Operation Doggie Door

I admit that I am not the most responsible doggie parent when it comes to taking care of Rowdy. This just means he probably doesn't get walked enough, and sometimes he endures late nights. Plus, I just feel bad leaving him home all day with only a window to look out of, and no comfy furniture to "nest" on (see much earlier post on the furniture battles). Coming from STL, Rowdy did not have a fenced-in yard. A radio fence worked for a little bit, but for the most part he knew his boundries. Yet, you would still have to keep a bit of an eye on him, just to keep in honest. Now, a fenced-in yard makes life for me much easier. But is Rowdy happy? Hopefully he is now, with his brand new "jerry-rigged" doggie door.
Of course nothing is easy, especially when I am doing the handiwork, but my door did not want to cooperate very well. If you look closely in the picture, you can see some of my demo work on what I though was some trim on the paneling of the door. I thought removing this was the solution to getting an even surface to attatch the door. Not so fast.....the paneling was grooved into the trim. Completely out of character, I threw caution to the wind and just cut the hole to size. I NEVER DO THIS. All my life I analyze and calculate as to not make a mistake. I hate mistakes. This would of been a huge one. No back door? Or at least a door with a trashbag over the opening. Which would require buying/ordering anothe door, several more trips to Lowe's, and then actually mounting the door. Luckily, it all worked out without too much rigging.

It took Rowdy only 2 hrs to get the hang of the door. The guy is pretty damn smart, glad I haven't rubbed off on him. He was apprehensive at first, but warmed up with the prospect of a smoked pig ear. Soon, he was independently going in and out on his own. He has made me proud. The picture above depicts him "scoping out" the weather outside. It was raining at the time, and he wanted nothing to do with it. I still don't know if he is using it during the day, but I have a good feeling he is a happy dog. I am proud of my little boy.....he's all grown up.