Case of the Missing New Balance

As of late we have had a little issue with disappearing shoes.  We have a fluctuating pile of shoes outside the door in the garage.  The shoe pile grows and grows until we can no longer get in the door then we sort them and return them to their proper storing areas within the owner's bedroom.

Several months ago I noticed that one of Henry's New Balance tennis shoes was missing.  It was summer and he was living in his Sanuk flip-flops so I was not overly concerned and decided it would turn up eventually if searched hard enough for.

Well, it had not turned up and to make matters worse more shoes disappeared from aforementioned shoe pile.

Last weekend we were heading out and I instructed the children to get their shoes on. 

Henry said, "I can't find my Sanuk." 

Me:  "Wear your Vans."

Him:  "I can only find one."

Me:  "Wear your Crocs."

Him:  "I only see one."

Me:  "Henry.. This is ridiculous.  Where are your shoes?  Where did you take them off?"

Him:  "I don't know.  I ususally leave them in the pile."

We search high and low.. All of us.  Clark and Nelson too. Under the couch, the bed, our room, our closet, their room, their closet... I am beyond annoyed.  How is it possible we are missing one of every single pair of Henry's shoes?  And the New Balance has been missing for months...

Then, it hits me.  Several weeks ago I was out in the garage and noticed the Pomeranian from down the cul-de-sac in the neighbors garage across the street.. Not his home, mind you... And after a few minutes I see him tearing out of that garage, as fast as his little tiny legs would carry him, heading toward HIS home, with a shirt in his mouth that I watched him pull out of a laundry basket....

It was just as I was at my wits end yelling at Henry.. Yelling at Clark.. "We can't afford to go buy... OH MY GOD IT'S THE POM! HE IS STEALING HENRY'S SHOES!"

At this point they all think I am crazy.  Clark assures me that their is no way...

Me:  "GO!!  Go look down the cul-de-sac and see if you can find them."

Clark goes and sure enough there they are... One Croc, one Sanuk, and one Vans.  Carelessly scattered about the Pom's yard.

For the record none of Nelson's shoes have disappeared and the New Balance is still MIA.. I have yet to toss the other one in hopes that it will still turn up.  But if you ask me, the only thing worse than losing a pair of shoes... is losing one shoe.  You always have that one to remind you of your loss...