Collars and tags are VERY IMPORTANT! My Yorkie and Westie wear them all the time, not just when we are on walks. WHY? Because they can slip out at any time.
My Westie slipped out of the house one night when one of my guests was leaving. About 20 minutes later I got a call from a neighbor saying, "I have your dog." I NEVER EVEN KNEW SHE WAS GONE!!! The tags saved me a lot of heartache.
It's funny, because we only take the collars off at bathtime. After I dry them, I hold up the collars. Both dogs come to me and stand very still. THEY KNOW they are supposed to be wearing the collars. I think it is funny--kind of like a woman wearing jewelry.
My dogs are also microchipped. But tags will bring your babies home sooner.
Thanks for your story. I am so glad it turned out well.
