Bay was outside at Cleveland Animal Care & Control when he spotted two other shelter dogs, Pumpkin and Flip Flop, hanging out in a neighboring run.
Between them stood a seven-foot chain-link fence. For Bay, that was apparently less of a boundary and more of a ladder.
Security footage captured the 2-year-old brindle dog climbing to the top, pulling himself over and dropping into the next enclosure. Then he climbed a second fence to reach the other dogs.
@citydogscle With most of the dogs at the kennel, we don't usually know how or why they ended up here. But with Bay, we now have a pretty good guess 🫢 ... See more
He wasn’t heading for the street. He wasn’t trying to disappear into Cleveland. He simply wanted to join the group next door.
City Dogs Cleveland later shared the video, describing Bay’s adventure as a “Great Escape” to make new friends. Pumpkin and Flip Flop seemed to accept their unexpected visitor, despite his slightly dramatic entrance.
Meet Bay
The video may have introduced Bay as an impressive climber, but his shelter profile reveals an equally social dog.
Bay has been at Cleveland Animal Care & Control since early June. Staff describe him as smart, playful and eager to be involved. He enjoys walks, toys and playgroups with other dogs, but can also settle down after he has had time to exercise.
He already knows how to sit and give a paw, takes treats gently and keeps his kennel clean. Staff believe he may have lived in a home before and could already be house-trained.
In other words, Bay’s résumé includes good manners, canine friendships and advanced fence navigation.
Looking for a Home, and a Better Fence
As of publication, Bay is still available for adoption through Cleveland Animal Care & Control, although his future family will need to take his climbing skills seriously.
The shelter recommends leashed walks, hikes and supervised activities instead of leaving him alone in a yard with a climbable fence. A solid privacy fence would be a safer option.
He may also enjoy living with another compatible dog. After all, Bay has already demonstrated exactly how far he is willing to go for canine company.
His future adopter should be ready for an intelligent, active dog who wants to be included in the plans—and who may interpret certain boundaries as optional.
Bay wasn’t climbing to get away.
He just didn’t want to miss the playdate.
Sources: City Dogs Cleveland and Bay’s adoption profile.
