Dog Gone

Just when you think you've experienced everything that life could throw at you, yet again, another Situations X shows up at your door. How much do you love your family pet? Really take a moment to consider this idea of love for one's pet. Do we love pets equally or does it depend on their ability to show us love in return? Are they really showing what we as humans consider "love?"

It's obviously easier to show affection toward a dog than a turtle...I think! (Never owned a turtle) They make movies about dogs and only stories about turtles...well, of course there is the exception of the Ninja Turtles. If I had a turtle that could do what they did, I may be willing to show them some love.

Back to reality...

Does your pet have a GPS or chip in their ear? How about a tattoo scan or collar with its dog/cat tag?  Do you know where to go to find your pet should it suddenly disappear? Do you have pictures on your cell phone that you could instantly go to a local print shop like Kinkos and have 50 fliers printed up while you continue to look for Fido? Can you post some of those pictures at each pet clinic or place for grooming?

Realize that sometimes your pet can become confused and believe freedom beyond the fence or jumping out of your car, is the best life can offer. Unfortunately for Fido, he may go a few days without food or shelter and really be traumatized by not having the love you offer with each meal, place to sleep and a good petting.

If your pet doesn't have a way for other people to recognize that it is loved and wanted, you may lose it forever. It's so simple to go to a Petco or other pet supply business to instantly print up a tag with the pet's name and a phone number to call should someone find them. Most people will do the right thing and call to reunite the two of you. Never give up in your search when the pet first goes missing. The more adamant one is to finding the pet, the better the odds it will happen.

So, if you've been procrastinating about having a chip put in your pet's ear, don't hesitate. It's not expensive and will give you another avenue of hope should the tragedy of getting lost happens. Also, a tag that cost $10. from the pet supplier, and attaches easily to a collar, is worth the months of anguish one will definitely feel each time they look at the empty food bowl sitting on the back yard where you may have spent hours playing together.

Trust me, you'll sleep better at night knowing that the unconditional love you share between the two of you is protected. Prevention is more than half the battle of all Situations X.