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This is the classic scenario experienced by a puppy mill
survivor... escape and then on the roam... consciously avoiding
detection and interface with humans.
When the call comes in, the panicked and guilt ridden guardian or foster
parent quickly explains the nightmare they are now living. They may have been caring for a frightened
puppy mill survivor that squeezed through a very secure fence or possibly a shy, rescued stray that backed
out of its collar during transport. Regardless the event, when a Shy, Timid,
Aloof, Reserved, or Skittish (STARS) dog escapes or goes missing immediate
and decisive action needs to be implemented to recover the dog that you have spent painstaking efforts
to save...but who is now facing the world alone. Below are
the typical profile and the leads we expect in this scenario.
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- Shy, Timid, Aloof, Reserved
or Skittish dogs are more likely to escape out of fear than other personality types.
- Dogs that are xenophobic and lacking
in trust towards humans
- Explorer types are also likely to pursue roaming dog behaviour
- Puppy mill survivors
now lead the list of dogs missing across the country. Most of all of them are roaming.
- .A very common situation is the pet that is displaced for one reason or another. Any dog regardless of behaviour or
personality type can resort to roaming when faced with this situation.
- Breeds that more commonly choose this are the Jack Russell Terrier, German Shepherd, German Shepherd cross, Beagle, Border Collie, Miniature Pinscher, Australian Shepherd,
Catahoula hound, Shihtzu, shy Yorkshire Terrier, shy Chihuahua, Jack Russell Terrier, Bloodhound, German Shorthair Pointer,
Basset Hound, Shetland Sheepdog, Greyhound, Whippet, Italian Greyhound, Dachshund or is crossed with any of the above.
- Surprisingly the dachshund, Shihtzu, yorkie, Miniature
Pinscher and Pomeranian are extremely adept at surviving in this situation.
- Dogs that may have been stray, feral or were captured
when they were younger may also revert to this when the presented with an unknown situation.
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Characteristics, Leads & Sightings
- At first: maybe no sightings other than the first or second
day.
- Later: Many sightings covering various locations; sometimes
all in one area and sometimes they jump around over a large area.
- Guardians and volunteers respond to sightings immediately and feels the pet is in the area and should be able to
hear their calls but is not responding.
- Sightings may
happen in the early morning and in the evening and rarely during the day.
- Depending on breed and genetic predisposition, the distance traveled will vary. Size of the dog does not determine
traveling distance.
- When the dog is seen he maybe trotting
along as if on a mission,.
- Some witnesses have even said
the dog looked like he was having a good time. These that enjoy the life style may not even lose weight during their travels.
- When and if the dog settles into a territory, an individual or group of individuals
may report seeing him or her frequently.
- Sightings may be
concentrated in areas where there are woods, creeks, fields, open spaces, drainage ditches. Sometimes can be in a very remote
area depending on the dog's personality.
- Common feeling for
rescue, "I just can't seem to catch up with him or be there at the same place at the same time" The dog generally
keeps moving.
- Displaced dogs may continue to travel farther
and farther away from the point of escape leaving some to believe that the dog is trying to find its way home. In my experience
this is relatively rare and although Lassie always made it home on her own, most dogs do not.
- Stolen pets, rescued pets and those intentionally or unintentionally displaced can eventually end up in this scenario.
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A missing
dog can happen to.... ANYONE! Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Karin... don't wait until the missing dog crisis happens to you... Preparation is Prevention! Plan to attend a seminar in your area. |
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