Cupcake asks… Do you know how to Give to the Max?

Here in Minnesota we have this unique thing called Give to the Max Day.

It’s one day

Thursday, November 15th (that’s today!)

for just 24 hours

thousands of Minnesota nonprofits come together to raise millions of dollars in just 24 hours. The idea is to bring attention to Minnesota non-profits while at the same time helping them to raise money so they can continue to give back to their communities (people and pets).

It’s also money that in many cases will help them operate for another year.

Non-profits have an added bonus for participating in Give to the Max Day… a chance to win matching dollars by winning one of the tiered grant prizes:

$12,500 prize grant*

$5,000 prize grant*

$2,500 prize grant*

$1,000 prize grant**

*Awarded to the top three nonprofit organizations which receive the most dollars during Give to the Max Day.

**Awarded to each nonprofit in 4th through 10th place.

This year there is one non-profit that is very much in need of your dollars and a chance at one of the grant prizes – Minnesota Sheltie Rescue (MNSR).

This organization is very near and dear to my heart. They walked with me, searched with me, supported me, and paid dollars out of their precious funds, to help me find my missing foster Sheltie, Cupcake. I cannot begin to tell you how much they were there for me throughout the 12 days she was missing. Do you know many rescues do that for their foster dogs? I can tell you from experience, not many.

Dawn is grateful that Minnesota Sheltie Rescue and its wonderful donors were there in her time of need. She was almost catatonic, and her coat was matted with dog poop. She was treated for ear mites, had a lipoma removed, came through complications from her spay, and had 9 teeth extracted during her dental.

But, MNSR has done much more than that.

In 2012, they rescued Shelties in need from across the country. They took in dogs left behind in shelters, strays found by strangers, and puppy mill dogs in need of a second chance. As a result, MNSR had some really huge medical bills this year. Through Oct. 31st, 2012, they paid out over $46,000.00 in veterinary costs – this was to cover spaying and neutering, teeth extractions, vaccinations, medicine, and special care for dogs with thyroid issues, seizures, and other more serious medical issues.

There has been a big increase in the number of older Shelties being released from breeding facilities (i.e., puppy mills) and, as you can imagine, most of these dogs have not been in good health. With the great generosity of past donors, MNSR had the funds to help these dogs in 2012, but now those funds have been used up.

We could really use your help.

Minnesota Sheltie Rescue is so very important to me. Won’t you help me to give back and help other Shelties in need?

You don’t have to be from Minnesota.

You don’t even have to give big (although we welcome big donations!) – $5 or $10 makes a difference – and on Give to the Max Day it makes even more of a difference because sponsors will double your donation. 

It’s so easy to do too! Just click on any one of the photos in this post or click on this link: 
http://givemn.razoo.com/story/Minnesota-Sheltie-Rescue
and make a donation today. Because…

It’s only one day

Thursday, November 15th

for only 24 hours

Cupcake says thank you!

Cupcake came from a puppy mill with her baby. She was terrified of people and was almost feral. She is so grateful that Minnesota Sheltie Rescue paid for her spay, her teeth extractions and the medicine she needed to help her cope with her new world. She and her mom are also very grateful that Minnesota Sheltie Rescue brought them together and helped them find one another when Cupcake was lost. She never would have found her forever home if not for MNSR. She thanks you for your donation.

Missing Dog Memories and a New Lost Dog

I know I say this quite frequently, but I really did have something else planned for today’s post. Something informative. Something interesting.

Instead, all I can think about is a missing Sheltie girl named Lizzie.

Maybe it has to do with how long she has been missing – 32 days as of November 13th.

Or maybe it’s the cold weather we are experiencing right now – 19 degrees as of this Tuesday morning.

Or it could be where she is hanging out - a brushy field alongside a man-made lake where coyote and fox dens are plentiful.

More than likely, it’s also because the anniversary of the day I first lost my dog, Cupcake, is fast approaching – November 18th.

I can’t help but feel strong emotions as I watch the drama of Lizzie’s story unfold so much like it did for Cupcake. My memories of those 12 days are still so strong even now, a year later. I still tear up when I remember how Cupcake sighed and sank against me when she finally realized she had found me and was safe. I think it was in that moment that I fully  understood how scared and worried and fearful she had been during her ordeal. I certainly knew how scared I had been. Finding one another was one of the most intense, most powerful, moments of my life.

I cannot help but feel the same feelings as for Lizzie. I know she must be so very frightened. And, there is so much that is similar to Cupcake’s story.

Lizzie…

• Went missing while away from home. Her home is in Rochester, Minnesota, but she was staying with her owner’s daughter when she got away from her.
• Seems to be staying in the same general area now, although she did travel quite far at first.
• Has mostly been sighted in the early morning hours or late evenings.
• Is hanging out in areas known to have coyotes.
• Has many of the same people searching for her that helped search for Cupcake.
• Was even sighted sleeping near a wooded area – just like Cupcake.

One of the many dens found in the area Lizzie has been seen.

I know we are close. She has been sighted many times and seems to have a pattern to her days. It is only a matter of time before we get her. But until then, I will worry and pray and hope that she stays safe. This one is too close to my heart and too close to my own recent experience not to worry.

If you want to help, please send some good thoughts Lizzie’s way and pray she stays safe until we can get her. If you live in Apple Valley, MN, please keep an eye out for her. She has been seen in the downtown area. If you do see her, DO NOT CHASE her. She is a former puppy mill dog and afraid of most people. She even ran from her caretaker. This is what Shelties do when they are in survival mode. Instead, if you see her, please call 651-206-4777 or 507-319-5547.

I’ll keep you updated on Lizzie’s progress. I hope she is caught soon.

Favorite Video Friday – Lost Pet Reunions

Update: Early this morning, Aug. 30th,  Cappy was sighted near home. Miracle of miracles, he is home safe now!

Tonight we got a bit of good news. Cappy was sighted not too far from home. A trap is on it’s way to his last known location tonight in hopes we can catch him. Please say some prayers that he is soon home where he will be safe.

I know that his parents, Kris and Doug, are very much hoping that this will be the case. I can imagine how worried and scared they are for him. Was it only 10 months ago I was experiencing the same worries and fears?

Maybe that’s why this video so resonated with me. It’s a wonderful message of hope for those who lose their pets, hoping one day they come home safely to them. The people who have been the recipients of Granite State Dog Recovery’s good efforts are indeed lucky people. God bless them and those who are helping to find Cappy. Thank you Minnesota Sheltie Rescue, Lost Shelties MN and LostDogs-MN for all your hard work to help bring lost dogs home.

You can see more videos by Granite State Dog Recovery, and the work they do, on their YouTube channel, helpfindhope1.

Have a wonderful Friday everyone.

Come home Cappy. Come home.

The Search for Cappy – Lost Sheltie in Lake Elmo, MN

Update: Early this morning, Aug. 30th,  Cappy was sighted near home. Miracle of miracles, he is home safe now!

I had another post planned for today, but a more urgent matter came along this Wednesday night.

We have another LOST SHELTIE from Minnesota Sheltie Rescue. His name is CAPPY and he went missing Wednesday (August 29th) night. He is a very small (only 12 lbs.) and shy little guy and is in need of our help. Cappy went missing in Lake Elmo, Minnesota near Manning Trail and County 15 (Manning) in Lake Elmo, which is in Washington County.

Please share, especially if you know someone in Minnesota. Share with them and ask them to share as well. You can keep updated on the search for Cappy on Minnesota Sheltie Rescue’s Facebook page or on Lost Shelties of MN.

If you tweet, please retweet: Lost #Sheltie in #LakeElmo #Minnesota. Name: Cappy. Blue merle. Afraid of people. Tweet @melzpetpals if you see him. bit.ly/PPgbMp

If you are on Facebook, please ask your friends to share with their Minnesota friends a picture of Cappy or refer them to this blog post so they can see his picture.

If you go out to help hand out flyers or look for Cappy, please DO NOT CHASE. SIT DOWN and CALL one of the numbers listed below. Remember, Shelties are skittish dogs and will go into survival mode quickly. This means they will not approach a stranger and may not even approach their owner at first. Chasing or calling to them will not bring them to you. If you see Cappy, please call the numbers listed.

Here is the most current information we have on Cappy:

Date Lost: 08-29-2012
Dog’s Name: Cappy
Breed of Dog: Sheltie
Gender: Male
…Neutered / Spayed: Neutered
City where lost: Lake Elmo
Closest Intersection: Manning Trail and County 15 (Manning)
Zip Code: 55042
County: Washington
Color or Markings: Blue merle with a white and tan face
Dog’s Age: 8
Dog’s Weight: 12 lbs.
Dog’s Demeanor: Shy/Timid
Dog was: Wearing tags, Wearing Collar
Any information on how lost, description etc. Cappy is a rescue sheltie we’ve had for about 8 months. He was restless today and shot out the front door before we could block him — he ran down our cul de sac and we quickly lost sight of him.
Contact’s Name: Kris Killian
If seen, sit down and call 651-777-3428 or 612-804-9204 with exact location, direction the dog headed and description of dog.

Favorite Video Friday – Just a Dog… Named Bailey

Bailey Update 8/8/12: “Bailey went to the vet this morning and the doctor said she is recuperating really well other than her red blood count is not quite where they would like it yet, but it will take time. She is on an antibiotic again for another week for this. She’s also got a tick disease called Anaplasmosis which she is taking antibiotics for as well. The wounds are healing quite well, and a couple have scabbed over and fallen off. Her back end which was the worse, is healing quite well said Vet Kayla. She is awesome by the way, as well as her assistant Heather. I couldn’t ask for a nicer, more caring vet than I’ve seen with them. They truly love their dogs!

But Bailey is doing well I will say emotionally and physically. She is eating good, pottying good, and wants to play. In the morning when we go outside to go potty (Bailey that is – hehe) she will go down the deck steps, but has to be carried up. She seems to be way more cautious in the yard; stopping to smell the air nearly in all corners of the yard, and listening, standing very still. And sniff sniff on the ground. She shivers a bit when outside and the grass is wet, and wants to come in shortly.

In the house she seems to feel way more secure, and she will go right to her 2 new toys – a frog and a bear, and bring them to me to throw for her and Monte. She lays on the couch w/me and Monte just snoozing and enjoying home once again. She is safe!

She is heading to the Vet again next Thursday to have her blood checked once again, and I hope and pray it’ll be better then. But we all know she’ll make it, she’s such a fighter!” **

Bailey Update 8/4/12:
Bailey had a check up at the vet on Friday and her blood cell count was still up. It was found she has Lymes now and is on another antibiotic. Her puncture wounds are still oozing the infection and she still is not sleeping for long periods of time. Closes her eyes for a bit then is wide awake. She still has a long road to till she’s healed. Bailey will go back on Wednesday to the Vet for another check up.

Please continue to pray for her quick recovery.

As many of you know, Fridays are usually the day I share a favorite video.  I promise. I have a special one all picked out for you this week, but first I want to share a story with you. It’s about Bailey the lost Sheltie.

Bailey is a Sheltie who lives in Duluth, MN.

On July 14th, while out on a walk with her brother, Bailey and her brother were frightened by something and got loose while in the care of a family member (Bailey’s mom was away from home taking care of her sick mother). Bailey’s brother came back soon afterwards, but Bailey was too scared. She ran and ran and ran. She was missing for 16 days.

Her mom looked everywhere for her. She posted flyers and told neighbors and friends. She searched day and night for her. She was so worried about her little girl being out in the world by herself, and with good reason, Duluth has plenty of wildlife that could do harm to her, including bear and coyotes.

On Monday morning, July 30th, Bailey wandered into a woman’s front yard and laid down. The woman, seeing how badly injured Bailey was, immediately scooped her up and took her to her vet. It turns out that Bailey’s mom had been right to worry. She had been attacked by a couple of wild animals (the vet suspects two coyotes based on her injuries and the blood infection she is currently fighting). She was in serious shape with injuries to her leg, neck, rear end, side and stomach. There is no easy way to say this, Bailey’s rear end was partially bitten off. She also has puncture wounds and tears all over her body.

Bailey was still wearing her collar with her identification tags attached when she arrived at the vet and he was able to read her tags and immediately called Bailey’s mom, Kathy. When Kathy arrived her little girl was lying on the veterinarian’s table, seriously ill. Even though she was so very sick, Bailey opened her eyes and wagged her tail a little when she saw her mom.

Kathy spent the night with Bailey at the veterinarian’s office, where she was given antibiotics and put on an IV containing pain reliever & fluids (in addition to her injuries, Bailey was also dehydrated). Because her wounds were so serious, the vet decided not to close them up right away so they could drain as Bailey recovered.

The fact that she made it through the night is a miracle. And while Bailey is still not out of the woods yet -  she is still fighting off the blood infection she got from the coyotes and her wounds are still in the early stages of healing, at least she is home now. I am hoping that will help in her healing process. I am also hoping that being home will help to heal her mind and heart. According to her mom, Bailey isn’t sleeping much right now. She will only close her eyes for a few minutes at a time. I imagine after what she has been through, she is afraid to sleep. Poor thing.

You might be asking why I took the time to tell you about Bailey.

For two reasons:

1. To ask for you to send good thoughts, energy and prayers to Bailey and Kathy. While Bailey is home, she is still in serious condition and still on strong antibiotics and pain killers.
2. To ask for you to give if you can. Bailey’s vet care is already over $1000 and could go higher (she has another vet visit tomorrow). Her mom is dealing with a lot right now – a seriously ill mother and a seriously ill dog. It would be nice if we could ease some of her stress by helping her out. I have created a ChipIn account to help pay for Bailey’s medical bills. 

A special thanks to Cindy from Lost Shelties MN for all the help and support she provided Kathy and also to Tammy from Lost Dogs-MN. Both helped me to set up this ChipIn to help Kathy and Bailey.

Below, I have attached a few pictures of Bailey before she went missing and Bailey after she was found. I hope that your prayers will help Bailey (and Kathy) to heal.

Now for that video. It’s an oldie but goodie, but one I thought worth sharing again today. Hug your dog a little closer today.

Bailey

Bailey at home before she went missing

Bailey and her mom

Bailey’s injuries from the coyotes

Bailey – Very glad to be safe at home.

Bloggers Unite for Dog Rescue – Minnesota Sheltie Rescue

Today, Monday, July 23rd I am participating in an event called Bloggers Unite for Dog Rescue. We are asking all dog bloggers to participate in a special online global event designed to bring attention to dog rescues. BTC4animals.com is proud to partner with Blog Catalog, Dog Rescue Success and YOU to harness a global online community to help save the lives of dogs in need.

This is Hakim. Hakim loves to be around people, play fetch, and be petted! He loves to go for (leashed), walks and plays chase with the other dog in his foster home. He is an absolute sweetheart!
Hakim is 8 years old and available through MNSheltieRescue.org

Across this country there are dog  rescues who, with very little funding, and a small dedicated group of volunteers, commit to fostering, training, promoting, vetting and caring for dogs that might otherwise be abandoned, abused or killed. They have a thankless job. One that requires hours and hours of work, and lots of time spent raising funds, so they can manage the difficult of job of saving dogs’ lives and finding them loving homes.

Maybe you have you have never adopted from a rescue before, or  you don’t really know what a rescue does.

Let me tell you a little more about one particular dog rescue and the work it does to help save Shelties in Minnesota. This is a group that I volunteer for and support – Minnesota Sheltie Rescue (MNSR).

MNSR is a 501(c) tax-exempt, non-profit organization. They are an all-volunteer foster-based rescue organization that houses all of its dogs in foster homes until they find their forever homes. Since their founding in 2003, they have found homes for almost 500 Shelties in need.

MNSR not only works with dogs in their care, but also with other rescues and shelters to help dogs in need. They help individuals who may be thinking about surrendering their dog by providing them with resources and information that may help them work through an issue or problem, or if this is no longer an option, they work with the owner to help their dog make a smooth transition to a foster home and eventually to their new forever home.

Below is a list of just some of the things Minnesota Sheltie Rescue (MNSR) does on a regular basis. As you read through the list, keep in mind that this is an all-volunteer dog rescue organization, operating with limited funds.

What does MNSR do?

• Rescues dogs from a wide variety of places and circumstances – owner surrender, shelters, puppy mills, etc.
• Makes every dog a top priority by dedicating the time, money and care needed to have the best opportunity to find a forever home.
• Provides medical care for every dog it takes into its care. This includes dental extractions, anti-anxiety meds, heartworm preventative, and Frontline.
• Conducts home visits with every potential foster home and adoptive family.
• Offers shy Sheltie training classes for its foster dogs and foster parents. Classes are led by a positive reinforcement dog trainer.
• Provides support, guidance and assistance to foster parents, adoptive families and strangers who’s Sheltie is missing or lost.
• Shares adoption listings for Shelties in other states, or with other rescues, who are in need of a home
• Provides support and guidance to people looking to rehome their pets but who are not looking to surrender to MNSR.
• Shares resources and tips on everything from working with a shy or fearful dog to dealing with thunderstorm or fireworks phobia to pet food recalls to helping you keep your pet.
• Provides ongoing support to adoptive families as they get to know their dog.
• Shares opportunities to attend training seminars and events for volunteers to learn more about helping dogs.
• Promotes training opportunities available for all Sheltie owners.

You might be thinking that this is a pretty comprehensive list. I agree.

MNSR is a very dedicated dog rescue organization who does a lot to help dogs and their owners. Although I think they are exceptional, I know there are other dog rescues out there doing similar things. That’s why it’s so important to support them whenever you can.

How can you help support dog rescues like MNSR?

• Adopt, don’t shop. Want a particular breed? There are a lot of dog rescues, like MNSR, who specialize in specific breeds.
• Foster a dog. Every dog that makes it to a foster home is one less dog that will be euthanized. Not sure you can give them up? Ask to participate in a foster-to-adopt program for a local dog rescue.
• Donate time, money or supplies. Dog rescues are often operating on a small budget. Any support you can provide will be gratefully accepted. Don’t have a dog rescue in mind? Donate to MNSR.
• Spay and neuter. The truth is that until we end the supply of dogs entering our shelters, we will never stop killing them. Sharing the miracle of birth with your kids might be cool, but chances are one of those puppies will end up in a shelter and be killed because there just isn’t any room for them.
• Encourage your friends and family to adopt.
• Donate your time - Last week, I wrote a post about how you can help if you can’t foster (“I could never foster a dog or cat…”). There are a wide variety of ways you can help a dog rescue.
• Tell others. Post this to Facebook and Twitter: SPREAD THE WORD – BLOGGERS UNITE FOR DOG RESCUE – Promote dog adoption on July 23rd! http://bit.ly/pO7dZp #BtC4A

Dog rescues make a difference.

Please support them, and the work they do, whenever you can.

Lacie is a beautiful, loving young sheltie mix girl who will make a wonderful companion for that special someone. Through no fault of hers, she’s been shuffled around quite a bit in her young life. This little girl is a sweetie.
Lacie is 3 years old and will need to be on a diet and exercise regimen, but she is really, really sweet!

I am Winston. I am told that I am just the cutest little thing to come along in a long time. I am now learning to deal with two very bossy diva foster sisters (who are Shelties like me) and some cats, but we all get along really well. It would be more fun, however, if the cats would run every now and again – oh a good chase would be so great!
Winston is 8 years old and a mellow fellow most of the time, but he would love a friend who would love to play with him!

Mattie is a beautiful bi-black Sheltie/Eskie, and she just loves to be the princess. She loves playtime in the yard and has quite a few favorite stuffies that she carries outside even to go potty. Mattie is a very affectionate little girl.
And, Mattie has passed the Canine Good Citizen test!
Mattie is 7 years old and will need someone who can feed her on scheduled times and take her for walks.
She is available for adoption through Minnesota Sheltie Rescue
http://www.mnsheltierescue.org/

Ian is a very cute little guy who has been busy learning many new skills in his foster home. Ian lived all his life in a breeding facility where he had little interaction with people. He is looking for a very special home that understands the needs of shy dogs who are just beginning to learn how to interact with people, and where he will have a doggie friend.
Ian is 6 years and about ~13-15 lbs. He is absolutely gorgeous, but will need someone special who understands working with shy dogs. He is available for adoption through MInnesota Sheltie Rescue http://www.mnsheltierescue.org/
TEMPERAMENT: Ian is very shy with people because he was not socialized prior to coming into rescue. He is not used to being petted, and does not feel comfortable approaching people yet.

How has your pet motivated you?

The other day I saw this picture and immediately thought, “I wonder how much this dog has changed the lives of those who adopted him?”

Do you remember Daniel’s story?

Daniel was the dog who went into a gas chamber in Alabama and was still standing with his tail wagging when they opened the door. Because he survived the gas chamber he was given a chance at life. He was transported by Pilots N Paws to a rescue in New Jersey.

What a long way he has come since that story first hit the internet. Daniel now has a new family in New Jersey and several sisters and brothers to play with. He is also working to end the use of gas chambers to kill animals in the United States.

Who could have ever guessed that his survival would lead to such a wonderful ending? Or that it would motivate his owner, and others, to take action?

Daniel’s story made me realize how much my own dogs have changed my life.

When I chose to adopt Daisy, my Lab, I did it to protect her. I didn’t want her to go to a home or family that might not understand her special needs. Even with my limited skills and knowledge, I knew I could provide her with a better home than someone who had never had a dog before or who had never had a shy and fearful dog.

Never once did I think adopting Daisy would lead me to get educated about puppy mills or to share that knowledge with others. I never expected sharing Daisy’s story might help others with puppy mill dogs. She has changed my life and what is important to me. She motivated me to get involved.

Daisy enjoying some pool time – something she never would have experienced in the puppy mill she came from

Knowing Jasper came from similar circumstances only made me more motivated to learn more about the connection between the pet stores who sell puppies and the puppy mills that provide them. (Yes. 99% of all pet store puppies really do come from puppy mills.)

Lady changed my life too. Losing her for 12 days not only taught the importance of giving back and helping others (because lord knows I received an amazing amount off help and support while she was missing), but it also motivated me to want to share what I learned with others. Without Lady, I never would have gotten involved in helping people find their lost pets or sharing their missing pets’ pictures and stories with others.

I don’t know if you have had the same experience, but having Daisy, Jasper and Lady in my life has changed me. They have given me causes to rally around. They have motivated me to get involved in ways I never expected.

So I was wondering… How has your pet changed or motivated you? What have you done or gotten involved in as a result of your pet? I’d love to hear your story.

Lady hanging out at the dog park – back home safe

Infographic demonstrates dangers for pets on July 4th

One of my biggest concerns this coming week is the upcoming 4th of July holiday. Having been through the awful experience of having lost a dog this past November, I can’t help but worry and wonder – how many pets will be lost this coming 4th of July?

For those of us with dogs who are already afraid, protecting them and keeping them away from fireworks is a no-brainer. We already know that our pets (like my Daisy) suffer greatly when the fireworks begin – panting, drooling, shaking, pacing and hiding, all are symptoms of a dog who is afraid of fireworks.  For owners like us, our goal is to simply keep them safe and get them through the event with the least amount of stress possible.

But the pets I most worry about are the ones who have never displayed symptoms of fear when fireworks have gone off in the past. These are the dogs that many owners think are safe to bring to a fireworks display or to walk at night or in the day as they are going off in the neighborhood. These are the dogs that no one expects to bolt and run, but as statistics show, they do.

That’s why I was so happy to discover that PetAmberAlert.com had created and shared the infographic below, showing how many pets are lost on the 4th of July, and how few of them ever make it back home. I encourage you to share it with your friends and to go to the PetAmberAlert.com page to find out more information.

Please, please please – encourage your friends and family members to leave their pets at home this 4th of July. Yes, it’s always nice when we can enjoy a beautiful day with our pets, but on this one holiday I ask that you please do your pet, and you, a favor. Keep them home. Keep them safe.

Trust me, you don’t want to go through what I went through when I lost my dog.

(My personal thanks to Neil over at Life with Cats for sharing this.)

Some additional stats:

In 2010 and 2011, Lost Dogs of Wisconsin had 25 dogs posted to their site as lost the day after July 4th.*

Lost Dogs Illinois had 34 dogs that were reported in that same time period.*

*The average number of lost dogs on these sites is about 3-4 per day (these are averages, particular days may actually have more than that, depending on the day).

Resources:

Lost Dogs – MN

SE MN’s Lost/Found Pet Page

Lost Shelties MN

Lost Dogs of Wisconsin

Lost Dogs Illinois

An Insightful study into Lost Cats and Dogs

Once you have lost a dog – for any length of time, you start to look at life with a whole new set of lenses.

• You start to notice how many more lost dog signs there are in your community than you had ever notice before.
• You start to pay more attention to those dogs you see wandering around unaccompanied by a human.
• You become motivated to help others with lost pets – whether it be through support, encouragement or advice.

I have found myself doing all of these things and more since Lady was lost and found.

When someone posted this piece on Facebook recently,  What You Don’t Know About Lost Pets Can Hurt Them (by Kat Albrecht on the Maddie’s Fund website) I knew I wanted to read more. I couldn’t help but wonder if the study would mirror what I had already learned in the past seven months. It did. But it also contained some new information I had not known before.

I encourage you to read the whole study, there’s a lot of great information that can be gleaned from what Missing Pet Partnership has gathered here, but here are some of the more interesting bits of information covered in the report:

Lost Cats

Sick, Injured, and Panicked Cats Hide in Silence. They will not meow.

Displaced cats will behave differently when displaced. Their temperaments can determine how they will act.

One of the primary methods recommended to recover displaced cats is the use of digital wildlife cameras and baited humane traps.

Lost Dogs

Gregarious dogs are more likely to go to the first person who calls to them. They are also more likely to be “adopted” by their rescuer who fears the dog will be “put to sleep” if dropped off at a shelter.

Dogs that are wary of strangers are reluctant to approach them until they are able to overcome their fear enough to approach, usually when they become hungry. They are also more likely to be lost for weeks or months. People often assume they have been abused because they will “cower” in fear.

Skittish dogs are more inclined to travel farther and are at a higher risk of being hit by cars. They will also cower in fear making people think they may have been abused.

Pet Owners

Some pet owners develop “tunnel vision” and fail to find their pet because they focus on wrong theories. They assume their dog was “stolen and sold to research” when in fact their dog might have been rescued and put up for adoption through a local adoption event.

Cat caregivers are often discouraged by others who tell them “your cat was probably killed by a coyote,” when their cat may actually be hiding close by, like under a neighbor’s deck.

The study concludes with some great tips to rescuers and pet owners on how to go about finding a lost or missing pet. I have shared some of those in a previous post, but I encourage you to read some of the suggestions provided. Sometimes what works for one dog or cat doesn’t work for another. The more tools you have in your toolbox the better prepared you will be.

A few additional suggestions of my own?

• Have a support network to help support you when you do lose a pet. Surrounding yourself with people who have experience in looking for lost dogs can make all the difference and help to keep you focused on continuing your search.
• Share your pet’s picture, story and last known location on Facebook, Twitter and in email to friends and family. Ask them to share.
• Call all the local shelters, rescue groups, animal control agencies and police stations so they can alert you if your pet is brought in.
• If you find a lost pet, don’t assume they were abused or abandoned. They were most likely lost and every attempt should be made to find the owner. Stop thinking stray and start thinking “lost.”

Finally…

• Don’t EVER tell the owner of a missing pet that their dog or cat was likely eaten by a coyote. It is probably the most disheartening and discouraging things someone can say to the owner of a missing pet (I should know, I heard it several times), and it may lead someone to give up their search just when their pet needs them most. Think it if you must, but just don’t say it.

Let’s stop thinking “stray” and start thinking LOST

All one has to do is look at the Lost Dogs-MN Facebook page to know that there are a LOT of missing dogs out there. A LOT. In fact, almost too many to count. Then you head on over to the Lost Dogs of Wisconsin page and you begin to realize, this isn’t just an issue in Minnesota, it’s an issue everywhere. It makes one wonder… How many missing and lost dogs are there out there?

Recently, Lost Dogs-MN, Lost Dogs of Wisconsin and Lost Dogs Illinois published their recent statistics. The numbers were astounding.

Between January and May of 2012:

Lost Dogs Illinois – 825 dogs reunited with their owners (778 safe, 47 deceased)

Lost Dogs-MN – 258 dogs reunited with their owners (240 safe, 18 deceased)

Lost Dogs of Wisconsin – 497 dogs reunited with their owners (450 safe, 47 deceased)

Combined total of Lost Dogs- MN, Lost Dogs of Wisconsin and Lost Dogs Illinois for this year so far is 1588 reunions (1476 safe, 112 deceased).

(If we averaged that number just among the three states in which those pages reside (Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin), that would be approximately 529 reunited dogs per state. Extrapolate that number across all 50 states and that’s 26,450 dogs that could be lost and reunited nationwide – and that’s just January through May!)

Given these numbers, it makes me wonder why we continue to use the word “stray” anymore. If there is anything I have learned over the past seven months, it’s that many of the dogs we have called a “stray” is someone’s lost pet, someone’s stolen dog, someone’s missing companion.

We’ve got to start changing our mindsets and our vocabulary when it comes to the dogs we see running around our neighborhoods and cities. Yes, I recognize that some dogs do get dumped and left behind by their owners, certainly this is the case in many of our larger cities, like St Louis and Los Angeles, and even in our smaller, rural towns. But it’s not always the case. There are just too many missing pets out there to not wonder how many “stray” dogs are actually just lost dogs.

I couldn’t help but be reminded of this when I saw this posting by a shelter in rural Minnesota on the Lost Dogs-MN page. In the past, this dog would have been labeled a stray and no one would have thought anything more about it. But thanks to organizations like this shelter and Lost Dogs-MN, this dog was reunited with his owners.

Let’s stop thinking stray and start thinking LOST, shall we?

Randy – Former lost dog

Original posting: One more found dog today. Randy is a found boy about 1 year old. He was found in the northern part of Mora. The finders had him for awhile and tried to find his home with no luck so he came to the shelter about a week ago. We have noticed he is a happy dog that seems well cared for. So we are hoping a weekend visitor had lost him and will look here at the shelter. If you know anything about Randy please call the shelter. Please share to see if we can get this boy home.

Here’s the update: Today the family came to see if it was him. Randy was getting happy to be at the shelter with new friends but he barked like crazy so happy to see his people. Did all his tricks and we were sure he was one of the family. He is on his way home and happy now. He had a thankful look on his face as he said good bye.