Find A Pet Or A Stray?
"THINK LOST, NOT STRAY"
-quote from Missing Pet Partnership
Many times when we see a Stray Cat or Dog or have one hanging around our property, we assume it's an unwanted animal, when in fact the Owner is looking for their beloved Pet and missing them terribly. When a Pet goes missing from their home environment, it can be devastating not only to the Pet but the Owner as well. Statistics show the majority of Homeless Animals are Lost and Not Unwanted or Abandoned. SAVE LIVES - THINK LOST, NOT STRAY.
"A FERAL OR WILD CAT"
When a Cat is lost, the majority of them will go into Survival Mode and can appear to be a Feral or Wild Cat. Suddenly finding themselves in a harsh and unknown world they are starving and frightened. Their Survival Technique kicks in and with hair standing on end, they will hiss, growl and fight for food.
Sadly because of these survival instincts, people assume the poor Lost Cat is a feral. To the Lost Cat people in general who either ignored them or would stop and give them a friendly scratch on the head are now large mean creatures who yell at them, chase them, throw things at them and yes, even shoot at them.
Over the years I've had many Lost Cats come my way. When I've asked neighbors if they knew who the Cat belonged too, their response was always "it's a feral or wild cat". The Lost Cats I have helped in the beginning have ALWAYS hissed and growled. It is how they have Survived. But once the poor Cat gained my trust, they have always turned out to be the most loving and sweetest companions I have ever known.
"ASK YOUR NEIGHBORS"
Always ask your neighbors first if they know who the Animal belongs too. Maybe someone close by has just adopted a New Pet or a New Neighbor has moved in with a Pet. Attach a note to the collar "Do I have a Home? Just making sure I'm not Lost (your phone number)." If the animal doesn't have a collar, you can purchase a cheap breakaway collar at local stores.
Check to see if the Pet has been microchipped. Our local Veterinarians will scan the animal for free. For the addresses of clinics along the Key Peninsula go to the Menu tab and select Local Addresses and Helpful Websites.
"FILE A FOUND REPORT"
There are so many people out there on the Peninsula and surrounding areas searching for their lost pets. Once you know for certain this animal does not belong to a neighbor, file a FOUND report at the Veterinary Hospitals. And please file a report at all the Vet Hospitals in your area.
When people discover their beloved pet is missing, they are heartbroken and not always thinking clearly. Their minds are literally racing trying to figure out where their pet might be, what to do next and so on. A lot of times they only contact their own Veterinarian. Whereas you may go to a different one! So please help the pet owner and make sure you contact all the Veterinarians in your area.
Always ask your neighbors first if they know who the Animal belongs too. Maybe someone close by has just adopted a New Pet or a New Neighbor has moved in with a Pet. Attach a note to the collar "Do I have a Home? Just making sure I'm not Lost (your phone number)." If the animal doesn't have a collar, you can purchase a cheap breakaway collar at local stores.
Check to see if the Pet has been microchipped. Our local Veterinarians will scan the animal for free. For the addresses of clinics along the Key Peninsula go to the Menu tab and select Local Addresses and Helpful Websites.
"FILE A FOUND REPORT"There are so many people out there on the Peninsula and surrounding areas searching for their lost pets. Once you know for certain this animal does not belong to a neighbor, file a FOUND report at the Veterinary Hospitals. And please file a report at all the Vet Hospitals in your area.
When people discover their beloved pet is missing, they are heartbroken and not always thinking clearly. Their minds are literally racing trying to figure out where their pet might be, what to do next and so on. A lot of times they only contact their own Veterinarian. Whereas you may go to a different one! So please help the pet owner and make sure you contact all the Veterinarians in your area.
Colorful posters and flyers will give you a better chance of people seeing your Found Notice. It doesn't have to be anything fancy and you don't even need a printer! Here is a separate page of easy to make Signs and Flyers which work well in our rainy weather, as well as the places to post your Notice along the Key Peninsula. Go to the Menu tab and select Signs and Flyers.
"WEBSITES AND SOCIAL MEDIA"
Facebook has many pages created by community members for you to post a Lost or Found Pet Notice.
But never rely exclusively on Social Media for finding a Lost Pets Home. Many people do not frequent the Web or even have an account on Social Media. So please think of it as just another avenue.
A Homeless Animal comes to you for a reason. These Dogs and Cats miss their families as much as their Human Companions miss them.
I once met an elderly gentleman who for an entire year never stopped looking for his lost Cat named 'Buddy'. Never underestimate the strong bond People have with their Pets or the love a Pet has for its human companion.
It doesn't take much of your time to follow the steps outlined above and will give you peace of mind knowing that you have honestly tried to reunite the Lost Dog or Cat with its Human Companion.
"IT DOESN'T TAKE MUCH OF YOUR TIME"
A Homeless Animal comes to you for a reason. These Dogs and Cats miss their families as much as their Human Companions miss them.
I once met an elderly gentleman who for an entire year never stopped looking for his lost Cat named 'Buddy'. Never underestimate the strong bond People have with their Pets or the love a Pet has for its human companion.
It doesn't take much of your time to follow the steps outlined above and will give you peace of mind knowing that you have honestly tried to reunite the Lost Dog or Cat with its Human Companion.