Daycare So Good, Dogs Show Up on Their Own

Nothing screams “you have a great daycare” like having dogs show up without an adult on a day they’re not supposed to be there. Security footage captured the moment Missy, a 5-year-old husky mix, did just that, knocking on the doors of Spot’s Place Daycare in Regina, Saskatchewan, with no adult in sight.

The morning of her great escape, Millie’s usual routine had unexpectedly changed. Instead of going off to doggy daycare as they usually did, her dad had ridden his bike to work without her. As it happened, Missy was scheduled for a vet visit later that day, but she clearly had other plans.

Being the resourceful dog that she was, she decided to dig a hole under the fence and make her escape. Soon, she had run all the way there and was standing at the daycare door with a big doggy smile on her face, waiting to be let in. She was covered in mud so they gave her a bath, then notified mom and dad that their little girl was safe with them.

According to Spot’s Place’s client care manager, Sierra Davis, Missy has "a very big personality," so while her arrival was surprising, it was very “on brand.” She has a mind of her own, as most huskies do, and she looked very proud of herself as she walked in and greeted everyone at the facility.

Typically, her dad will bike with her to and from daycare each day, but Missy had a vet appointment on this particular day, which is why she was left at home. When dad went off without her, she apparently decided to take matters into her own hands.

“We were shocked to see her standing at the door and also relieved that she made it to us safely," Davis said. "We later found out she was digging before she came to us, and that’s why she was so dirty. The ground in their yard had shifted, leaving a gap under the gate, so she dug the gap a bit bigger in order to fit through.”

Once she had been cleaned up and was suitably worn out from endless play with her best friend Shaggy, Missy enjoyed a nap behind the front desk until her owner could pick her up.

“Her mom was at an appointment so asked if Missy could stay and hang out with us until she could come grab her, and, of course, the answer was yes.” She came as soon as she was able; it was about two-and-a-half hours after we called, but she knew Missy would be well cared for until she arrived.

Missy Becomes an Internet Sensation

Staff at the daycare never imagined they would generate so much attention, but Missy’s antics have certainly delighted internet users. The rescue husky’s little escapade has turned her into a bona fide celebrity. In the days since Missy’s adventure went viral, her Instagram post has amassed 13M views. Needless to say, people were quick to laud her independent and unapologetic nature. And they love the idea that Spot’s Place Daycare is such a good place to go that dogs will literally escape from home to spend the day there.

Story complements of Alyce Collins for Newsweek, the DoDo, and the daycare’s social media account (missy the Husky daycare adventure - @spotsplaceyqr on Instagram).

Missy getting a hug at her favorite place