Valerie B.
2 weeks ago
LOST-Tips…(Written as though for a dog, can apply to other pets as well).
Please be aware NOT IMMEDIATELY TRUST messages or texts with someone claiming to have your pet.
Also-comments about telling you to reach out to a number of some rescue site (often on a popular social media site) that helped them in the past-be very cautious of those. So many are not true.
And comments saying to message them for tips-they can easily post them here like the rest of us do/don’t trust that.
Be cautious. So many
s-c-a-m-m-e-r-s (I have to spell it out like this so the comment doesn’t get declined, due to that word.)
First-If you have your phone number listed, and/have offered a reward anywhere, be very careful of people not true/just for the reward-DO NOT GIVE ANYONE A CODE that they ask for (sent to your phone) when they say they want to verify it’s you. This is how they reset your information (the old reset your password code).
ALSO- they will SAY they have your pup but will not give any
proof-they want money first.
I’m so sorry to read this.
This is the first time I’m seeing your post so you may have already done these things...(and some may be duplicated of what has been posted).
Suggestions:
When posting, mention cross streets, city and state as well if posting to a national database, and date/time of when missing.
*Nextdoor (.com) is a very helpful neighborhood site.
Ring app-post there.
Check Craigslist constantly in all surrounding areas. Check lost and found and classified sections.
Contact emergency vets in case someone brought him/her in. (Sometimes it’s done because it’s an after-hours place to check for a chip).
*Call your local animal services to report him/her as missing.
*If there’s a chip, make sure your info is up to date and notify the chip company that he/she is missing.
*Post a large lost dog/cat sign (and photo if handy/don’t wait if you don’t have one-at least get the sign up) in your own yard. Some people have written on a large cardboard box and put that in their front yard.
*Finders often drive/walk with the pet, looking for the pet’s owners/home. And this way, more people associate you with your pet. Especially when it’s usually inside.
*Knocking door to door. Many times the pet is with a neighbor who is trying to find its home. (Listen for their bark too!)
*Going to the local shelters. Often times calling hasn’t worked-the pup is there but the shelter is so busy, they don’t realize-go and look. ***Also***many (because of space) have only a 3 day hold before adopting out. (or worse) And then it’s over. You cannot get your pup back. No personal adopter/new owner info is given to you. Horrible when this happens.
If lost during an outing, in the future, it is best to use a comfortable harness, with collar and tag, and leash that you can comfortably keep a good grip on/or secure to you. An unrestrained dog can so easily get startled and take off-it happens very often. And, at a minimum, attach their leash to a seatbelt (preferably an unused one) in the event of an accident, they cannot dart out. It happens so very often.
*Send/leave fliers at area vets and pet supply stores that can check for chips. Hang on your mailbox if possible. Give one to your mail carrier.
*Hoping your baby is safely back home with you quickly.
Also—-Please post an update (at the top of your original post (vs, or in addition to in the comments) when you have good news to share. 😊😊Keeps us from sharing inaccurate information. Not everyone will know to read the comments for the good news. 😊😊 😊Three dots on top right of your post-gives you edit options. Thank you!
