Pooch with a bad case wanderlust

By Tharanis Phirunla-ong

The Nation

Published on January 1, 2010

Strangers may be puzzled upon spotting a year-old male Siberian husky with two phone numbers attached to his collar. But residents of one community in Songkhla's Hat Yai district know this intimidating-looking dog loves to wander around and often gets lost.

In a telephone interview - achieved by dialling one of the two numbers provided - his owner, Sodsai Phongjansathien said Big Foot always had a habit of wandering near and far, especially around the Si Phuwanat Reservoir, which he visited nearly every day.

Sodsai, 52, said she believed Big Foot was especially impressed with the scenery around the reservoir. She used to walk him around it when he was a puppy.

"He goes there alone in the morning and returns home before noon each day," she added.

Sodsai, who has put the name of her Chivas convenience store and two phone numbers on the dog's nametag, said she had received numerous phone calls from people who saw Big Foot in many places. Sometimes he had journeyed so far away from home that she needed to go pick him up.

She said the regular phone calls had eased her worries about his safety, especially now that she knew her pet was able to cross a road safely.

Lamduan Sangkhao, a drink vendor at a market near the reservoir, said she was initially intimidated by Big Foot's appearance but later became familiar with him.

"He's a cute and kind dog. And with those telephone numbers attached to his collar, I can't help but laugh," she said.

-- The Nation 2009/1/1

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Very nice story... cheers webfact for sharing!

I will do my visarun next week in Hat Yai, that would be funny if I can meet Big Foot

The dog is probably going to call off, you would too if you had that big fur coat.

Wandering off and maybe getting into trouble problem would be easily solved with a fenced yard, or a long leash.

T.I.T.

Anyone remember the recent stories about rabies?

Some breeds DO have the wanderlust built into them, and Huskys are just one such breed. Despite them being more work to keep contained, I DO prefer them to those sorry excuses for dogs that many people keep.

Thanks for the interesting story.

Wandering off and maybe getting into trouble problem would be easily solved with a fenced yard, or a long leash.

T.I.T.

Anyone remember the recent stories about rabies?

I suspect that a few Thai wives would like a big high fence and a leash for their "wandering husbands"