Need Your Thoughts...Harley Is Lost!

[Judy in Waco]

Yay!!! :: yay_jump:

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by TammyJM

You guys are truly the most caring group of people!! I haven't read all of the posts yet because I wanted to quickly let you know that our precious Harley Kincaid is home! He is safe and sound and has been washed three times now ( ) and has had many treats, had dinner, drank a ton of water and has been promised an all raw diet from this day on. He so loves raw and we have been not letting him have it because he eats more of it then the little guys. Well, no more of that kind of treatment!!! No way, he offically can have anything and everything that sweet heart desires!

After I posted, we went driving for one hour....we stopped at a vet clinic that is close to us and she happened to still be opened. One of the techs was in the parking lot and was calling people for us while I sat and cried. We then drove to our police station but they were not there (we live in a smaller town so they were just out patroling). We finally came home because our children had not eaten and because we wanted to start making some phone calls. We called a 24 hour emergency clinic, left our info, called the police station and left our info as well as the animal control in the city that we live outside of. I got the kiddos settled with dinner and my husband headed back out to drive some more....both of feeling hopeless at this point...like a needle in a haystack. Once my husband left, I stood on our garage step, with the door up. I just stood there crying and trying to come to terms with never seeing my baby boy. Just about that time, I hear a dog not too far away barking. I'm thinkin' maybe, just maybe, that dog is barking because Harley is in his yard. So, I walk out into my driveway and about that time I see this dark shadow running across one of our neighborhood streets. Here I am, no shoes, no socks, no coat and crying...I take off running down the street yelling his name. That shadow is now no where to be found until finally I call his name super loudly and from a distance, I see his adorable face look up at me. I am still running, he is frozen, like in shock, then you can tell it hits him at the same time that it truly hits me....WE FOUND EACH OTHER...WE REALLY DID!!!!!!! Harley then takes off running faster than I have ever seen him move and he literally lept into my arms. I am blawing as I am running back to our house, trying to keep my knees from crumbling because I feel like I am going to pass out...Harley was scratching the heck out of me because he just wants to get home as soon as possible. Once we get inside I literally fell against the wall because my knees just couldn't hold me any longer. He had to have three baths because he reeks of cow poop. He had all sort of twigs and leaves stuck in his coat, but he is happily sleeping on the bed next to me right now.


Love to you all!!!! Thank you for sharing our happy ending with us! I am beyond thrilled, relived, thankful.....(for whatever reason, though, I still can't make myself stop trembling...I'm sure it's still my nerves).

Tam

Im so glad he came back and hes ok besides being a little stinky. I was praying for you.

[kezza]

I only just seen this thread!!! I went straight to the last post and was so relieved to see that he had been found!!! I'm so happy for you! it would not have been a good way to start the new year..
It is one of my biggest fears...losing Pixie..I just couldn't bear the thought of her wandering lost and alone, she's so tiny too..and never knowing what had happened to her..I would never get over it. We spent christmas at the In-laws and they are always leaving doors open..so I have to be extra vigilant there..I made sure she had a collar and ID tag with my number on it this time.

[Wylie's Mom]

Oh Tam!!!!!!

I have tears in my eyes, YOU FOUND HIM!!!!!!!! I am so happy and relieved! Bless his little heart and yours too!

[LillieDoodle]

Oh - I am so happy he is home. What a great happy ending.

[TammyJM]

Good morning YT family! I cannot tell you how many times I woke up in the night....just to check on Harley and to love on him!! It got to the point that he would not look up at me, he would just lay where he was without opening his eyes, but his tail wagging.

My advice (truly from my heart now that I know the fear)....please please please microchip and tag your fur babies!!!!!!! Harley had neither (he just had on his harness). We took for granted that he is strictly an indoor dog and that he is so calm that he would never run from home. Well, as we all now know this morning, that's not the case. If it can happen with Harley, it can happen with any of these guys. Harley knows to not leave the house, but yet he did...Harley is NOT little (he is 22lbs!), but he got past us without anyone noticing. Harley is getting microchipped this week and I am ordering new tags for him to wear at all times! In fact, all of our fur kids are getting this!! I hope you all consider this for you babies.

Thanks again to everyone~
Tam

[Patti]

Just seeing this now and Thank God Harley is home safe.

[ladyjane]

I just saw this thread. I am SO glad you found him. My George disappeared one night and I thought I was going to die...it is the worst feeling ever. He actually was in my closet, but by the time I had found him, I had been all over the neighborhood, called the police .. well you know the routine. And just total panic.! I read your original posts about him and oh gosh...all I can say is I am SO happy for you..and for him!

[kezza]

Originally Posted by TammyJM

Good morning YT family! I cannot tell you how many times I woke up in the night....just to check on Harley and to love on him!! It got to the point that he would not look up at me, he would just lay where he was without opening his eyes, but his tail wagging.

My advice (truly from my heart now that I know the fear)....please please please microchip and tag your fur babies!!!!!!! Harley had neither (he just had on his harness). We took for granted that he is strictly an indoor dog and that he is so calm that he would never run from home. Well, as we all now know this morning, that's not the case. If it can happen with Harley, it can happen with any of these guys. Harley knows to not leave the house, but yet he did...Harley is NOT little (he is 22lbs!), but he got past us without anyone noticing. Harley is getting microchipped this week and I am ordering new tags for him to wear at all times! In fact, all of our fur kids are getting this!! I hope you all consider this for you babies.

Thanks again to everyone~
Tam

Bless you..Pixie was microchipped when she was spayed..but I have only just started putting a collar on her..just before going away for xmas I got a little disc made with my mobile number on it..just in case..

[TammyJM]

Originally Posted by TammyJM

Good morning YT family! I cannot tell you how many times I woke up in the night....just to check on Harley and to love on him!! It got to the point that he would not look up at me, he would just lay where he was without opening his eyes, but his tail wagging.

My advice (truly from my heart now that I know the fear)....please please please microchip and tag your fur babies!!!!!!! Harley had neither (he just had on his harness). We took for granted that he is strictly an indoor dog and that he is so calm that he would never run from home. Well, as we all now know this morning, that's not the case. If it can happen with Harley, it can happen with any of these guys. Harley knows to not leave the house, but yet he did...Harley is NOT little (he is 22lbs!), but he got past us without anyone noticing. Harley is getting microchipped this week and I am ordering new tags for him to wear at all times! In fact, all of our fur kids are getting this!! I hope you all consider this for you babies.

Thanks again to everyone~
Tam

Oh! and as someone else mentioned...put a bell on them as well! Maybe if Harley had one on his harness, we would have heard him get out.

Tam

[kezza]

Originally Posted by TammyJM

Oh! and as someone else mentioned...put a bell on them as well! Maybe if Harley had one on his harness, we would have heard him get out.

Tam

yes..great idea!! I might get a little cat collar one for Pixie..

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by TammyJM

My advice (truly from my heart now that I know the fear)....please please please microchip and tag your fur babies!!!!!!! Harley had neither (he just had on his harness). Harley is getting microchipped this week and I am ordering new tags for him to wear at all times! In fact, all of our fur kids are getting this!! I hope you all consider this for you babies.

I totally agree with this, girl! Both my boys are chipped and wear tags at all times. I carry a little card in my purse with the phone numbers for the chip companies and each of their actual chip-numbers as well. Marcel wears a bell too since he is so little.

[DYMONDS MOM 08]

I am so happy that Harley found you(LOL)!!!! This is the ending I was praying for. I will be microchiping my baby next week.

[TammyJM]

Originally Posted by AMD

Here is a sticky thread posted -

How to find a lost dog

First, search your property thoroughly. Small dogs can get into some mighty strange places.

The point is, look in EVERY nook and cranny.

Look behind, under, and inside washing machines, clothes dryers, stoves, refrigerators, and dish washers. Look behind water heaters, in boxes, under furniture, under beds, in closets, in cabinets, in shelves and bookcases, in drain pipes, in sewer drains, in culvert pipes, under vehicles, in crawl spaces under the house, inside sheds and barns, etc. In the case of cats, also look in attic crawl spaces, on the roof, in roof gutters, and up in the trees.

Walk the neighborhood, talk to everybody, and leave your phone number.

Go to each house in the area where your pet was lost and talk to the residents. Write down a description of your lost pet and your phone number and leave it with them. Leave it attached to their door if they are not home.

Talk to everybody you run across. This includes the postman, paperboy, children, parents waiting at the school bus stop, school crossing guards, neighborhood crime watch groups, garbage pick-up crews, etc. Give them a written description of your pet and your phone number as well.

Try to get all the neighborhood children involved. Kids are great at finding lost pets!

Ask everybody if they saw or heard anything unusual in the neighborhood and carefully write down everything they tell you. This could include strange vehicles, work crews, people, or activities. Get detailed descriptions of everything.

Don't travel alone. Take a friend or family member with you.

Don't write down your name or address. Because of scam artists and other criminals in our society, it is never a good idea to publicize this information.

Offer a reward, but don't state the amount.

Make some noise while you walk around the neighborhood! Animals can hear you from great distances.

Have all your family members call the pet's name.

If your pet has a favorite "squeaky toy" bring it along and use it to help you make familiar noises.

Use an "Acme Dog Whistle" to get your pet's attention. The high-pitched sound from these whistles can carry up to a mile or more. Cats are attracted to this sound as well as dogs. (Note: this whistle is the "silent" ultrasonic type, but has a simple adjustment that lowers the tone into the human audible range. Use this audible tone when searching for your pet because the sound will carry farther)

Carry a box of your pet's favorite biscuits, chews, or other treats and rattle it loudly while calling your pet's name.

Make any other noise that your pet is familiar with.

It's also important to stop regularly, be quiet, and listen for your pet to make a noise in reply.

The neighbors will think you're crazy, but hey, this is your pet's life we're talking about here!

Bring a powerful flashlight (even during daylight hours) for checking in dark spaces.

A frightened or injured cat will hide in dark spaces and will not come to you. An injured dog will also hide in dark places.

Use your flashlight for checking under houses and other dark spots. Also check storage sheds, garages, dumpsters, trash cans, and under cars.

Place strong-scented articles outside your home to attract your pet. Animals find their way by scent as well as sound.

Place some of your dirty clothes outdoors. Sweaty gym socks and jogging suits are great for this!

Place a dogs bedding and favorite toys outside.

Put out some smelly food such as tuna, sardines, or warm, freshly cooked chicken, liver, or other savory meat. Be sure to protect the food if you can, so that other animals don't eat it!

Call local veterinarian offices during the day. After 5 PM, call veterinarian emergency clinics.

Find out if your pet was injured and taken to any of these offices or clinics for treatment.

If an office has taken in or treated any animal that even remotely resembles your pet, VISIT THE OFFICE IN PERSON. Your description of your pet and their description of the same pet rarely match. YOU MUST GO SEE FOR YOURSELF!

Also ask them for the phone numbers of local rescue organizations. They generally keep a list and may even work with them.

Call each of the rescue organizations and ask for their help and find out if they have your pet. These groups generally network with each other and will pass the word about your case.

VISIT your local Animal Control, humane societies, and animal shelters, including the ones in surrounding areas.

You must actually visit the animal control and humane shelters every day or two. It works well if several family members can take turns visiting the shelters.

Your description of your pet and their description rarely match. YOU MUST GO LOOK! Be sure to check all areas of the shelter, including the infirmary. Also be aware that dogs may be housed in the cat section and vice-versa.

Leave a picture of your pet and your phone number at each shelter. Befriend them.

Find out the holding period of each animal control and humane shelter. Be aware of how much time you have to claim your pet before it is euthanized!

Government Animal Control agencies usually keep an animal for only 3 days and then they either adopt it out or kill it. You only get one chance at this. Be there!

Ask Animal Control, humane societies, and shelters about pet rescue organizations in your area.

Usually there are smaller pet rescue groups that work with the local humane shelter. They often take pets from the shelter to save them from euthanasia and adopt them out to new homes.

Call the rescue groups regularly to see if they have your pet.

Find out if your pet has been killed on the road.

This is a very sad but necessary task. Otherwise, you may never know what happened to your pet and it could haunt you for years.

The road crews for your local and state department of transportation (DOT) usually pick up dead animals from the roadside and city streets. In some cases Animal Control does this as well. You have to call around and find out which agencies do this service in your area. Be sure to find them all!

Dogs are usually picked up within 24 hours, but cats often are not.

Call the city, county, and state road crews, DOT, and Animal Control EVERY DAY to see if they have found your pet's body.

Make arrangements to visit their offices so you can speak with them face to face. Befriend them and leave a photo of your pet so the road crews can be on the lookout for it.

If any of them do not cooperate with your efforts, contact City Hall as a last resort and complain. This usually gets a response. But remember, you will get better results with courteous personal visits.

If your pet is wearing an ID tag, the DOT and/or Animal Control agencies should contact you if they find your pet dead along the road. But don't count on it. You must put forth the effort to find out for yourself!

Sadly, this section has a higher "find" rate than anything else except posted flyers.

It is extremely important to post MANY flyers about your lost pet within a 1-mile radius of where it was lost.

Overall, flyers or posters produce more "finds" than anything else. But don't neglect the rest of the tips!

Your budget will determine how many flyers you can afford to post, but the more the better.

DO NOT PUT YOUR NAME OR ADDRESS ON YOUR FLYER!

If possible, it is best to place a color photo of your pet on each flyer.

Use 8-1/2" X 11" fluorescent paper for high visibility.

List the date and place your pet was lost, breed of dog or cat, sex, age, weight, color, markings, and your telephone number. Offer a reward, but don't state the amount.

It is very important to always withhold several identifying marks and characteristics of your lost pet. You may need to use these later to verify that a person has actually found your pet and is not trying to scam you. More on this later.

Post the flyers at waist level on telephone poles and at eye level in such places as veterinary offices, pet shops, barber & beauty shops, grocery stores, community bulletin boards, churches, pizza parlors, laundromats, convenience stores, near schools, and on school bulletin boards.

Examine your posted flyers frequently and replace the ones that are missing or damaged.

Place an Ad in your local newspaper. Some will do this for free.

Be sure to advertise in the Sunday edition as well as during the week.

Also place an ad in any "Penny Saver" type of publications you might have in your area.

Check the newspaper "found" ads every day.

Most newspapers provide free ads to people who have found lost pets.

Also check regularly in any other local publications.

Don't ever give up! Pets have been known to find their way back home after being lost for several months. Good luck!

Don't wander around looking for your pet alone, either during the day or at night. Always bring a friend or relative. This is especially important in unfamiliar neighborhoods.

Alyssa,

Thank you so much for posting this sticky! There are several wonderful tips!! I am glad that we found Harley last night, but if we hadn't, I would have definitely printed this out to refer to!!

Thanks again!
Tammy

[DONNADEE]

Im so happy for you,when i got kaycee back they pulled up got out of there car and gave him to me and i directly fell to my knees crying thank you GOD over and over again trembling,the trembling lasted a long time and i also kept staring at him and loving on him,it finally got on his nerves and he went under the bed.