We never want to think about this ever happening, but it does, and it is best to be prepared for it. There are too many scam artists out there now, as sick as that is. Many people call and say they have your dog, but they need fare to get back to you. They will say they were driving through on vacation, or they are trucker drivers, for example, just to get the money; they never bring the dog.
First make sure pets have collars and tags or micro chips or tattoos on them. The embroidery collars look good, but if it has your dog's name on it, that is just an easier way for people to steal your dog by calling its name. On the tag or the tattoo only put numbers, never the dog's name. The last four digits of your phone number, social security number, or the year you were born,for example. That way when they call, you can ask what is on the tag or tattoo. Only someone who has the dog in front of them will know this.
Keep all phone numbers handy and know where all the animal shelters and the veterinarian offices are in your area. Call in the daytime to see if anyone brought in a hurt dog or found a dog he or she wanted to get checked out. Also, see if there are any pet rescue organizations in your area.
Keep a really good picture of your dog. Capture all sides of your dog and have a picture taken with you and the family and the dog, even if it is just a friend who takes it with a disposable camera. If I were to bring a dog back, I would want proof that I was at the right house. Keep vet records and registration papers as further proof that the dog is yours.
Talk to everyone in the neighborhood. Neighbors, the postman, UPS drivers, kids, garbage man, and crossing guard's--everyone. Walk the neighborhood.
Put up posters/flyers with a reward but don't say the amount. Include the dog's picture and a little description. Leave something out of the description, however, such as the four numbers I spoke of or a physical description such as a missing half of tail, so that they have to "prove" the identity of the dog. Never put your name or address on a flyer. Check your posters often to see if any fell down. Put them at waist-high level. Remember to take them down if the dog is found or a reasonable amount of time has past.
Go To Page: 1 2
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Jewl Ann Wall's Service Dogs topic, please visit the Discussions page.