Before Your Dog Goes Missing
October '08 Newsletter
Before Your Goes Missing
Written by Heidi Miller
This summer a friend and I learned a lesson too late, what to do before your dog goes missing. Slipping through two open gates, left open by the weekly lawn crew, Bentley, a two, year-old Black Lab, went missing in the early morning hours of July 15, 2008. He disappeared just inside the southeast end of the 610 loop, near the Woodridge exit off the Gulf Freeway/I-45 in Houston, Texas. A lot of has been learned from this sad event and even more questions have been raised. Bentley was our sweater model when we launched our website in November 2007.
His owner did all the things a responsible dog owner should do to protect his dog. He was wearing his collar with registration tags as well as name and phone number tag. He had a microchip implanted under his skin and he was neutered. As soon as he noticed Bentley had gotten out, about 10 minutes, he drove the surrounding neighborhoods searching for his dog. Later that day he posted flyers, even offering a reward for his dogs’ return. When he was making the flyers he wished he had more current pictures of Bentley.
About 3 weeks later he called me excited that his dog had returned! When he came home he saw a Black Lab sitting in the grassy area to the side of his house where he exercised Bentley. He asked me to come over because he needed help to get the leash on, as the dog was distressed and in bad shape.
Lesson #1: Take frequent pictures of your dog. Especially when your dog is young. They keep changing!
Lesson #2: Make a folder for your dog. If you ever need it, you will be so glad you took the time to make it! Your folder should include:
As of this Newletter posting, sadly, Bentley has not been returned. In our November Newsletter we will address other questions and issues that have come to light from this unfortunate event. If you have any information that could possibly lead to Bentleys return please email: found@CanineCoverUp.com.
Written by Heidi Miller
This summer a friend and I learned a lesson too late, what to do before your dog goes missing. Slipping through two open gates, left open by the weekly lawn crew, Bentley, a two, year-old Black Lab, went missing in the early morning hours of July 15, 2008. He disappeared just inside the southeast end of the 610 loop, near the Woodridge exit off the Gulf Freeway/I-45 in Houston, Texas. A lot of has been learned from this sad event and even more questions have been raised. Bentley was our sweater model when we launched our website in November 2007.
His owner did all the things a responsible dog owner should do to protect his dog. He was wearing his collar with registration tags as well as name and phone number tag. He had a microchip implanted under his skin and he was neutered. As soon as he noticed Bentley had gotten out, about 10 minutes, he drove the surrounding neighborhoods searching for his dog. Later that day he posted flyers, even offering a reward for his dogs’ return. When he was making the flyers he wished he had more current pictures of Bentley.
About 3 weeks later he called me excited that his dog had returned! When he came home he saw a Black Lab sitting in the grassy area to the side of his house where he exercised Bentley. He asked me to come over because he needed help to get the leash on, as the dog was distressed and in bad shape.
Lesson #1: Take frequent pictures of your dog. Especially when your dog is young. They keep changing!
Lesson #2: Make a folder for your dog. If you ever need it, you will be so glad you took the time to make it! Your folder should include:
- Identification pictures: Back shot, belly shot, tail shot, face shot, each side of body and paws. Be sure and capture any of your dogs unique markings and their locations. Such as moles, scars, tattoos and coat color markings. Update these pictures regularly. Especially when your dog is young or as your dog ages into a "Senior". Date the pictures.
- Measurements: Measure your dog. Include, height-ground to shoulders, length of tail and torso-measure from collar to base of tail.
- Weight: Include your dogs’ weight. This is helpful, but not definitive as your dog can loose weight quickly when stressed and away from home.
- Microchip information: You will want this informatin handy if the need arises.
- Registration information
- Veterinarian information
As of this Newletter posting, sadly, Bentley has not been returned. In our November Newsletter we will address other questions and issues that have come to light from this unfortunate event. If you have any information that could possibly lead to Bentleys return please email: found@CanineCoverUp.com.
