The secret is revealed.

My dog is a Houdini dog. She cannot be contained. She can unlock locks, open doors, open windows. She has ripped more screens then I care to count; she has jumped out of second story windows to find us; she has climbed up on the roof of the house when all other routes of escape were blocked.

I know these things happen because I see doors that used to be locked- open; and the only creature that could have done it was Lucy. I've been upstairs and heard doors open and close, and when I come searching I see that Lucy has disappeared (or occasionally, reappeared) as if out of the thin air. Sometimes she leaves forensic evidence: scratches, dents, and dog hair. Ripped screens, as I said, but also shredded door frames and splinters of wood all over the floor. Once or twice there have been bloody paw prints leading away from the scene of the crime. It is a little bit freaky. However, I have never actually witnessed these escapades. Until right now.

I am sitting on the couch in the family room. Lucy was outside. She wanted to come in, and since I was busy I didn't immediately rise to open the door for her. Then I heard a scratching noise and I look up to see Lucy, standing on her hind legs, scratching at the door handle. Next, she grabbed it with her teeth and pulled the door open, and as it started to slam shut again she quickly jammed her nose into the opening, and as I sat here, she calmly walked in. The door slammed shut behind her, and Lucy walked past me into the kitchen.

I am not astonished at the fact that she did it; I am astonished at the ease in which it was done. She has had lots of practice, apparently. And even worse, I think she is teaching the cats. The other day, Piper was scratching at the door pretty vehemently, and I swear he almost got the door open.