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Finding Your Lost Dog

Losing a dog can be a devastating experience, and finding your lost dog is of paramount importance. It is an emotional time, so it is important to try to remain calm and take all the best steps in finding your lost dog. Trying to figure out where your dog may have gone, checking with your animal shelter, canvassing your area, and passing out “lost dog” fliers can all be helpful in finding your lost dog.

When you first realize your dog is missing, try to determine how he got away. While this may not seem important, it can give you a little bit of insight into how far away the dog may be and why he has run off. If your normally well-behaved pooch simply took advantage of a gate that was left open, chances are he is just wandering up and down your street, exploring the world outside. On the other hand, if your highly excitable dog has been digging or chewing to get himself free, he may be frustrated enough to be venturing much further from home. Obviously, if your pet has “doggy friends” living nearby, those homes are a good starting place for finding your lost dog.

If you do not immediately locate your lost dog, contact your local animal shelter. Provide them with a description of your dog and ask if they have your dog or if anyone has notified them of a dog matching that description. Most shelters will take your contact information and notify you if someone brings in a dog matching your pet’s description. Other shelters may ask you to check back with them; be sure to note the shelter’s operating hours and when you should contact them again.

The more people looking for your pet, the better your chances are of finding your lost dog. Enlist the help of friends and neighbors if you can. Spread your resources throughout your neighborhood and surrounding neighborhoods as best you can. Try to talk to as many people as possible, to try to find out the route your lost dog may have taken.

Passing out “lost dog” fliers and hanging them up anywhere you are permitted can be a great help in finding your lost dog. Be sure to include a description, recent picture (color, if possible), and the name of your pet. List when and where your dog was last seen. If there is any pertinent medical information (such as, “Dog needs medication daily,”) include this on the fliers as well. If you choose to offer a reward, simply state, “Reward offered” it is best not to state a specific amount. For your own safety, list only your phone number on the fliers, not your name or address.

Finding your lost dog can be an exhausting and very emotional experience. Prevention, of course, is best; keeping your dog securely within your home or yard and always ensuring he has identification on him can help. If your dog is lost, though, keep in mind that the more people who are looking the sooner you will find your lost dog. Enlisting the help of others and passing out “lost dog” fliers can go a long way in finding your lost dog.

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