opened the door to take in a delivery. By the time I turned around, she was gone. Everyone at home searched together, through the lanes behind the school and the market, calling her name until our voices gave out.

In the end a grilled-pork-and-sticky-rice vendor phoned to say a fluffy cream dog was sheltering from the rain in front of his shop. When I called her name, she ran straight into my arms. I cried, and I bought his pork skewers for everyone in the family as a thank you.

Now she wears a name tag, and I keep her latest photo in my phone. If you're like me and panic easily, get your name tags sorted before you need them.