I lost my dog, Bogie, on Sunday night while taking her for a walk in a residential neighborhood about a mile from our home—shortly after sunset, with temperatures in the 20s and falling fast.
It was trash day the next day on the street where we were walking. When she brushed up against a trash bag filled with empty glass bottles, it tipped over, spooked her, and she bolted.
The retractable leash that flew out of my hand went bump-bump-bumping against the pavement behind her, making our 10-month old German Short-haired Pointer think somebody was chasing her. To make matters worse, the metal hook at the end of the leash was hitting the pavement and creating huge sparks as she bolted down the street.
My commands to “heel” were useless. She just kept running.
Frantic, I called Bill. He called the police department, and then drove to the neighborhood to help find her. In separate cars, we drove up and down all the streets for more than two hours.
That got me thinking. How the heck do you find a lost dog at night?
Plan A: Ditch the car and hoof it through the neighborhood all night, calling her name and whistling twice through my fingers, the code she knows means “get back here right now.” That’s what I do when I walk her off leash at the park in a safe rural area. She always comes back to me when she hears me whistle.
Plan B: Call the vet. I called our vet’s emergency phone number and asked her how to find a lost dog at night. She told me to call the police and to notify people in the neighborhood the next day. She reassured me that dogs have a surprising ability to stay warm even in cold wather. Her own dog disappeared for three weeks in January in Wisconsin’s sub-zero temperatures and somehow managed to find its way home unharmed.
About an hour after I called the vet, as we were searching, I devised Plan C:
Canvass the neighborhood the next day with bright yellow “Lost Dog” flyers. Include her photo. Post the flyers all over town. Then place a classified ad in the local weekly newspaper and on Craigslist. (See my article “Craigslist: A valuable publicity tool.”)
I don’t ever remember seeing a list of tips anywhere on how to find a lost dog, or how to walk a dog so it doesn’t run away while I’m walking it. Vets, humane societies, pet supply stores and anybody whose business or organization deals with pets should be offering these kinds of tips to the media, in articles and in blog posts.
Other Publicity Hounds can generate coverage by piggybacking onto the “how to find a lost (fill in the blank)” theme.
—Telecommunications companies: What should people do if they lose their cell phones?
—Accountants: What if people lose the file where they’ve been stashing papers to hand over to you at tax time?
—Police departments and mall management companies, how can people find lost cars at the mall? What about lost children?
Most of you can think of an idea along these lines. When you do, consider writing a tip sheet on “9 ways to find a lost (fill in the blank).” See “Special Report #16: How to Write Tip sheets That Catch the Media’s Attention.”)
So here I am on a cold Sunday night, trying to devise Plan D when the cell phone rings. It’s the sheriff’s department, telling us that a pastor at a nearby church found Bogie “chained” to his garbage dumpster. But he didn’t know if she’d bite, and he wouldn’t get close enough to her to see that she wasn’t chained. Rather, her leash got caught on the bottom of the dumpster. All she could do was jump up and down and bark.
On the two-minute drive to the church, I was sobbing, promising myself to never be so stupid again.
We brought her home, put her in the bathtub to wash the blood off her feet and dried her with warm towels. She pranced off to bed, right into her kennel, where she slept the entire night and most of yesterday.
I’m still puzzled. What should I have done differently? How do you walk a dog so it can’t get away from you? The retractable leash doesn’t seem to solve the problem. And how do you find a lost dog or cat in the dark?
Tips, anyone?
Hey Joan,
Here are a few ideas to help you when you are walking your dog at night:
1. Get one of those blinking lights that you can attach to her collar. They are pretty inexpensive and a great way to see them when they wander away. Plus, the drivers can see the dog, too, so he won’t get hit by a car.
2. Make sure he has a tag on him ($5 at the local pet store) that has his name, your name and your phone number. Consider adding the word “reward” to the tag.
3. Consider using a break-away collar so he can’t choke himself if he gets away and gets tangled up in a dumpster or something else.
4. Yell, “NO!” as loud as you can. If your dog is trained to stop whatever he’s doing when he hears that word, he may well stop right in his tracks.
5. Keep your dog away from garbage bags and cans. They can be dangerous. Keep the leash short when you are near such things.
6. Wear rollerblades so you can keep up with the running dog when he takes off! (kidding)
~Lois Carter Fay
Dog Owner and Lover
(I don’t play favorites; I like cats too!)
http://www.MarketingIdeaShop.com
I love my two pups as much as you love your dog. I loop the leash handle around itself and thread my wrist through it. Think of tying the string attached to a balloon to a child’s hand. Yes, I might break my wrist if they bolt but I know they won’t get away!
I know how it feels as I lost my beagle (RIP) for two days. He just found his way home after he got tired of exploring.
I live in a wonderful community. Many of our neighborhoods have mailing lists for neighborhood notices — such as crime updates, lost / found animals, and rule changes.
And we all have friends in different neighborhods — so we tap into their neighborhood lists. We also have school / PTA mailing lists to rely on.
A robbery occured at a home near me. While walking my dog, I saw more police cars than the usual and several police officers walking around looking. This frightened me because I didn’t know if the criminals were still loose. So I hightailed it home.
Within an hour after this, I got the details through the neighborhood list. Glad I rushed home because the robbers did get away on foot.
Not sure if this works in the dark, but one tip I learned from a dog trainer when our dog was in puppy school is to get the dog’s attention, then run the other way. Usually the dog will then follow you. It’s worked for me (but again, I’ve never had to try it in the dark — knock wood).
Glad this story had a happy ending.
I have two Jack Russells. They’re small but lightning fast, and they will chase anything that moves.
Here are my tips:
1. Get your dog microchipped at the vet’s. It isn’t very expensive.
2. Buy your dog an engraved tag with their name, address and phone number on it, and attach it to their collar.
3. Train your dog to come back to you when thier name is called, no matter what. (My secret weapons for accomplishing this are cheese, peanut butter or some other treat that your pet finds irresistable.)
4. Wear running shoes when walking your pet. You never know when you might need to chase after them or run away from a big, mean dog. It’s also a good idea to carry pepper spray and a whistle to help fend off strays.
Would a choker collar help? I don’t know — I have cats.
I had a cat that ran away when a door was left open and we couldn’t find her. We were as frantic as you were. She came back that night and acted like nothing happened.
Dear Joan,
I recccommend you get rid of the retractable leash. What happened to you regularly happens with these types of leashes. Your dog can get a running headstart and by the time you hit the break the tork is more than anyone can withstand. Please consider a waist leash for walking your dog. This way there is no way, short of the leash breaking your dog can get away from you. You may also want to trainin an incompatible behavior to running away when the leash is droppped such as training the dog to compulsively hand it too you when ever it hits the ground. I did this with my dog ands it worked wonders (my dog was also a runner)
Melissa
Hi Joan,
I’m glad to hear Bogie is okay. I grew up with dogs that were runners. My strategy as an adult – adopt a Chug – Chihuahua/Pug. If Raindrop gets out, she wants us to go with her – no running away, just a bossy, “Are you coming or what?”
As a kid, with our runners, driving the car with the open door calling their name worked – of course, the story of the car repair due to the pile of snow that got in the way is a whole ‘nother angle.
Hopefully, Bogie will stay out of the trash next time.
Cynthia
Happy endings! How I love them, and how glad I am your doggy didn’t come to any harm. I can’t add anything new to the comments — just wanted to say, as a fellow dog lover, that I’m really glad your story did have that happy ending.
Joan, I’m so glad you found your pup. I was scared for you just reading the article.
Is there a way to attach a wrist strap to the retractable leash handle so that even if it flies out of your hand, it’s still hooked around your wrist? That sounds like a product just waiting to be invented. . .
OK Joan, you’re a good storyteller because my heart was in my mouth as I was reading! As a die-hard dog lover, and I can offer a couple of suggestions.
First and foremost, never ever use a retractable leash for a dog that is more than 10 pounds. The stability and control is not there. You can do injury to yourself and your dog.
Second, I know your pup is only 10 months old, but train, train, train. I’ve had great success using two different ‘come’ commands. The first one, “over here”, is used when we’re having fun or just being casual. When I use the second command, “come”, she knows I’m serious. I use it only when training, or when she is in a dangerous situation. I don’t need her to respond that way most of the time, so I just reserve that command when I need an immediate response. She knows the difference. I ALWAYS give her treat when I use the ‘come’ command, so she’s especially motivated to respond. 😉
The other suggestions, such as running the other way and looping the leash handle, were also very good. I’m glad Bogie’s home, and my black lab Phoebe says to Bogie, “Next time you go on a great adventure, call me!”
Joan –
When our Danny (Havanese puppy) got loose about a year ago I was beside myself. I felt so much stress when I read your posting. I was quite relieved to hear that you got Bogie back.
When Danny got loose I talked to my breeder for tips. She told me to go out and get a climbing hook. The kind that rock climbers use to secure themselves. You see a lot of key chains now with the same kind of hook. You take the hook and attach it to your belt. Your pants may be pulled down, but you will still have your puppy!
We have also had a rule in our house that we NEVER chase Danny. We don’t want him to think it is a game. Instead, we play chase by him running after us. That way, when he gets loose we start playing chase and he runs after us rather than away from us.
I know as a dog owner how scary it is to lose a dog or any other pet. I have started to use an electronic collar on my dog that has fleeing feet. It has worked wonders. I don’t even use the shock part of the collar. I use the tone. She responds immediately. The prices do vary on the collars, so do your research, or better yet, have your VA do it for you. Maybe she may have a recommendation for you as well.
Joan, I’m so relieved you found your dog and he was relatively unscathed. I was down in the Gulf doing animal rescue work after Hurricane Katrina and the so very sad stories of separation made my heart ache like your story just did. Here’s my contribution to the discussion:
– Microchip your pet. It’s cheap, very low-pain, almost any vet can now do it, and the pet will be in a national registry. Most shelters now automatically scan strays when they’re brought in.
– There was a national news story sometime in last few weeks about a sister/brother team who have devised a way to use text messages to cell phones in communities to alert people to watch for an escaped pet. I saw the story on CNN…don’t have the link but imagine it’s findable. It was a very cool idea and great way to put technology to work.
Joan, I am so glad that you got your dog back.. I was in tears reading what you wrote. The other day something similar happened to me in broad daylight. The leash we use is also retractable and can be pinned to my wrist or I can bracelet it, that way she cannot get away unless I let her off leash… It also has a thing that makes the leash shorter when I push it… keeping the dog on a shorter leash is probably a good idea in the dark and also in situations where you want to keep the dog close… my dog and I walk in a rural area along the street and sometimes she likes to run across the street (there is a little traffic) to visit the horses, cats and other animals. I do not let her, of course, but dogs just wanna run and play and sniff everything… so keeping her close is what I do most… we also have a yard so she can run and play there, too…
I am going to post this and the tips also on my blog about dogs … celiasue.wordpress.com…
Joan,
DITCH your flexilead! Seriously, you will find it much easier to control your dog with a regular leash, plus your dog will not have as much opportunity to get into trouble. If your dog is close to you when you are walking it makes sense that there wont be as much power when your dog takes off.
Flexleads seem like a great idea but they arent , have you ever seen what a leg looks like after the flexlead gets wrapped around it and pulled. A friend had that happen when her puppy ran around her. Looks like someone tried to cut her leg off.
Also your dog will not be able to get in trouble with other dogs along your walk. It is amazing to me how slow people are to react when their dog gets that far ahead of them.
Oh, getting microchipped is also a wonderful idea
Jean M Fogle
Author of Salty Dogs- A photo book of dogs at the beach
http://jeanmfogle.com
Salty dogs the book blog
http://saltydogs-thebook.blogspot.com
Carry a turkey drum stick wrapped in a plastic bag. I lost my ‘mini pin’ placing a real estate sign in front of one of my listings at 8:00 at night. She jumped out of the car and took off like a speeding bullet. I thought I was going to have a heart attack running behind her as she put moves on me like a professional running back. I wished 1000 times I had a turkey drum stick or other piece of meat. Dogs are carnivorous animals and they love the taste of meat. Thank God I finally caught her. I actually had to tackle her like a football player. You would have been proud!
Joan, We’ve been there. After a summer of seeing so many responsible pet owners experience the pain of losing (including theft) of their pet, we created PetAlertz, a “Neighborhood Watch” for pets where members can get community help if their pets get lost or into trouble. You can read more about it at http://mypetstreet.com/petalertz. There is so much power, love, and help available to us in our communities, and it only makes sense to help to empower and mobilize them in getting neighborhood pets home quickly and safely.
One reason animal shelters and pet rescues never run out of dogs is because of lost dogs that never find they way back home. Too many people don’t even look at their local animal control when they lose a dog.
I just placed a lost Yokie into a new home. She was wearing a new pink dog collar without a name tag and no one showed up at animal control to claim her. She was so lucky, our pet rescue took her on and found someone to adopt her, but many lost dogs never leave the shelter alive.
Our pet rescue has some lost and found info on our site here:
http://members.petfinder.org/~LA34/lost_found.html
Some of the links may be old, I am planning on moving this info to our new blog here:
Tangi Adopt A Rescue’s Blog
Pet rescue and adoption; Kentwood, Louisiana (Tangipahoa Parish)
http://tangiadoptarescue.wordpress.com
Nothing to add, except to say I am very glad that Bogie is home, safe and sound.
Hi Joan,
I have a boxer who is 2 years
old. She is the love of my life.
I was clutching my chest as I
read your story. I didn’t how
the blog entry would finish off.
I am so happy your story ends
happily.
Here is a website
you & all dog lovers/owners
should check out:
http://tinyurl.com/2fv6d
Best,
Yves Marie Danie Baptiste
Ditch the retractable was my initial reaction too. It is too difficult to control any dog on that long lead. Also means doggie can scarf up any tasty treat he/she finds! Chicken bones, etc.! Soooo glad you found Bogie!
The blinking red light is a winner, and I will get one for the next time my sister’s dog comes to Camp Auntie Gail! Lucy is used to staying in her own yard because of Invisible Fence, so one day about a year ago I felt safe to let her freely get out of the car. Instead of running to the door, as usual, however, she bolted the opposite direction — and it was dark. I freaked! Bad enough if it was my own dog, but try to explain that one to a family who entrusts you with the safety of their puppy! She gratefully returned safely within a few minutes, and I haven’t let her outside without a leash attached to me, since!
These ideas are fabulous. Keem ’em coming.
I didn’t know they made dog collars with blinking red lights. I’m off to the pet store….
I have a Jack Russell/Mini Pin mix (no need for caffeine – she is the ADHD dog) who loves to run and bolts even on the retractable leash. I know in the frozen tundra of Wisconsin you can’t keep a good grip with gloves or mittens, so creating a fabric handle that loops over your hand and wrist is the best solution. I prefer using a woven nylon leash, putting my hand through the looped handle and holding onto the lead. It’s safer and if the dog bolts or my grip slips, I still have control of the leash. Another reader suggested this, I think we should go into business and split the profits. My “field trials” have proven this works!
Hi Joan- I have to say I’m impressed with the number and intensity of responses. Your story reminds me that emotional elements in stories really, really hook us all!
You have received a lot of great advice about how to prevent your dog from getting loose again. Personally I have a soft leash for my westie which I loop up my arm and around my wrist, as she’s prone to taking off after squirrels suddenly. But your question was about how to get info helpful in retrieving a lost dog, not how to prevent the dog from getting off leash…. seems like this is something the Humane Society or the Police should provide. A simple Web site could easily be funded via ads from those poeple who make the blinking light, the body harness, the engraved tags, etc..
If anyone represents a local vet, a vet could also could create and sponsor a “findmypet.org” Web site that provides just the kind of information you needed. In fact, providing a service like that for the public would position a vet HIGH in my book.
I’m also glad your story ended well Joan. It’s amazing to me the depth and intensity of love I have for my little four-legged pal. 🙂
Dear Joan,
Our friends at MillionDollarPetPix.com forwarded your story. We’re so glad you found your pooch. We are all dog owners here at RoamEO and have created a product to help find lost fury friends. If you had our product, you would have been able to go directly to your dog. It’s especially effective at night because it is easy to read in the dark. It is a GPS collar for the dog and a receiver that you carry with you. There is a lot more info at http://www.RoamEOforPets.com. Let me know if I may answer any questions for you. Brian.
I’m very glad that you found Bogie within a short time and she didn’t have to spend the night outside. I’m a professional dog walker/ pet sitter. I have to agree with the other comments about using a Flexi. I don’t like them at all for large dogs. I always prefer to have a leash that I can slip my wrist through and keep a good grip on. Also, the flashing light that attaches to the collar is another great idea. If a dog gets away, someone finding him/her will know that it’s someones pet and might not be hesitant to approach the dog. And training a strong recall will help in many situations. Good luck with her training, and thanks for the idea for a future article for our business!
Brian, you are the answer to my prayers!
Earlier today, while walking Bogie in the park, I thought to myself that a neat invention would be a GPS collar and wondered why somebody hadn’t invented it yet. And here you are!
I’m going right over to your website. Thanks for responding. Bogie and dogs everywhere thank you.
Hi Joan — I am so happy you recovered your precious Bogie. I remember spending several panicked hours one dark night looking for a small, half-blind, senior, black dog who’d walked out the gate when I was taking the trash out and I hadn’t noticed that in her dottage she had wandered out.
There is a marvelous group on Yahoo where you can post information about lost and found dogs. It’s K9alert@yahoogroups.com
You are nuts a Micro-chip doesnt get your pet back and it is not good for your pets health. I did a search on lost and found animals there are a ton of websites one of the best was: http://www.petfinder.com and another: http://www.smartitag.com/Pets/Lost_pet.html both had great assistance. Now comes to getting your pet back. While searching for Pet Locator I came across this site: http://www.smartitag.com good for small and large animals. What I liked most is that it protects your IDentity and after reading the testimonials, I am getting one for my child Gary. I also noticed that a finder can get hold of the pet owner in 32-seconds, now that is quick. I had the Micro-chip taken out of my pet after reading article from Dr. Blake the Pet Whisperer. I love my dog and I hope to have him around for a long time. Micro chip not me.
The world of pets tags and recovery is being brought into the 21 st century thanks to a product called Pet Locator by Smartitag. Unlike other pet tags that either call oyur home number or go to an answering system, the Pet Locator patented and Automated Operator system immediately dials the pet owner at up to five registered numbers so they speak directly with the finder in seconds, not days! The FBI, law enforcement and PTA recommend never to put you name, number or address on any form of ID due to Idnetity Theft and Child Predators..and smartitag is the only ID tag system that meets or exceeds those guidelines. Owners never need to buy another tag as the contact numbers can be changed by phone or on line 24/7 when traveling or moving. The three tags for $9.95 are a bargain and if the owner wants to add tags to car keys, luggage, backpacks, sporting equipment, jackets, bicycles, computer and breifcases they can purchase 12 extra tags for only $9.95..and there are even 32 Smartitqg stickers for $11.95 that could use the same pin code as the Pet Locator and protect the cell phone, MP3 and iPod players, laptops, camras, credit cards, memory sticks and even sunglasses! The Automated operator system can’t keep you from losing belongings but does increase the chance of a safe/secure recovery by 85%!!! visit: http://www.Smartitag.com for more info.
In regards to the GPS usnits for pets, there are several on the market but are a bit bulky and expensive ($395 + and have limited range).
Joan — So glad that you found Bogie safe. It is a horrible feeling to have your dog missing. Our Siberian Husky would jump the fence regularly and the trick to catching her was to not chase her and tempt her with treats. One harrowing few days with her gone ended with a good Samaritan climbing over a fence to get her on the freeway side of a barrier. Thank goodness for other dog lovers!
I agree the light/reflective collar along with keeping a very special treat you rarely use as a reward on hand is excellent advice. More training for “spooked” situations is something else to consider with a professional dog trainer. Your whistle for “get over here now” really could have done the trick, but perhaps Bogie needs more reinforcement while under stress.
And finally, our neighborhood Yahoo groups email list is invaluable to share safety tips on strange sightings, slippery door-to-door reps and lost pets. If you don’t have one I recommend canvasing your neighborhood with flyers to sign up within the area that pets could be found quickly. We found just doing our street wasn’t very helpful for helping locate lost pets or not hearing about a break-in in the street behind our homes.
Glad you found Bogie.
There are a number of comments on your blog about various pet tracking technologies.
Some have suggested using a pet tag – with name/address and phone. Law Enforcement does not recommend that anymore – for a few reasons, namely: (1) Dognapping (2) Identity Theft and (3) your personal Safety.
Microchipping also has some drawbacks – (1) there are multiple manufacturers with their own specialized equipment – your microchip may not work if the vet or animal control has the wrong equipment (2) in a test case where the microchip came with a numbered tag – a call placed to the manufacturer giving that microchip number produced your name, address and phone number – there was no verification process of who was asking for the information (3) while microchipping is not hugely expensive, there are more inexpensive and more secure products available – see below.
Instead of Pet Tags or microchipping – consider Smart-i-Tags. http://www.Smartitags.com .
Smart-i-Tags are a pet (and asset) identification tool built around Identity Theft Prevention. Smart-i-Tags utilize patented and trademarked technology to protect belongings. Additionally, Smart-i-Tags comply with FBI, law enforcement and PTA guidelines regarding identification tags for your belongings. NO PERSONAL IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION (name, address, phone, etc.) is shown when using Smart-i-Tags on items. Child predators, “dognappers,” and identity thieves cannot garner personal information as they have previously.
In short, Smart-i-Tags are tags and stickers with a specific code registered by the user (by phone or web) that can be put on valuable personal possessions. Smart-i-Tags increase the recovery of lost pets, keys, kids jackets, backpacks, luggage, cell phone, iPod, laptop or any valued belonging by 85%! The Smart-i-Tag provides a way for a finder of such lost items to contact the owner. It bypasses putting ANY personal information on an item (safer), yet provides a safe means for a good Samaritan to contact the owner of the lost item directly – again, without divulging any personal information.
For those interested, visit http://www.Smartitag.com and use
Promotional Code 33762
to get 10% off your order!
I can’t understand why someone hasn’t yet combined the technology of the Lo-Jack GPS tracking device with a pet microchip. Then all you’d have to do is go to your nearest police station and have them track your pet to wherever s/he is. So glad Bogie’s okay, and now you are, too. 🙂
Joan,
I teared up reading your story and was so happy to hear a happy outcome.
I have a young dog who is never on the retractable leash. Too easy for him to bolt and get hit by a car. My senior dog gets the retractable because he’s older and slower. I tried the retractable with the younger one, but it was no good. Someday, when he grows up…:-)
Susan
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When your pet is lost, chances are that someone, somewhere has seen your pet.
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Hi Joan – I don’t have any tips for you but I just had to tell you that I’m so, so glad you found Bogie!!
OMG! i am so glad your pup is ok. my heart was in my mouth reading your story.
Ditch that flexi-lead. I use a Sense-sible harness of benny, and when he was a puppy i’d attach it to his collar at well. get it at http://www.softouchconcepts.com
get your dog micro-chipped right away.
xo, BL & Benny Bix
The moment you said retractable leash, I knew we were in for trouble. They are my pet (no pun intended) peeve. I have seen them snap so many times, and personally feel they are an excuse by owners not to really train their dogs. Your dog should walk at your side, period. We have a group that meets at the dog park and takes our dogs on the park’s nature trails. Most of us let our dogs off-leash but a few are not comfortable doing so, and some use retractable leashes. The rest of us spend the walk trying to avoid rope-burn and getting tangled between the dog and the owner. My border collie and I spent one whole morning in the woods searching for a young hound dog who snapped her retractable leash and whose owner gave up. We found Lulu dragging six feet of retractable leash around trees and barbed wire fences.
As far as microchips, there have been recent stories about cancer developing at the implant site, not just in pets but in humans, like diabetics, who use them. I think the best bet is still the old-fashioned I.D. tag, which anyone who finds your dog, like the minister who found Bogie, can access. Microchips are probably great on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. but dogs get lost at other times too — as you well know.
So my advice is pretty old-fashioned. Use an ordinary six-foot leash you can loop around your wrist; use regular old-school I.D. tags; and when she’s old enough, teach Bogie a consistent response to commands.
Joan, consider a dog head halter like, Gentle Leader or Halti. They allow you to control your dogs so much better than a dog harness or even a dog collar and they will not choke your dog.
I never recommend dog harnesses because for most dogs it causes them to feel like they are in the leadership position, which is not good. You want to be your dog’s pack leader.
The “Gentle Leader” helps you become the leader and it comes with a dog training DVD to show you how to use the head halter right.
Did you also know that once your dog sees you as the pack leader that he becomes a calmer dog. This is because you now make the decisions and he learns to trust your choices.
Letting a dog be the leader is more responsibility than most dogs can handle and can lead to a nervous and hyper dog.
New blog posting:
Lost and Found Pet Info – http://tangiadoptarescue.wordpress.com/2008/03/26/lost-and-found-pet-info
Tons of links to a lot of helpful sites about Lost, Found, and Stolen Pets and Pet ID methods.
Leave a comment about any good sites that I missed. Or if any of the links are no good. Thanks!
With a retractable leash you still must always be alert to bolting. Keep your elbow bent and your upper arm/elbow by your side with a good fist grip on the handle. If you are near an area where your dog may have an issue, keep her on a short leash with the lock on. I have a 65 pound dog and have learned the hard way that this stance is crucial (it’s how they tell you to hold the leash in the instructions). Anyway, I’m glad you found her and that she is well!