Tiki, a 9-year-old senior dog with a knack for mischief and an unwavering love for people, has proven he’ll stop at nothing to stay close to human companionship. His journey began on July 4th when he was found as a stray wandering a road near Ann Arbor, Michigan. Despite being microchipped, his rescuers couldn’t locate an owner, so Tiki was taken in by the Humane Society of Huron Valley. “He arrived with a wagging tail and was more than happy to be petted and loved on by staff and volunteers — and did not want to be left alone,” Wendy Welch, the shelter’s director of marketing and communications, shared with The Dodo.

Humane Society of Huron Valley/Facebook

The shelter was already at capacity, so Tiki was temporarily placed in a crate inside an administrative office. That’s when the staff began to witness his clever and determined nature. “He broke out of his crate, opened the door of the room the crate was in, toured the shelter for a bit, then went out our front doors and right into the arms of one of our amazing veterinarians, who was coming in at 6 a.m.,” Welch said.

Humane Society of Huron Valley/Facebook

Initially, staff thought it was a simple oversight in securing the crate and office. However, Tiki managed to repeat his daring escape. This time, he not only freed himself but also unlocked the office door and navigated his way through several hallways to the shelter’s front doors. Security footage later revealed the full extent of his escapades.

“It’s not obvious where the front doors are,” Welch explained. “Tiki had to wind through several hallways and doorways to find the front door, which is amazing. And, from the video, it looks like he just knew that stepping in front of our automated front doors (locked from the outside, obviously) would make them open from the inside, which is also amazing.”

Humane Society of Huron Valley/Facebook

After his escape, Tiki strolled over to the nearby Matthei Botanical Gardens. Fortunately, the garden staff recognized him as a shelter dog and quickly returned him. “He’s smart and determined to be with people!” Welch said, marveling at Tiki’s ingenuity and persistence.

Tiki’s first adoption attempt didn’t work out due to his intense separation anxiety. However, the Humane Society didn’t give up hope. A few months later, Tiki found another home — and this time, it was a perfect match.

“A few months later, [he was] adopted again, and it looks like it’s a forever love,” the Humane Society said in a happy update. Tiki’s determination to find a home paid off after all! To see Tiki’s clever escape, click on the video below.

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