MISSING ....MISSING ....MISSING .....

 

I am writing this because a friend's little wheaten coloured Norfolk Terrier, named Maisie, went missing 10 days ago in the Bishop's Stortford/Ickenham area in woodland.

I know this is a gloomy scenario but here's what to do if your dog goes missing.

Losing your beloved dog has got to be the most distressing and stressful event in anyone's lives. To give you the best chance of finding your dog should he or she go astray, act fast - and that's easier said than done but try not to panic!

1. If you had your dog microchipped contact your microchip company and inform them your dog is missing - make sure all your contact details are up to date.
2. Spend at least 15-30 minutes calling and whistling for your dog - and try to sound cheerful. Circle the location in which the dog was last seen, but try not to leave the immediate area at first.  If you meet childre ask them to look out for your dog. Make your circles wider and wider before you eventually do leave, making sure you ask everyone you pass if they've seen your pet. Give those who seem helpful and trustworthy your number or your vet's number. In rural environments check rabbit/badger holes/sets and ask farmers and game keepers to keep an eye out and also if you can check barns and outhouses.
3. If you have pet insurance then contact the insuance company as they can provide financial assistance and advice on advertising for your dog’s return.
4. Print out eye catching leaflets and posters with relevant information about your dog, including the name and physical description. Contact information should include your name, telephone number and email address. If possible, include a photograph then photocopy a huge batch and hand them out to local shops. Post and distribute flyers wherever your dog was last seen, as well as throughout your home neighbourhood and to any welfare services you contact.
5. Call all local veterinary practices and all animal rescue centres giving a description of your dog, and then visit them with a flyer including a recent photo. Again microchipping means if they find your dog they will instantly contact you. If your dog is  found and is injured they will probably be taken to a  vet's practice nearest to where the dog is found.  
6. Canvas the neighbourhood in which your dog was lost, moving from door to door with information. It's not unusual for dogs afraid of thunder, or loud bangs for example, to escape their homes or gardens and settle calmly in the garden or garage of a neighbour.
7. Walk or cycle up and down the roads nearest the area your dog was last seen. People strolling or cycling nearby are another helpful resource for spotting your animal. Arm yourself with a pocketful of the dog's favourite treat.
8. Put the flyer in your local newsagent, village notice board or post office (or shops close to where the dog went missing.
9. Contact the local council, dog warden, police and animal control authorities with a description and the time and area in which your dog was lost. They will be the ones who will be contacted if your pet has been in a car accident, for example, or if your dog is reported as a stray.
10. Take advantage of the lost and found ads in your local newspaper. Place a 'lost dog' ad as soon as possible, and be sure to check the column daily for any that have been found. If you have been walking some distance from your home, find the most appropriate local paper (the local shop or post office may help you with this). 
11. Some national databases for lost pets are available on the internet. ( See below)
12. You can offer a reward for any information leading to your dog's safe return. Even indirect information from someone who spotted a dog with your pet's colouring can be very helpful. However, be cautious as less scrupulous people may pretend to have seen your dog. Consider this option carefully but keep pursuing other options first. 

13.    Publicise it on Facebook and Twitter to as many people you know because they may suddenly hear of or see someone they know with a new pet that fits the description of your pet.

14. Go to pubs around the area and leave your leaflets and posters. Often someone will offer a dog for sale and it could be yours.

Many lost pets are also taken to local shelters. Pet shops and grooming parlours in your area can often be of some help. When you get in touch with any organisation, make sure you have the following details to hand: colour, age, size, temperament, identification on the dog (collar, tag, microchip, where the dog was lost), and your details.

Tip:  Always carry a photograph of you and your dog together so that you can prove ownership should your dog get found.

Register with the following organisations.

http://www.animalsearchuk.co.uk/ Free service for finding pets throughout the UK.

http://www.nationalpetregister.org/

The Blue Cross
Website: www.bluecross.org.uk
Phone: +44 (0) 1993 822651

RSPCA

Website: www.rspca.org.uk
Phone: 0870 55 55 999 If you live in the Greater London area, try

Battersea Dogs Home Lost Dogs Lineon 0901 477 8477 (calls are charged at 60p per minute). They will enter your details into a central search system and see if any matches fit your description. 

And if your dog is a pure breed, get in touch with the Kennel Club as well.
http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/

Don't give up hope because miracles do happen and you never know, one day your pet will be found and you can be reunited.  

Dawn ("")