Deb D’Andrea, Nederland.  We’ve all seen the posters, the posts, and the call for help to find the lost pup or kitty, or here in the mountains, even horses and goats!  Some find their way home after being missing briefly, just having taken themselves for an afternoon stroll; while others find themselves miles from their home, picked up by strangers and kept as the new family pet. Sadly, others are never found or heard from again.

It’s an empty feeling to think your beloved is out there alone, scared, wandering unsure as to where to go, where you are, lost. If this happens, it’s good for someone to stay in the general area where your beloved went missing, while others span a wider search area.  If after calling and searching till dark with no luck, head to the local police station to report your beloved missing.  Check in with the humane society and local Vet, animal control and other organizations in the area.

Post signs with a picture and description of your beloved, along with contact information; and if you can, include a reward.  Social media like Facebook and Twitter are good ways to get the word out fast, again with lots of pictures; and there is a National Missing Pet Partnership dedicated to reuniting companions with their people.  (www.missingpetpartnership.org)

Several of us hike without leashes, letting our pups run freely through the woods which can quickly cause a missing pet situation. I remember a pet sitter who took a clients pet with them camping, the dog roamed off never to be seen again. While most will stay within sight or within a certain distance to keep an eye on us; others will roam out of sight and check in every so often.

They’re enjoying the freedom to roam and be dogs. I have bells I attach to my Girls’collars when we hike so I can hear them and also help reduce the probability of them spooking any wildlife.

It’s important to ensure you have your most recent contact information on your pups’ tags or chip.  If someone finds your pup wandering down the road, the last thing you want is for them to call a disconnected number!  If you have chipped your dog, you can easily reprogram the chips with updated information.

With spring on the way, keep an eye out when hiking as there are lots of hungry critters who look at our pups as appetizers and will snap them up in the blink of an eye.  While some dogs are very aware of their surroundings and are attune to nature; others are a bit more aloof.  If you have any question in your mind or get that feeling you’re being watched, leash up for safety.

I hope you never experience the feeling of losing a beloved member of your family. I have not, nor have I ever lost a clients beloved companion; but I know many who have. I’ve been told it’s a feeling that never goes away, as if a child was snapped up never to be seen again.

Till next time. Deb D’Andrea, founder of 4TheLuvOfDogz, provides mobile Canine Massage, Canine Agility and Petz Nanny Services for dogs, cats, birds, fish, horses, and other critters. 4TheLuvOfDogz home-made dog treats and K9Birthday Cakes are available direct. Contact Deb at 720-675-7078 or email at info@4theluvofdogz.com for more information.