By Lisa 
The yard guy left the gate open and Fido the wonder dog is no where to be found. You let Dixie ride to the Quick Mart with you and she hopped out the window while you were deciding between the roller dog or the cheese burrito. Bailey decided to pull off his collar and chase a squirrel into the woods off the local walking trail.
You feel absolutely sick. And panicky. What can you do NOW to increase your odds of getting your precious pooch back home?
ONE: Stay in the area for at least an hour. When the initial excitement of freedom has passed and he realizes you are not around he will try to find you. The best way they do that is by smell so keep your physical self in the area to allow his nose to lead him back. Hearing is his second strongest sense so call his name and squeak a rubber toy if you have one or jangle his leash or collar. If that doesn’t work and you have to leave, be sure to put a shirt or some other cloth with your sweat/scent on it in the area.
TWO: Post a photo, age, sex, physical description and area lost on social media and ask everyone to share. Look up local animal rescue and municipal shelter pages and post there as well. The more eyeballs that see your lost critter’s mug, the better your chances.
THREE: Make a flyer as soon as possible. Write with a large marker or use a large font if you are printing. The words LOST DOG should be at the top, then a large photo of the dog below, and your phone number. Add a description in smaller letters below the phone number. Hand these out around the area where your pup was last seen. Give a flyer to the local postman (they know everyone and can be your eyes) as well as any business in the area. Ask if you can place the flyer in their window.
Tape flyers to street signs with packing or duct tape but not covering the actual sign. Put the flyer at eye level if possible. If there is a chance of rain, place the flyers into gallon plastic bags with the zip lock side facing down and closed so water does not get in.
FOUR: Go back to the area at least once or twice a day. Your pup needs to hear your voice and smell your smells to find his way back. Walk around and bring food and a favorite toy.
FIVE: Be persistent. Someone may have taken in your pup and may not see your postings or flyers right away. Continue to hand out flyers, repost on social media and check the flyers you have put on street signs to make sure they are still readable. Dogs have been known to come back weeks or months later. You never know.
When you get your baby back home, make sure to lessen chances of it happening again by getting him neutered (and her spayed), get a chip put in by your vet with your contact info, and put a note on the gate for any repair people to remind them to close the danged gate. And, if the urge for a roller dog gets too…urgent…either leave Dixie at home or buckle her in so she can’t reach the window buttons! And do remember to never leave your dog in the car without you when the temp outside is over 70 degrees. Nuff said.
And be sure to love on that pup’s neck to let him know how much you missed him. He deserves a smoochy and at least part of that roller dog.