I have learned a lot over the past two weeks about how dogs react when they are lost. Much of this may be surprising even to experienced dog people who have a close bond with their dogs. It is difficult to accept, but most dogs become feral fairly soon, go into a survival mode and almost never come back on their own to their owners or people they know, especially when they were lost in a traumatic manner.
The person who finally catches a lost dog is almost never the owner, nor the searchers, but rather some unsuspecting person in whose backyard the dog comes in looking for food. That person must not try to grab the dog but needs to be calm, give it a treat, speak softly and encouragingly, and quietly close a door or gate that precludes further escape.
In other words, Tundie's best hope for rescue lies in the hands of strangers. Please help us get the word out by putting fliers in high traffic areas, posting them on your neighborhood mailboxes, and even taking a couple to church this Sunday. Share it with co-workers and your Facebook friends.
The world is full of amazingly generous and caring people who are willing to help in ways small and large, and they are getting the word out in every way possible. I have met so many of you these past two weeks, and I am both overwhelmed and grateful! I cannot begin to thank each and everyone of you who is helping bring Tundie home.
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Hi Sue:
ReplyDeleteI guess I was an exception to the rule as when my beloved Chelsea escaped from the boarding facility (this happend 10+ years ago) she would go to no one but me. She knew the sound of my car and was sighted chasing Toyota Corolas, all Burgendy in color. She would not go to family members nor friends, she wanted me specifically. This made it all the more difficult as everyone, even my parents saw her and called her, with her best friend Smokey, but she just went in the opposite direction. Yes they do go into their instictive survival mode which I belive was what kept Chelsea alive those 2 horrible months. But I never gave up, this is very very important no matter how grim things may seem at the time. I remember a point that there were 3 days of no sightings then boom, she was back in the area where she escaped from, the next town over from mine.
What I am saying is that Tundie could be looking for you and may or may not go to strangers. As you said, the most important thing is for people not to chase him if sighted.
Still in our thoughts and prayers.
Amy and Angel Thunder (Bunny)
I'm watching for Tundie on the Sugarland Run Trail behind the Stuart Rd Apartments. I'm carrying extra treats for him when I walk my golden retriever. Keep the faith.
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