Becky M.
1 week ago
1...Dont panic but don't wait around...ACT...
2...Search immediate area. Under cars, porches, in culvert, under bushes. Try to find out how the dog got out and look for tracks to see what direction may have travelled. Has this happened before and where did dog run to, and where waspup found last time. If you have another dog, walk that dog with you. Bring squeaky toys and squeak away, food in cans to shake, try not to call the name as pup maybe very scared and will run farther. This happens a lot. DO NOT CHASE.
2...If microchipped, call and report missing, that's why that dog is chipped. If tags, call the town or county and report also.
3...Get your scent out there. Take dirty t shirts, linen, drag them from point of escape to property line and then around that property line. If walking in rural areas try to backtrack straight to property, if you zig and zag too much may confuse pup. Then tear clothes into shreds and place on fence, trees. Place a bowl of water on property, each property different so use common sense on yours. Food,k this one is tough. I personally stage a food bowl with both kibble and yummy treats, including moist. Many people however worry about predators and again, it will be based on your area, and personal thoughts. I also use liquid smoke trails leading back to property.
4...Get the word out. Post on social media everywhere. Important information to have on post..Town, crossroads where missing from, last sighting location, direction of traffic if known, collar color, tag, chipped, description and PHOTO. ALWAYS A CONTACT NUMBER. You need to be called ASAP if found or sighted. This seems to be forgotten
alot. Let all shelters know, veterinarian offices, neighbors, NEXT DOOR app. SOCIAL MEDIA LOST PET SITES, YOUR OWN FB. Make sure posts are shareable.
AND FLYERS EVERYWHERE!!! Flyers bring as many lost animals home as social media because not everyone ON social media. SIGHTINGS will be super important, animals can travel MILES away. I will include an example of a flyer and how to display.
5...Now that you have flyers made, get friends, local kids, get those flyers up and given to everyone. Think outside the box for your area. Who can help, who are resources, the mail carriers, buses, tow truck drivers, etc
Put a GIANT sign in front of your home if animal lost from there. Use bright non perm markers and write BIG on your and neighbors cars.
6...Never give up. Keep the Faith. Animals have been found weeks, months, years later. Refresh signs, social media.
7...IMPORTANT..Most lost dogs will go into a flight mode. They panic, they may not recognize the owners voice, have seen this happen many many times. DO NOT CHASE. Stop, sit down, no eye contact. Have treats and toss them, sing, talk soft use FAMALIAR words like " let's go bye bye" or phases your dog knows. Be patient. Pretend cry, hum. Remain calm. If pup leaves the area, follow with eyes what direction but DO NOT CHASE. Your dog may circle around you and come right back around. Allow your dog to smell you. If pup leaves the area remember your scent is now there. Plan B set up food station, game cameras can be added. My post is long enough so I shall stop now. But reach out to your local rescues to assist.
Remember to always have a way for that animal to get back in at all times if you are not home but please secure your other pets.
Praying you find him safely and quickly!
