Dear Readers: If you have ever lost a pet, you know how heartbreaking it can be. Here are a few steps to follow in case Fido or Fluffy takes to the road:
Check your neighborhood and ask everyone if he or she has seen your missing pet.
Make up posters and fliers with a photo of your pet along with contact information. Be sure to choose a phone number where someone will answer or where a message can be left. (Here's a hint: If you don't have a photo of your pet, take one now.) Put the posters around your neighborhood. It's against the law in many places to attach posters to utility poles, so please check first. You might also want to put posters in convenience or grocery stores and other places where there is a lot of traffic.
Check with veterinarians in your area (bring along a poster or flier) and animal-care organizations. Visit city and county facilities.
Be sure your pet has a collar and tag with a name and a contact number. This way, if your pet is found, someone will know right away whom to call. We used to have a four-pawed visitor who could actually open the gate with her nose. She came in and played with our dogs until her owner arrived to take her back home. — Heloise
P.S. Many, many pets never find their way home, so please be aware of your pet's whereabouts.
Dear Readers: Donna Burgess of Milford, N.H., sent in a photo of her cat Milo inside her washing machine. Donna says, "Milo (2 years old) the curious cat explores the recesses of my washing machine." (Heloise hint: Be sure to check washers, dryers and even dishwashers for little visitors before turning the machines on.) — Heloise
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