Children will sometimes go to such lengths to accomplish a task. On this chilly morning, a child is standing along Temperance Avenue, just north of McKinley. Couldn't tell if it is a boy or a girl -- he or she had her hood up. A dog sits next to the child, and the child has a sign on his/her front and back that says "Found dog." That method of trying to reunite a pooch and its owner would never occur to me -- especially as cold as it is today.
Is this doggy yours?
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As cute or sweet as that may be, my thoughts go out to the danger or futility of that move. Got out a soapbox to educate a bit and share information that may help others in the same situation.
Within a few days most dogs can be 4-10 miles away from they're original home base. Whether by others relocating it or just on foot, they can migrate but fast!
Also just the danger in approaching or interacting with a stray animal is there for everyone and healthy pets at home alike. Caution should always be used so not to spread disease or protect children from animals that have not been exposed to humans in smaller form.
I feel bad for the child's possible disappointment when it comes to finding the actual owner. I am also concerned for such a child's safety as all it would take is for an adult to stop and say I know where the owner is, lets BOTH go return the pet. Just a bad event waiting to happen.
On a positive side at the least maybe a safe passerby will pick it up and give it a new home. However advertising through the paper, flyers with pictures at local Veterinary Hospitals, Kennels, Pet Stores or Gas Stations even is best. These frequented businesses are where it has a better chance of being recognized and reunited with the owner.
A friend and associate of hers are expanding some services in the Fresno area for lost pets, owner education and more. All pet related, with some media or businesses possibly publicizing the "Top 10 Most Wanted" lost pets, while also advertising the ones that were found. These processes are in the early stages but should soon be a dynamic new way to help out pets and their owners to resolve separation issues.
During the hustle and bustle of the Holiday season the pets can get neglected till the get that red and white chew toy Christmas morning. In rural areas with dove hunting going on along with loud sounds, that sent some friend's dogs running away. It was overnight for them but some are not so lucky. Part of these services are in using animals trained in scent tracking to find lost pets via LostAPet.org. Reversing the process sometimes in helping the lost pet find the owner is also part of the equation too for what is being developed in the Fresno County area. For now things in development may not help this child out in the cold, but I personally would've been one to stop, photograph the dog, talk to the child's parents as to a contact number, getting the child off of the road, and I would've had posters put up around the neighborhood by the end of the day. That's assuming that kind of advertising was not done, but taking it to an overcrowded and understaffed SPCA should be a last resort. Call them out though if the animal is injured or dangerous. Also it shouldn't be approached as it could harm you or those you love.
Having worked with the SPCA I know they do as they can, but the public needs to be educated as to how to find their pet properly. Many call down to the SPCA or other shelters without even going to look for themselves. Years ago my purebred whippet (like a smaller greyhound) got out and they had it described on the cage card as a Terrier Cross. Another in the kennel thought it was a Labrador mix. , I would've never found her had I not gone down there to look for myself and if I had taken the word of the person on the phone that they had 'no whippets here'.
This is not the only example of this happening. Even the personnel there now, encourage people to come down and look in all the wards for one's pet for themselves. I even found another friend's dog in the area to be adopted, when it had been gone for 4-5 days. There are many Animal Control, Humane Shelters, and Veterinary Hospitals that people should check in Clovis and other outlying communities too.
The key in finding an owner or a pet, is time and getting out the flyers with pictures (get a current one now showing the pet, side and front), phone number and the word "Reward" in big letters at top to get people's attention. Even if it's a few dollars or what you can afford to offer up, people will appreciate the effort. Be aware of the increased traffic, sites and smells that may cause animals to bolt and leave for better territory. Your attention to your animal during the busier times of the year will keep it home, safe, and possibly keep little kids off of a rural roadside as well.
On Saturday March 29th, 2008 my blue nose pitt bull went missing and I was just wondering if anyone can tell me somethings to do to find him.. We really miss him.. Please help....