Yesterday, a Facebook friend shared a post from a teen who had lost her dog. I gave a few ideas; then thought it would be a fine topic to blog.
First of all, please ensure your dog wears a collar with his (or her) rabies tag and a disc with your phone number. (The rabies tag can be tracked in most areas.) These days, many dogs have microchips so they can be identified more easily.
When you first realize your dog is missing, and you have called him and checked any usual spots, here are some things you can do.
Get in your car and if possible, take someone else with you as well as your other dog if you have one. (Make sure the other dog is wearing a collar and lead and fasten him by his lead to the seatbelt in the back seat. (We lock all windows as Buddy seems to be able to place his paw on the switch and open one.)
If you have a bicycle and another person, have them go beside or behind you. Also, it would be good to take a snapshot with you so you could ask walkers if they have seen your dog.
Drive very slowly through your neighborhood and be ready with an additional lead and possibly some treats.
We live in a sub-division where there is a small space between the curb and the asphalt of the road. After "Buddy" had bolted out the front door a few times, we discovered that in fact he always took the path between the road and the curb. It is only about 18 inches wide, but he would follow it around. Sometimes he would head up a driveway or path to someone's front door.
By the way, Buddy is always wearing a collar and we keep a lead by the front door and by the back door.
Of course, no matter how frustrated you are, talk sweetly to your dog and offer him treats.
If these first tries fail, and you have done your ride around the neighborhood, make posters to put up around the neighbourhood; place an ad in your newspaper which can go up immediately online; announce it via e-mail and Facebook and also call your local animal shelter. Telephone your neighbors.
I hope you don't need these tips but if you do, hope they help you get Fido, Fifi or Rover back.
So, we have been lucky because now that he is nearly 8, we have figured out Buddy's pattern.
In our area, it is very hot these days, so some residents might take a dog inside where it is air-conditioned. So, after looking from your car, and calling his name, it would probably be good to do a door-to-door search, actually knocking on doors.
I hope if you are reading this and have additional ideas, you will post them in the comments section.
