Rajah is a lab Catahoula Leopard Dog mix who bolted after fireworks scared her in South Carolina. Her owners Mary Lynn Whitacre and Ryan Washick tried to chase her but she was gone. They searched for hours and even asked for help online, posting that Rajah was microchipped and had tags with phone numbers.
The couple drove around Simpsonville and Woodruff Roads near Heritage Lakes hoping to spot her. Nothing worked so they gave up and went home exhausted. They figured the morning might bring better luck.
At 3 AM they got a shock when their doorbell rang. The Ring camera caught Rajah using her nose to press the button. She looked up at the door almost like she was checking if it worked.
Mary Lynn and Ryan opened the door and saw her standing there with a guilty face like she was sorry for running off. They laughed and were just happy she was home safe. What surprised them most was how she even knew how to ring the doorbell.
The couple said they had just moved in a few months earlier and rarely used the doorbell so it was odd that Rajah figured it out. They called her a smart cookie and were thankful she made it home on her own.
The story is also a reminder about fireworks. Pets hear much sharper than people and loud sounds can spook them badly. It can even harm their hearing.
Owners can try things like tiring pets out during the day, giving them toys or treats, providing a calm safe space, playing soothing music, or using a Thundershirt. If none of that helps, vets can recommend safe medication.
