I remember it like yesterday. On August 9, 1999 we moved from New Jersey back to Toronto. We arrived at our new home very late and that night our family slept on top of the blankets we had spread out on the floor (our furniture and other belongings were to meet us the next day via Allied Movers).
The next morning, kind friends came over to welcome us back and share a cup of coffee. We went out to the backyard where it was cooler and that is when I noticed we were missing something, or I should say some bodies!
Where are Dana and Nina? I asked my husband Ian as I looked around the backyard.
Dotty, our Pomeranian stood by my feet surveying the lay of the new land, but where in heaven were our other two?
I felt panic creeping into my bones.
I think they are still in the house, at least they were a few minutes ago when I answered the door Ian replied.
I ran into the house and called to them.
When they didn't respond, I knew.
Ian, they're not in here! I shouted through the open window as I ran through the house continuing to call their names.
As I ran past the front door, I saw it. The screen door had not closed properly and I saw the one inch open crack, just enough for a canine nose to prod wider.
Oh my God, they're gone! I screeched.
Ian came running from the backyard and I showed him the screen door.
We quickly made a plan that I would drive the neighbourhood and Ian would start walking around our street and cover the nearby park.
We had been in this house less than 24 hours and hadn't had the opportunity to even walk the block yet due to our late arrival.
My hands were shaking as I put the key in the ignition.
Because I did not know the streets or the area, I had no idea where I was going or in which direction I was headed, I just drove. As I did, I scanned the street I was on from side to side and up and down the ones I passed. I soon realized that I was passing the same streets and that I was going in one very large circle, and still no sign of the girls!
I decided to turn down one of the side streets which opened up a whole new area and a number of streets I hadn't checked. As I turned a corner and looked up ahead I saw two figures in the distance which looked very canine! Thank the Lord, I said to myself, this just has to be them. As I drove closer I could see that it was indeed the two of them. Dana was sniffing a tree on someone's boulevard and Nina seemed to be waiting for her.
I pulled over to the side of the road where they were and jumped out of my car. I had never in my life been so happy to see anyone! I called to them as tears streamed down my face. Both girls came over and happily greeted my arrival. I hugged and petted them both and they looked at me as if to say what's all the fuss and will you be joining us on our adventure?
I opened the car door and both dogs willingly and cheerfully jumped in (oh boy, another adventure, this time it's a car adventure!)
When I returned home, Ian was no where to be found, so I drove around our block and found him walking up the street shouting their names from the top of his lungs. I pulled up beside him and when he looked over and saw them in the car, I saw the look of immediate relief on his face.
While the outcome of our incident ended in a safe return, many such occurrences don't. Losing a beloved dog is one of the most devastating, traumatic and frightening situations an owner can experience. It can happen to anyone and can take a matter of only seconds. In fact, it is estimated that one-third of all pets will be lost at least once in their lifetime.
What do you do if your dog becomes lost?
1) Start the search for your pet immediately. Begin looking for your dog by circling around your block, and then gradually widen the circle to include neighbouring areas. Be sure to have a friend or family member wait outside your home in case your dog returns. Be sure to check all local parks, dog runs and any of your dog's favourite places throughout the neighbourhood.
2) Call and visit your local animal control shelter and humane society
3) Call veterinarians, boarding facilities, groomers, pet supply stores and dog walkers in the area
4) Contact your local parks department
5) Contact local schools and have an announcement made over the P.A. system
6) Design a flyer which includes your name, address and telephone number (include a beeper and/or cell number if you have them) and a detailed description of your dog. Include a picture if possible. If not, be sure to mention the colours of the dog, the breed or breed mix and size. Include the date the dog went missing and where and when s/he was last seen. You can offer a reward (you need not specify how much).
7) Distribute flyers to mail carriers, local merchants, neighbours and anyone else who frequents the area. Post the flyers in as many eye-catching spots as possible (laundry mats, grocery stores, bus stops and community centres). Be sure that the animal shelters veterinarians, boarding facilities, dog walkers, groomers and pet supply stores also receive a copy of the flyer.
8) Contact newspapers (Many papers offer lost pet service at no charge. Try and include a picture if possible) and radio stations. Check the found section daily.
9) Walk/drive the neighbourhood. Stop and knock on doors; ask people if they would mind looking in their yard or garage. Make sure a flyer is left. As you walk call out the dog?s name or squeak a favourite toy.
10) Talk to the children and teens who play and live in the neighbourhood and give them a flyer.
11) Design an e-mailable flyer (picture included) and send to lost pet agencies (www.pawswithheart.com, www.strays.ca, www.petfinder.com, www.infopet.ca), dog rescue groups and media contacts.
12) If your dog is mircochipped, contact that company and report your dog missing.
13) Make sure you have your answering machine on at all times and respond quickly to any calls you may receive.
Be Preventative and Prepared!
1) Place visible ID tags and licenses your dog's collar and be sure the address and telephone information is current so that if s/he is found the tags trace to you accurately.
2) Have your dog microchipped
3) Spay or Neuter! (Sterilized dogs are often less likely to wander)
4) Do not leave dogs unsupervised in backyards
5) Check to make sure screen doors close properly (something I should have done and have since remedied)
6) Put your dog in a "safe" place if you are engaging in professional services such as painters, carpet cleaners or plumbers
7) Walk your dog on a leash
8) Take good, clear photographs of your dog (if possible, both digitally and hard copy)
9) Be attentive to your dog when you have visitors at the door
10) Check your fence for gaps or holes. Gates often have just enough room underneath for small dogs to squeeze under
11) Do not leave your dog tied outside of variety stores, coffee shops, supermarkets or other such establishments.
12) Monitor children's activities as they often leave doors and gates open
13) Take an obedience class
14.
Don't get discouraged, it can take several weeks or longer to find your dog, but please don't give up!