Where Oh Where Is My Puppy

-Deb D’Andrea-
Nederland, CO-

We’ve all seen the posters, the posts, and the call for help to find the lost pup or kitty.  Some find their way home soon after disappearing, just having taken themselves for an afternoon stroll; while others find themselves miles from their home being picked up by strangers and kept as their family pet; and sadly, others are never found or seen from again.

It’s an empty feeling to think your beloved pup is out there alone, scared, wandering the world unsure as to where to go, where you are, and wondering where home is.  If your pup goes missing, it’s best for someone to stay in the general area where they were last seen, while other people span a wider area calling their name.  If after searching till dark with no luck, head to the local police station to report your pup missing.  Check in with the local humane society, the local Vet, animal control and other dog organizations in the area, and post signs which include a reward.  Social media like Facebook and Twitter are good ways to get the word out fast and be sure to include pictures.  There is also a National Missing Pet Partnership dedicated to reuniting companions with their people.  (www.missingpetpartnership.org)

Several of us hike without leashes on trails, letting our pups run freely through the woods.  Most pups stay within sight or within a certain distance to keep an eye on us; others will roam out of sight, checking in every so often as they enjoy the freedom to roam and be dogs.  I have small bells I attach to my girls collars when we hike so I can hear where they are if they go out of sight (which is never), and the bells help reduce the risk of them spooking wildlife.  I also hike with an air horn just in case they run back to me with a mountain lion in tow!  I’ve found air horns to be incredibly useful in several hiking situations.

In areas where I know there are lots of cars, other dogs, predators or possibly open mines, my girls will be on leash.  I have a couple 6 foot leashes and a couple 25 foot leashes that are always in my car.  It’s important 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 reprogram the chips with updated information.

There are lots of critters who look at our dogs as appetizers and will snap them up in the blink of an eye, especially if your dog is roaming free having escaped with their leash on.  Leashes can wrap around trees, cables and fences, making your dog easy prey for a hungry critter.  Did you see the Goat scene in the “Jurassic Park” movie?  That would be your dog.

Some dogs are aware of their surroundings and are aware of nature; others are a bit more oblivious.  Keep a close eye and ear out when with your dog, you are in the wild, and if you have any question in your mind or get that feeling you’re being watched, leash up and head home for safety.  Even in Old Town, people mentioned to me they have seen packs of coyotes looking for that snack and hanging outside fences.

Till next time…Deb D’Andrea, founder of 4TheLuvOfDogz, provides mobile Canine Massage, PawQuatics, Canine Agility and Petz Nanny Services.  Her home-made dog treats are sold at local stores, and 4TheLuvOfDogz K9Birthday Cakes are available direct.  Deb Petz Nanny’s for dogs, cats, birds, fish, horses, etc.  Contact Deb at 720-675-7078 or info@4theluvofdogz.com.