Mortimer, the star dachshund of Fred and Jane Best's Dachshunds always wanted to explore the world beyond his pen in their barn. A beautiful late April Sunday evening gave Fred the idea to air out the breeding barn. The night was gorgeous. Anxious to get a smoke, Fred walked out to the fence behind the barn and looked out over the valley while he smoked. Fred forgot one thing. He left Mortimer's gate open. Mortimer's dream of freedom stared him in the face.

Temptation won out and the little dog snuck out of his pen into the night away from the incandescent light streaming from the open barn door. Fred returned to the barn, turned off the light, shut and locked its door, and returned to the house.

Mortimer was free for the first time in his life from Fred, premium dog food, and safety. Quickly he found out that this adventure would not be peaches and cream. The search for food, water, and shelter, would be tough. Mortimer would be nagged by Fear, Hunger, Thirst, and Despair, many challenges in one huge ordeal. How will it turn out? Will Mortimer survive these trials and make it back to Fred's. Will he be adopted by someone else, or will Mortimer join a pack of dogs, doomed to a life without premium dog food? The answer will be found within these pages. Enjoy