I don’t have to look far to find stray dogs. The street I live on is a well-known dumping ground for people who no longer want their pups. It breaks my heart. I’m also known as the local crazy dog lady; I’ve stopped counting how many folks have come to my door asking for help with stray dogs they’ve found. So what are the right things to do when finding a lost dog?
First and foremost, use good judgment when deciding to approach a loose dog and always err on the side of caution, especially, if uncertain about a dog’s personality or behavior. Nobody wants to get bitten or scare the dog into running into the street.
Don’t assume anything about a dog’s past. Scars, injuries or a dirty appearance does not necessarily indicate that a dog has been abused. The foundling may have been lost for some time and could belong to a worried-sick owner who’s been looking everywhere for the pet. If there is no collar or tags, ask a veterinarian or an animal shelter to scan the dog for a microchip.
Try to find the original owner by posting several flyers. Go online and post a notice on Craigslist and if the neighborhood has a message board, post the information there, too. Check lost dog postings at local shelters. The law may require the filing of a “found dog” report with the animal control department, which means the dog can’t be legally kept given to someone until the city allows it.
Place a “found dog” ad in a local classifieds section. Many newspapers don’t charge for this service. It’s a good idea to place one in multiple papers. Another good resource is the children in the neighborhood. Kids often notice things that adults miss.
If the owners can’t be found, it’s time for plan B. One may try to find a new home for the dog, but this can be very overwhelming. Another option is to take the dog to a local shelter.
Most rescue organizations are almost always full to capacity and will likely not be able to take on another lost dog. To share the burden of so many dogs in need, some Good Samaritans may foster the dog while they network to find it a new home. This is an adventure in itself – not something to take on unless feeling up to the big challenge of volunteering time as an independent dog rescuer. But the rewards of helping a lost soul find its way to a new permanent and responsible home can be immeasurable.
To keep the dog from getting lost again, think about a secure set-up. Dog runs or dog crates can keep the pet safely confined when no one is around to supervise. Craigslist’s pets section usually has ads for inexpensive used dog crates. A wire crate may need to be reinforced with cable ties so the foster dog doesn’t find a way out.
Life on the streets can be hard. Have the dog checked by a veterinarian to determine if any special care beyond vaccinations is necessary.
Not every found dog can stay in at a temporary home while a search for a permanent home is underway. Landlords may have rules about it, neighbors may complain, and some dogs may be too much to handle or may not be able to coexist with other pets.
For anyone thinking of surrendering a homeless dog, look for a shelter that will offer the best chance of it being evaluated fairly and adopted responsibly by well-screened adopters. Note that there is no such thing as a so-called “no-kill” shelter. Local SPCAs and Humane Societies typically commit to dogs for the long-term, but because of overcrowding, there is always the risk of dogs being euthanized. Dogs may only be surrendered to animal control facility in the city where it was found. City-run shelters are required by law to accept all strays found within city limits, regardless of the available space. Ask the shelter if it is full before surrendering the animal. They may say it would be better to return with the animal after the weekend, when adoptions may open a few kennels.
Lori Fusaro has been voted the best portrait photographer by FoxTV three years in a row and is a member of PPA and HeARTspeak. She lives in Culver City with her husband, four cats and dog. Contact: Lori@FusaroPhotography.com, FusaroPhotography.com. Follow her on Twitter: @FusaroPhoto.
