Here is a lesson to all…THE IMPORTANCE OF AN EMERGENCY RECALL. I still don’t have it yet, and I am trying to learn. Here is why it is important. Our first night at my new 3rd story apartment, I opened the door to carry in a suitcase and when I did, Riyo shot out the door and down the hall. It was unusual for him to run off like that, but I guess in a new place he was just excited. This all took place in a matter of seconds, but it seems like it was all in slow motion. I watched helplessly as he ran to the end of the hall, reached the railing, and as I was desperately screaming for him to stop….he jumped through the railing and disappeared. I have never been so hysterical in my entire life. It was dark and late, no one was around, but I was screaming so loud, there were people around in no time. I found Riyo, motionless, laying on the sidewalk three stories down. I’ll skip the details, but he and I were extremely lucky. The little guy was so light, that while he was knocked senseless from the fall, the vet at the emergency clinic soon informed me that he miraculously suffered no broken bones or internal injuries. I later learned, a larger dog the day before was not so lucky and was killed. SO. If you are as attached to your dogs as I am to mine, try to teach an emergency recall! I am still working on it. Meanwhile, I just make extra sure he stays away from dangers like long falls, cars, and unleashed larger dogs. It only takes a second.