Eager pup escapes yard, commutes to doggie daycare by himself

A North Carolina family thought their beloved dog was missing, but he really just couldn't wait to hang out with his friends.

Riley, a 5-year-old golden retriever, escaped through an unlocked gate in his family's backyard last week. The family was devastated — until they got a call from local doggie daycare center Happy Dog Cafe.

Turns out, Riley had walked there to play.

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Riley's owner, Tonya Mosteller, told a local CBS affiliate that the family had driven past the daycare earlier that day, and Riley had seen a group of dogs playing together. 

Later that day, presumably plagued by FOMO, he decided it was best to join them.

The daycare immediately called the Mostellers to let them know Riley was okay — and kicking back with 26 of his best dog friends. 

Daycare owner Teresa McCarter also suggested that, since he'd walked a mile to get there, he should hang out for a while.

"He got a free day of daycare and he worked really hard for that day," she said.