Just a quick update:
Zekes paw is finally healed and he is acting like he has puppy energy. Basically prancing when he runs etc, its hilarious.
Finished the fence about two weeks ago around the whole backyard. Its about 1000’ and mostly through the woods, it felt so good. First day after I finished I was doing some work in the front yard and wouldnt you know it, here comes Zeke walking on up to me. WTF! It was very discouraging, almost heartbreaking. Sooo much work and he defeated it immediately. He’s basically a genius as far as dogs go so while it was disappointing it wasnt that surprising, half expected even. I go walk the fence line to see if I can find clues as to where he got out - find a fucking tree fell on it in the woods, flattened it - on the first night! He just walked on out. Life has a funny way of testing you and keeping you humble. Fixed it and he has not got out yet. I watched him through the windows today as he tried probing for an exit for over an hour. He kept trotting up and down the fence in the woods, doubling back and looking for a way out and he found nothing. I feel reasonably confident he is stuck in the backyard for now.
Kids are staying at the grandparents tonight. When the wife and I got home from dinner I decided Id let him in the house for a few minutes to sniff around. When he came in my wife greeted him like she used to (high pitched “Hi Zekey” and some petting). Thats great and all but the best part was after maybe five minutes he just went and stood at the garage door and stared at me. He wanted to go back out to the garage. I always question it but I know now that he’s comfortable out there to the point its where he prefers to be. It made me feel like a million dollars.