Lost and found: black dog with long beard

When I prepared to leave Monday evening, I never thought I would get a phone call that my little dog had run away. That he couldn't be found and had been gone for more than 24 hours. 

It was my mothers responsibility to provide safety and nutrition to my little mini schnauzer Pekingese mix. Phineas or "Phin" is what I call him. 

He's a sweet little dog. With a funny smile. Loves kisses. Breath so bad that it can knock you off your feet. Always in my face. Always begging for attention. A little annoying at times, but hes been mine for nine years. I, loyal to him. Him, loyal to me. And I couldn't ask for a better dog. 

As I was listening to the Christmas Concert at St. Louis cathedral, my phone rings. It's 1840 in the evening. I reluctantly answered. My dog was found!

Luckily friends of mine were willing to cut into their dinner time and pick up my lost dog. He'd been gone for 5 days as I sit down south in New Orleans absolutely helpless, as he's 14 hours from me at the moment. But he's found. He's safe.