Lost Dogs- Prevention First

When a dog goes missing, it's hard to know what to do or where to start, especially in harsh conditions. This is the first in a series of lost dog recovery tips. First and foremost, we're starting with prevention. We have had at least 3 dogs that we know go missing in the last few weeks!

It's part of our commitment to pass along info that we feel will help you, especially when it's so practical and needed!

1. Get id tags on your dog! If you don't like the sound of clinking tags, get a tag silencer and you'll be set.

2. Microchip your dog.

3. If your dog is microchipped, make sure you register the chip.

4. . Regardless of what company your dog is chipped with, have a second registration with "Home Again"- they are the ONLY company that sends out an "Amber Alert" within 25 miles of your zip code when your dog goes missing and they provide pet insurance for your missing pet- should they be injured when out. Trust us, it's worth the $25.

5. In severe weather conditions- rain, snow- bump up your management- and keep your dog on a leash! Many
dogs wander off in the excitement of the snow and then many not have a clue as to where they are- especially
when you have 2 foot drifts!

6. Get a good picture of your dog, a close up! This is great to have on hand if you need to begin distributing
flyers or posters. Think ahead!

Stay safe and always keep your eyes open. You never know when a 'stray' may be a lost dog. If you have a sighting of a dog and the dog will not approach you (which is very common), post it to craigslist.com with a location and description- it just may reunite a lost pet with a heartbroken owner!

off topic

I notice when I'm incredibly sad or moved...I have to write! So, my apologies to anyone that has clicked and thought that this was just a dog trainer writing about trainery things. Not today. My thoughts and love goes out to the Dimmack family of Washington, PA who just lost their oldest son, Richie, husband a father of three. His death has brought together a lot of hearts and thoughts- messages posted here and there from high school and family friends and "summer" friends from the pool and such. I will remember Richie fondly as a curly headed cutie with a smile that lit up a room- every room. Peace and love to his family.

boys, dogs, scarcity and hope

I got a call today from a local mental health counselor who has a client that is a little boy, (14 years) that is hitting his dog (a pit bull). She has been working with the family for a few months and routinely asks about animals in the home to get a sense of the overall "history" and dynamic of the household. The dog is living in a fence yard and chained near a dog house. He or she is jumping, biting and likely pent up and under exercised- a recipe for avoidance because the dog is probably unpleasant to be around.

This universal "neat-o" factor is that she immediately saw an opportunity for this little guy (the boy, that is). Despite the fact that he hits his dog, he also said, "we keep the dog outside, and I wish he could sleep in my bed."

Bingo, flashing lights, and an "in".

She got on the phone and started calling local dog folks.

Perhaps I'm the only one naive enough, nah, I don't think it's naivete, because trust me I've fire and I've seen rain, as Sir James Taylor would say, especially in the realm of animal welfare.

But, the possibility that we could change something, even if it's just teaching this boy and family how to properly care for their dog, how to help him or her burn energy, to chew on something appropriate, to learn some manners, well it lit me up. It's been a long while since I've felt pulled toward something... but this grabbed me. She'll be giving them my number and we'll see!
Stay tuned.