When a dog is lost, panic sets in—for both you and your pet. Your instincts will tell you to run, yell, and gather a crowd. But when a dog is in “flight mode,” normal rules do not apply. To bring them home safely, you must do the exact opposite of what your gut tells you.
1
DO NOT CHASE
The Instinct: Run after them to catch them.
The Reality: You cannot outrun a scared dog. Chasing them will only trigger their predatory flight response and drive them significantly further away.
The Mantra: Stop, drop, and avoid eye contact. Lay down on the ground to make yourself look small, predictable, and unthreatening.
2
DO NOT CALL OUT THEIR NAME
The Instinct: Yell their name so they know you are nearby and looking for them.
But why? They love me! When a dog’s brain is flooded with intense survival adrenaline, a loud, echoing voice—even yours—is processed as a threat. They don’t recognize it as a comforting call; they hear a loud noise actively pursuing them.
3
LIMIT THE “SEARCH PARTY”
The Instinct: Recruit as many neighbors and volunteers as possible to comb the area.
The Reality: Well-meaning crowds create an intense wall of sound and scent confusion. This severe sensory overload will quickly push your dog completely out of their “safe zone” and potentially into dangerous areas like busy roads. Keep active search teams very small and quiet.
4
GO SILENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA (ONCE SPOTTED)
The Instinct: Immediately post the exact, real-time location of where they were just seen.
The Reality: Publicly posting specific coordinates often causes eager volunteers to flood the exact area. Keep specific coordinates entirely private. Share location updates only with your core recovery team to keep the area completely calm and quiet until a safe recovery can be organized.
The most important rule: Never leave your dog unattended outdoors, whether you have a fence or not. Even the most secure yard isn’t a substitute for supervision.
Before You Worry About Your Fence: Basic Safety First
If you don’t have a fence, or even if you do, these fundamentals are your first line of defense:
Never leave your dog alone outside – Even for “just a minute.” Dogs can escape quickly or become targets for wildlife.
Use a properly fitted harness and collar – A well-fitted harness reduces slipping and is safer than a collar alone. Check fit regularly.
Always use a leash – When outside without a secure fence, keep your dog on a leash. Consider a hands-free or long-line leash for supervised yard time.
Ensure ID tags are current – Your dog should wear a collar with up-to-date contact information at all times.
Microchip your dog – Make sure your microchip is registered and your contact information is correct and current.
Supervise all outdoor time – Stay outside with your dog. This is especially important for dogs with high prey drive, anxiety, or a history of escaping.
If You Have a Fence: Make It Escape-Proof
Most fence escapes happen in predictable ways—climbing, digging, squeezing through gaps, or pushing an open gate. Each has effective, affordable solutions.
Start Here: Quick Fixes You Can Do Today
Before making major changes, check for these common issues:
Secure loose fence bottoms with lawn staples
Patch any holes or damaged sections
Remove objects near the fence (tables, dog houses, debris) that can help your dog jump
Make sure gates latch securely; replace worn or loose latches
If Your Dog Climbs or Jumps the Fence
Some dogs are natural climbers or jumpers, especially when motivated by something outside the yard.
Solutions:
Install coyote rollers along the top of the fence; they spin, preventing dogs from gaining traction. There are also less costly DIY methods to create coyote rollers using PVC piping that can be found online.
Add “lean-ins” (angled fencing at the top) to block climbing
Increase fence height with extensions if jumping is the main issue
These methods are also effective at keeping coyotes and other wildlife out.
If Your Dog Digs Under the Fence
Dogs often dig at fence lines due to boredom, curiosity, or smells on the other side.
Solutions:
Install an L-footer using welded wire:
Attach it to the base of the fence
Extend it outward along the ground in an “L” shape
Secure with lawn staples
Alternatively, bury welded wire slightly underground at an angle
For persistent diggers, consider a concrete footer
Safety tip: Ensure any cut wire edges are turned away or smoothed to prevent injury.
If Your Dog Squeezes Through Gaps
Small or determined dogs can slip through surprisingly narrow openings.
Solutions:
Line the fence with welded or mesh wire (available in low-visibility options)
Use bamboo fencing for a more decorative look
Use a puppy bumper or bar harness (for supervised, short-term use only)
Note: Devices like bumpers should not be worn unsupervised and should fit properly.
If Your Dog Pushes the Gate
Gate escapes are one of the most common ways dogs get loose.
Solutions:
Create an “airlock” or double-gate entry:
A small enclosed area just inside or outside the main gate
Prevents your dog from reaching open space if they slip past you
Install secure latches or locks
Using carabiner clips is a great way to keep gates securely closed, prevent accidental openings, and stop dogs from escaping. For the best results, avoid lightweight aluminum and choose heavy-duty locking carabiners or double-ended snaps to ensure the gate cannot rattle or be nudged open
For indoor exits, use a baby gate as a secondary barrier
Keeping Wildlife Out (Important in Illinois)
Coyotes and other wildlife are common in many parts of Illinois and can pose a risk.
Coyote rollers help prevent animals from entering your yard
Eliminate gaps at ground level
Avoid leaving food or trash outside
Regularly inspect your fence line for signs of intrusion
Safety Considerations
Regularly inspect your fence for damage or wear
Remove or cover sharp edges on wire or fencing materials
Avoid leaving containment devices on dogs unattended
Make sure all modifications are secure and do not create entrapment risks
When Physical Fixes Aren’t Enough
If your dog continues trying to escape, consider underlying causes:
Increase daily exercise and mental stimulation
Address anxiety or boredom
Work on training, including recall and boundary awareness
Supervise outdoor time for repeat escape artists
Preventing escapes not only keeps your dog safe but also protects them from traffic, wildlife, and getting lost. Most solutions are affordable and can be done with basic tools, making a secure yard achievable for nearly any home.
When people hear the term “magnet dog,” they often imagine a specially trained dog with an extraordinary ability to lure every lost dog home. In actuality, it is much simpler.
A magnet dog is a carefully selected companion dog used to encourage a frightened, lost dog to lower its guard and approach. Rather than attracting a lost dog through obedience or commands, a magnet dog appeals to something much deeper, natural canine social behavior.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that magnet dogs are always highly trained recovery dogs. While experienced recovery organizations may have dogs that are well suited for this role, the very best magnet dog is often one the lost dog already knows and trusts.
If the missing dog shares a strong bond with another dog in the household, that familiar companion can become an invaluable part of the recovery effort. The sight, scent, and presence of a beloved canine family member can sometimes accomplish what no amount of calling, coaxing, or searching can.
When used appropriately, magnet dogs have helped recover countless dogs that would never have approached a human. However, success depends on selecting the right companion, understanding the missing dog’s personality, and recognizing when this technique is, and is not, the right choice.
Why Familiar Dogs Can Be So Powerful
When dogs become lost, especially after several hours or days, many enter what recovery volunteers refer to as survival mode.
In this primal, fear-driven state, the dog’s brain shifts from living as a beloved family pet to focusing solely on staying alive. Familiar training, obedience, and even recognition of their owners may temporarily disappear as instinct takes over. Their only goal is survival.
Owners are often heartbroken when their dog runs from them or refuses to come when called. This is a normal survival response.
What often remains, however, is the dog’s instinctive connection with another dog it knows and trusts.
Unlike humans, dogs communicate through scent, posture, movement, and countless subtle social signals. A familiar canine companion can quietly communicate safety in a way people simply cannot.
For some dogs, recognizing the scent of their housemate is enough to momentarily break through survival mode and replace fear with familiarity.
Choosing the Right Magnet Dog
Not every household companion is a good magnet dog. The most successful candidates are dogs that share a close, trusting bond with the missing dog and remain calm in unfamiliar situations.
The ideal magnet dog should:
Have a close, positive relationship with the missing dog.
Be calm and emotionally stable.
Be comfortable in unfamiliar environments.
Remain relaxed around strangers and other dogs.
Be able to ignore distractions.
Walk calmly on leash without pulling or barking.
Sometimes the quiet, older dog in the household makes a far better magnet than the energetic young playmate.
Owners are often in the best position to evaluate the relationship between their dogs. If the missing dog and its companion share a close, positive bond and are comfortable together, using that companion as a magnet dog may be worth considering. If you’re unsure whether this approach is appropriate, an experienced lost dog recovery volunteer can help assess the situation.
When Magnet Dogs Are Most Helpful
Magnet dogs are often considered when the missing dog:
Has settled into a relatively consistent area.
Is repeatedly seen but refuses to approach people.
Has a strong bond with another household dog.
Is friendly with other dogs.
Is showing curiosity but remains fearful of humans.
The technique becomes especially valuable after search efforts transition into containment and recovery, when volunteers know approximately where the dog is spending time.
When a Magnet Dog May Not Help
Just as important is recognizing when not to use one.
A magnet dog may be inappropriate if the missing dog:
Has shown aggression toward other dogs.
Is fearful of unfamiliar dogs.
Is extremely territorial.
Guards food or other resources.
Had a poor relationship with the proposed companion dog.
Using the wrong dog can increase stress and push the missing dog farther away.
The decision should be based on both the missing dog’s temperament and its relationship with the companion dog. Ask yourself: Are they closely bonded? Do they seek each other out? Are they comfortable and relaxed together? If the answer is yes, the companion dog may be an excellent candidate to serve as a magnet dog.
How the Process Works
Every recovery is different, but the goal is always the same: reduce pressure rather than increase it.
The magnet dog is usually brought into the area on leash and allowed to behave naturally. The handler avoids calling to the missing dog or encouraging interaction. Instead, the magnet dog quietly sniffs, explores, or relaxes.
If the missing dog appears, volunteers remain patient.
Often the dogs notice each other before any human realizes what’s happening.
The lost dog may begin following from a distance, circling, or slowly closing the gap.
The interaction cannot be rushed.
Sometimes the magnet dog simply provides reassurance while volunteers guide both dogs toward a humane trap, feeding station, fenced area, vehicle, or another safe location where the recovery can be completed.
Other times, the reunion between the two dogs creates the opening needed for the owner or recovery volunteer to safely secure the missing dog.
Success Story: Lyda and Her Puppy
Lyda, a puppy mill survivor recently adopted through Adopt A Husky, escaped shortly after arriving at her new home. Unfamiliar with the area and operating entirely on instinct, she spent more than three weeks traveling across seven communities, ultimately covering approximately 16 miles.
Volunteers and her owner responded immediately with flyers, monitored feeding stations, social media outreach, and by following more than fifty reported sightings. Despite everyone’s efforts, Lyda continued moving whenever people tried to approach her.
When she finally settled in Elmhurst, the recovery team recognized that simply approaching her would likely send her running again.
Instead, they brought Rudu, Lyda’s own puppy.
Beth from Adopt A Husky quietly sat on the ground with Rudu on a long lead, allowing Lyda to notice him on her own. The moment Lyda caught his scent, everything changed. After weeks of behaving like a wild animal in survival mode, she immediately recognized her puppy. That familiar bond helped break through her fear, allowing Beth to calmly leash her and bring her safely home.
It wasn’t commands or food that ended Lyda’s journey. It was the comforting presence of a dog she loved.
Adopt A Husky volunteer Beth used Lyda’s puppy, Rudu, as a magnet dog. His familiar scent and calming presence helped Lyda feel safe enough to approach.
Success Story: Junior and His Mother
Junior’s recovery in Woodstock demonstrates another powerful use of a family companion.
After several days on the run, recovery teams finally located Junior inside a fenced industrial property. Instead of chasing him, they shifted immediately from searching to containing the area.
Junior’s mother, Princess, was brought to the scene on a long lead. As responders gradually reduced their presence, Princess remained inside the enclosure.
When Junior finally approached her, the two dogs greeted one another with relaxed body language, sniffing and circling in what handlers often describe as a reunion dance. The familiar interaction noticeably reduced Junior’s fear.
When his owner carefully moved in, Junior briefly bolted, a completely normal response, but because the area was secure and calm, he quickly returned to Princess. That second chance allowed his owner to safely secure him.
Princess didn’t “catch” Junior.
She simply reminded him that he wasn’t alone anymore.
Junior and Princess’s reunion dance – aerial Photo taken by SmithicAir
One Tool Among Many
Magnet dogs are one of many specialized tools used in lost dog recovery. They are often combined with humane traps, feeding stations, trail cameras, behavioral analysis, drone support, and strategic containment.
The key is understanding that there is no single technique that works for every dog.
Some dogs respond to food.
Some respond to routine.
Some eventually enter a humane trap.
And some need the reassuring presence of another dog before they feel safe enough to come home.
The art of lost dog recovery lies in recognizing which strategy best fits the individual dog.
Patience Makes the Difference
Perhaps the greatest lesson magnet dogs teach us is that recovery isn’t about forcing a frightened dog to return. It’s about creating the conditions where the dog feels safe enough to choose to come home.
Whether that reassurance comes from a calm recovery dog or a beloved companion from home, the goal is the same: reduce fear, build trust, and allow natural canine behavior to work in your favor.
When used thoughtfully and at the right moment, a magnet dog can become one of the most effective tools in helping a lost dog find its way back to the people, and sometimes the canine companion, it loves most.
Great news! Ridglan Farms, a laboratory beagle breeding facility in Dane County, Wisconsin, has reached an agreement to release 1500 beagles to animal welfare organizations for rehabilitation and adoption. Since these dogs were specifically bred for scientific research they have never lived in a home environment. They have probably never experienced day to day activities that our family pets are accustomed to and the potential is high that they will be under-socialized high flight risk dogs.
How can rescues and shelters prevent high flight risk dogs from escaping from new adopters, foster homes and even their own facilities? And how can they correctly react when a dog does go missing? Read more here at Lost Dogs of America…
Dogs released from long term confinement or high stress environments are at exceptionally high risk of fleeing. Their instincts, lack of typical home experience, and heightened fear responses mean that even minor triggers can cause them to bolt. Preventing escapes is not just about good intentions. It requires deliberate, layered safety protocols and consistency from everyone involved in the dog’s care.
Below is a comprehensive guide to help keep these dogs safe during transition and beyond.
Understanding the Risk
Dogs from environments like breeding facilities often:
Have little to no exposure to normal household sights and sounds
Lack leash skills or familiarity with collars and harnesses
Startle easily and react by fleeing, rather than freezing or seeking comfort
Do not yet recognize humans as a source of safety
This means that what might seem like a secure situation for a typical pet dog may not be sufficient.
Secure Containment Is Non Negotiable
Double Barrier Entry Systems
Use a two door system whenever possible:
A crate inside a closed room
A gated area inside a fenced yard
An entryway, such as a mudroom or vestibule, before access to the outside
Never allow direct access from the living space to the outdoors without a secondary barrier.
Fencing Considerations
Minimum six foot fencing, higher if possible
No gaps underneath, and check for digging potential
Ensure there are no items along the fence line that a dog could use to climb or jump over the fence
Avoid chain link if the dog can climb, and consider privacy fencing
Gates must be locked or secured with clips
Crate Use
A sturdy, escape proof crate is essential
Keep the crate in a quiet, low traffic area
Use it during transitions, visitors, or other high risk times
Proper Equipment Saves Lives
Harnesses and Leashes
Use a well fitted, escape proof harness, ideally with three points of contact
Always attach two points of control:
Leash clipped to the harness
Backup leash clipped to the collar
When the dog is loose in the house, keep a lightweight, approximately four foot leash attached to the collar. This allows you to safely grab and redirect the dog if they attempt to bolt, without reaching toward their body and increasing fear.
Martingale Collars
Help prevent slipping out if the dog backs up
Should be snug, but not tight
Never Rely On
Slip leads alone
Standard flat collars
Retractable leashes
Transport Safety
Transport is one of the highest risk moments.
Dogs should always be crated during transport
Crates must be secured so they cannot slide or tip
Never transfer a dog from a crate to a leash in an open area
Use enclosed spaces, such as a garage or fenced yard, for transitions
Home Arrival Protocol
The first twenty four to seventy two hours are critical.
Before the Dog Arrives
Ensure all doors, windows, and gates are secure
Inform all household members of strict rules
Remove escape opportunities, such as open screens or loose latches
Upon Arrival
Carry the crate inside before opening it
Do not allow free roaming immediately
Limit exposure to people, noise, and other pets
Decompression Period
Expect shutdown, fear, or avoidance
Keep routines predictable and calm
Avoid forcing interaction
Door and Visitor Management
Many escapes happen at the front door.
Post visible reminders, such as “Do not open, dog in training”
Use baby gates or exercise pens as additional barriers
Instruct all visitors clearly before they enter
Consider locking doors as an extra precaution
Outdoor Safety
Even fenced yards are not fool proof.
Always supervise outdoor time
Do not leave the dog unattended, even briefly
Keep the dog on a leash initially, even in fenced areas
Watch for climbing, digging, or panic behaviors
Identification Is Essential
Despite best efforts, accidents can happen. Preparation improves recovery chances.
Microchip the dog immediately, and ensure registration is current
Use a collar with an identification tag at all times
Consider GPS tracking devices for added security
Behavioral Support
These dogs are not being difficult. They are surviving.
Use positive reinforcement only
Avoid punishment, which increases fear and flight risk
Work with experienced trainers familiar with fearful or undersocialized dogs
Allow the dog to progress at their own pace
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Letting the dog off leash too soon
Assuming a fenced yard is enough
Trusting the dog will not bolt after a few calm days
Allowing multiple people to handle the dog without coordination
Skipping backup safety equipment
Emergency Preparedness
Have a plan in place before you need it.
Keep recent photos readily available
Know who to contact if your dog should go missing
Local shelters
Animal control
Register lost and found dogs with our partner at PetFBI.org
Do not chase a loose dog, as this often drives them farther away
Use scent based recovery techniques if needed
Final Thoughts
Keeping these dogs safe requires vigilance, structure, and patience. Early mistakes can have irreversible consequences, but with proper precautions, most escapes are preventable. The goal is not just containment. It is building a sense of security so the dog eventually chooses to stay close rather than flee.
This is the kind of story that reminds us why every detail and every effort matters.
When Coffee arrived at Chicago Animal Care and Control, his microchip led to a disconnected phone number. That’s where our Microchip Hunters team stepped in. One of our dedicated volunteers went the extra mile, tracking down Coffee’s owner, Daniel, through Facebook only to learn he had made the difficult decision to return to Mexico and leave his beloved dog behind.
From there, an incredible collaboration unfolded.
Coffee was transferred to Border Tails, whose team immediately committed to helping. With the support of their transport partners, Coffee began a long journey across multiple borders, ultimately making his way back to Daniel in Mexico.
Because people refused to give up, Coffee is now back where he belongs.
This reunion is a powerful reminder: ✔ Microchips save lives—but only when someone is willing to dig deeper ✔ Collaboration between organizations makes the impossible possible ✔ Love doesn’t stop at borders
We are so proud of our Microchip Hunters team and grateful to Border Tails and all partners who made this reunion happen.
This video, created by SmithicAir, beautifully complements a powerful and heartfelt song dedicated to all those involved in dog rescue in any capacity. It serves as an anthem dedicated to all the heroes involved in dog rescue, in every form. It stands as an anthem honoring your compassion and unwavering commitment.
Written by Donna Hoffman and performed by the Prairie Ghosts, the song follows their recent work on Apollo’s Journey and shines a light on the volunteers who work tirelessly to rescue dogs and reunite them with their families.
The coolest thing ever! The grandparents of Apollo, a dog that went missing from #Crete #IL, wrote and participated in the performing of a song dedicated to this search. We were given permission to use the song for the video. So great!
6 month old Apollo jumped over a barricade on his deck when a random clap of thunder rang through the sky. He had only been at his new house for 5 days and ran to the fields. The owners searched and saw him in the fields daily but he ran from them when they would approach. Dogs in fight or flight mode will run and do not recognize the calls of their owners. It is super important to allow the dog to feel safe and not chased. They then went a whole day without seeing Apollo anywhere. They reached out to SmithicAir. We started giving advice and contacted a volunteer lost dog recovery expert in the area named Cathy Annwho we learned about through a different volunteer who we work with often. Cathi and the owners met SmithicAir on location late that night. We conducted a search and found Apollo sleeping in a field a little over 400 feet away from our launch point on the other side of the houses we were next to. Cathi’s advice was to allow him to feel safe and they would try to lure or trap in the morning.
Apollo had other plans and at 2AM, he wandered into a neighbor’s yard. The neighbor was letting their dog out and Apollo decided to use this opportunity to enter the neighbor’s house and eat some food! The neighbor secured the dog and most importantly posted online that they had secured a dog. The owners found the post and the reunion was made on the fourth day of Apollo’s adventure!
A short video will be out in the next couple of days. Great job goes out to Cathi Ann and to the owners who listened to her expert advice!”
-SmithicAir
Thank you to all that helped, and a special thanks, also, to the family that took Apollo in, fed him, let him rest there, and posted him to a neighborhood page! Glad you are home safe!
Lost Dogs Illinois received this heartwarming email yesterday, and it moved us to tears!
Mr. Spock, or as his family refers to him, Spockie, went missing in Mars Hill, Nc on Tuesday 6/18 @ 4:30pm and was recovered around 5pm on 6/19 at the location where they lost him.
“I am reaching out to say thank you for your highly informative and helpful series of posts about finding shy and elusive dogs that enabled us to find our beloved dog, Mr. Spock.
My husband, Drew, and I lost our little guy on Tuesday when he jumped out of my car after a horrible car accident. Like Toby in the post, he had gone through a traumatic event, was in unfamiliar territory, and is by nature, weary of strangers. It felt like the odds were against us when we began the search.
We spent Tuesday evening and most of Wednesday morning searching by foot and by car , calling Mr.Spock’s name, and setting out fliers. It felt like we were going nowhere fast and we both began to lose hope.
I am a scholar by trade and learning is my superpower .So when I sensed our strategy might not be working, I decided to see what I could find out online . Your posts (Lost Dogs Illinois website) about finding shy and elusive dogs were BY FAR the most informative and instructive resources I found.
Based on what I learned, we set up feeding stations at the scene of the accident and a sighting location. We also switched from frantically calling his name to approaching the stations with calmness and quietness.
On Wednesday evening we went to check the feeding station by the scene of the accident, which happens to be by a local gas station. At the EXACT TIME we were there, someone from the gas station who had my number thanks to our fliers called me to say our dog had just been spotted AND the person who had seen our dog, saw my husband, and pointed the direction Mr.Spock was walking.
We knew from your posts to remain calm and not to panic. My husband followed our dog slowly on foot, resisting the urge to run, and threw me the keys so I could follow in the truck. Our dog turned down a sleepy side street, and my husband gestured for me to turn when I drove by.
Thanks to your posts I had a winning strategy for when I spotted him on the side street. I parked my truck far away and did not slam the door or rush. I opened a can of his favorite food and approached slowly. At first he was very hesitant, so I sat on the ground, and poured out the food. He started approaching after that, and suddenly realized it was me, and ran into my arms.
I do not think we would have been able to get him back without your posts. Not only did it give us helpful information about dog’s behavior when they are lost, but also a winning strategy and hope.
Thank you from the very bottom of my heart for sharing your resources so freely and please know that they really made a difference in our lives. Your strategies helped reunite us with our beloved Spockie in less than 24 hours.
P.S. Please feel free to share this email with anyone you like!
-With deepest gratitude”
We were honored to read this and hope others will check out our resources for ‘best practices’ in recovering missing dogs! Visit us at www.lostdogsillinois.org
Where are they? In this blog post we’ll take a wild stab at our best guess (based on what we have learned over the last 13 years).
The year has come to an end and we are going to ask you to search PetFBI. (If you are on a mobile phone, please search for albums or photos in the menu) Although we have had an incredibly successful year, we have so many dogs that we are still searching for.
A small percentage of the still missing dogs are probably sadly deceased. BUT, we do know that a body is usually found and we encourage all owners to not give up unless they have confirmed physical evidence that their dog is deceased. By far and away, our largest single cause of death is dogs that have been hit by a car (usually when they are being called or chased by well-meaning but misinformed citizens who do not know that you should never chase or call a scared lost dog). Our next most common cause of death is being hit by a train. Scared lost dogs will use the path of least resistance, and railroad tracks often provide a convenient route of travel between their hiding places and food sources. Unfortunately, some dogs are killed when the train comes, but again, a body is almost always found. Our third most common cause of death is drowning; either by falling through thin ice, or by making a poor decision and bolting towards a body of water. Lost dogs that are not being chased, approached or pressured will make wise decisions and may survive indefinitely. Dogs that are being pressured or pursued will make poor decisions and may meet an untimely end.
Many people fear that their dog has been eaten or killed by coyotes. We do not find this to be common and very few of our deceased dogs have evidence of being killed by a predator. Is it impossible? No. But dog/coyote altercations are almost always territorial (the dog is defending his yard or his territory) and scared, lost dogs are not territorial. They will defer to a larger predator. Lost dogs simply want to survive – so they need to do three things – they will hide from predators (including man) and they will spend their time sleeping and traveling between their food sources and hiding places. If a dog is killed by a larger predator – the body will usually be found. Predators do not tend to eat other predators and all members of the canine family are predators.
Where are the other still missing dogs? Some are still “out there” as described above. Scared and living in “survival mode”, these dogs may be rarely seen because they have become so adept at hiding and may be mostly nocturnal. Eventually they will start to hang around one or more reliable food sources (often a farm that is leaving food out for outdoor cats). If they are left alone they will become more domesticated and may be seen during daylight hours or even attempting to play with neighborhood dogs or farm dogs. This is why it is SO important to continue to flyer in an ever-increasing radius of where your dog went missing from. Somebody, somewhere WILL see your dog and they need to know who to call when they do.
Some of our still missing dogs wandered far beyond their “jurisdiction”, out of the flyered area, and end up in the maze of animal sheltering and animal control. They may have been adopted to a new family or put down when their 3 or 7 day stray hold was up. These are a heartbreaker for us because the simple of act of posting pictures on line of impounded found dogs would bring most of these dogs home. Our dedicated volunteers and fans scour the internet watching for possible matches but they cannot do this when there are no pictures available. Many Illinois shelters still do not reliably post pictures of impounded found dogs. Please ask them to do so. It is perhaps the simplest way to save lives and free up shelter space for those dogs that truly need it.
The last component (and probably the largest) are lost dogs that have been picked up by a Good Samaritan who meant well but then kept or rehomed the dog without searching for the owner. Of course, this is illegal in Illinois, but it happens all too frequently. The current “rescue” phenomenon that is sweeping our country has kind -hearted people making false assumptions about the owners of a dog they find. They speculate that the dog has been abused, neglected or “dumped” and needs a new home. We have great success when we can get the finder to file a report with us so that we can post a flyer online. This serves to dispel the false notion that people that have lost their dog don’t deserve him/her back. We ask all of our fans to please spread the word to their friends, family and neighbors – Lost dogs don’t need a new home. They just need to go home. Do not assume that you can keep a dog that you find. He/she is somebody else’s personal property and keeping him/her is illegal.
Thank you for helping us. Please take a few moments, scroll through our missing dog albums, and maybe, just maybe we can help reunite a few more of these dogs in 2024.
