How to recognize a lost pet
How do you respond when you see an animal wandering the streets, in the street or even at your door?
Yes, this happened to us one night! I opened the door and there was a puppy wiggling with delight as if to say, “I’m free! It is so nice to meet you. Wanna come out and play?!” We brought him in the house and the first thing we noticed was his collar. His wonderful family had included their address, which made it extremely quick and easy for us to take him up the street to his house! When we get our boys new ID tags, they will definitely include their address!
(Ask my husband and he will agree), If we are on our way somewhere, and I see a wandering animal, look out if you are in a hurry! If I have anything to say about it…let me rephrase that, if you listen to what I say about it, we will not be arriving at our destination as expected. I want to stop and find out where they live, if anyone is nearby who may possibly be with them, if they are hungry, hurt or scared. If they need a place to be temporarily, well, of course we take them to our house! Where else is the sweetheart going to stay tonight?
Signs to look for when you see a new animal in your area:
1. Are they dirty or unkept?
2. Are they injured? Is the animal limping, crying, or lying down in an unusual position?
3. Are they showing signs of hunger, such as tipping over neighborhood garbage cans or crying at your door?
4. Do they have a ragged collar or no collar at all?
5. Unsure as to which way to go — we found one pacing our streets, not sure which way to choose. (That is until a bite of chicken was present!)
6. When approached, what posture do they present? Is the animal growling, tail between the legs, head down, hissing? Did they run through several yards or in different directions to get away from you? This may indicate that they are in unfamiliar territory.
7. Are they breathing heavy or walking slowly as if they have been on the road for a while?
Ways that we can help:
1. Keep your eyes open for posters in the area alerting the neighborhood of a missing animal. Jot down the info just in case you see them.
2. Keep your ears open for whimpers, labored breathing, howls, panicked barking, meowing, chirping (whichever sound the specific breed may make). If you hear a sound that concerns you, there may be a reason. Be safe, yet if at all able, check it out or contact animal control.
3. If you cannot take the animal in, even temporarily, maybe you know someone that will.
4. Call or go to your local shelter to report the animal as found or to inquire as to whether they have a missing animal report with a matching description (or even a similar description). Even at an accident scene, if you talk to three different people, most likely there will be three different views as to what happened. If the animal you have found resembles one that is missing, it will only take a phone call from the shelter to reunite them with their family. What a wonderful feeling!
5. Keep your heart open to help, as you are able.
6. Listen to your gut. Sometimes it has the best answer to the nagging question of “What do I do?”
7. Please, do not allow yourself to judge the family. A pet can get away for many reasons and in multiple ways. It can happen to the best of us. If the animal you find has no ID or collar, there may be a logical explanation or maybe the animal lost it on his or her path to you.
Remember, not all animals will fit a typical scenario (such as our story at the beginning of this excerpt). Puppies may not show signs of distress unless they are sick or injured. They are the happy-go-be-free type B personality. They may not be afraid or recognize the danger out there. They may have just entered the world that is an awesome place to explore. It is up to us to guide, direct and lead them home.
Last seen January 19 2009 Fargher Lake Area Vancouver WA
Male Australian Shepherd Mix
Black collar, blue tag
REWARD
$150 Reward is being offered for information leading to Buddy’s safe return home
Contact the Mattila’s
(360) 263 1800
Any time Day or Night
Other Missing Animals
~ Humphrey ~ Sweetpea ~ Ollie
If you like it here…
Get Social N' Help Missing Animals
Come on over and say “Hello” ~ Get social, get paid, and help the animals!
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( 6 so far )
Rescue Paws NorthWest 