Editor:
Again on a holiday weekend, a found dog was brought to the ARF House. The ARF volunteers did what they always do in this case. They posted signs and spread the dog’s photo and info all over Facebook. And they kept the old boy safe in their hands for five days.
No inquiries. Finally, at 4 p.m. on day five, a call from the dog’s owner came in. The owner was out of state, and the dog sitter evidently had no idea how to find the dog for whose care she was responsible.
Fortunately, a good samaritan had picked him up and brought him to ARF before he succumbed to any harm.
This is not the first time this has happened. So often dogs found wandering are those who have escaped while in the care of a dog sitter, and many times ARF has to scramble to find a foster to care for the lost dog until either the owner returns home or the dog sitter makes contact.
ARF is begging Hill residents to leave a complete list of important information for their dog sitters. In addition to leaving medical records, the veterinarian’s phone number, and emergency veterinary resources, ARF’s number should be noted as the place to call if the dog goes missing: 951-659-1122 or 951-663-6642.
If ARF has the dog, a reunion will be arranged immediately. If ARF does not have the dog, it will help by putting up “lost dog” signs and if at all possible, an ARF volunteer will assist the dog sitter in his/her search. Also, ARF is able to offer numbers and locations of emergency veterinarians.
And, of course, dogs should always wear a collar with identification, and it should be microchipped. Microchipping is available through ARF for only $20, which includes lifetime registration. But remember, ID tags and micro chips are useless if the information is not kept up-to-date.
Janice Murasko
ARF Board of Directors
