Found: Lost Mutt

Every year, many beloved canine companions wander away from home, get disoriented while at a vacation house, or make a break for whatever reason, while still others are being dumped out and completely neglected.

If you find a dog, check with your local shelter for any rules or regulations that may apply. Some states require you to turn a found animal over to the shelter for a period of time, giving the owner a chance to claim him. Misplaced dogs often make wonderful companions. But no matter how wonderful they are, though, you should run an ad in your local newspaper saying what you've found.

Don't be too specific in your ad. If you've found a friendly, huge female Golden Lab mix with a red collar, simply state: "Found: Yellow Lab Dog." Allow the caller to tell you the sex, hair length, collar color, and any distinct markings. This will assure you that the caller truly is the long lost owner. Sometimes it is hard to return a happy mix to whom you have quickly grown attached to, but think of it this way: if you ever lost such a companion, wouldn't you want someone to return him to you?

Animals dumped as trash are a particular tragedy. This cruelty usually occurs at the end of summer vacation or the college year. People who got dogs for short-term use dispose of them by the side of the highway, edge of a park, or anywhere they find convenient. The assumption is that somehow this protected pet will blossom instantly into a self-sufficient predator, surviving on his wits and instincts. This is about as likely as you being able to survive in the wilderness. What will happen to these animals is they will die in some slow, painful way such as by starvation, disease, injury, or poisoning. These animals, confused and betrayed, deserve another shot at the good life.

Animals dumped for behavioral reasons are often more a reflection on the owner than the dog. With some basic obedience, crate training, exercise, and love, many of these throwaway dogs become well-behaved, cherished members of the family.

The first place to take a found mutt is the vet. Since the history of the dog is unknown, you need to take every precaution to protect his health. Animals that are under stress are more susceptible to disease, and even a positive stress, like coming to a new home, can set some dogs off.

A common new home problem caused by the combination of stress, new food, new water, and a new life is diarrhea. Ask a vet what you can do to prevent this. Also, having your vet run a fecal test for parasites can head off a problem before it develops. Use only worming medications prescribed by your vet. Over the counter medications are not as effective and almost any wormer can be dangerous if not given at the proper dosage. You will want to give your new friend a rabies vaccination immediately.

Your vet may also recommend other vaccinations as well as a heartworm test and preventive medication. Have a female dog checked for pregnancy. All pet dogs should be neutered as soon as possible. Anyone who loves dogs will make sure this is done. With millions of dogs being killed every year for lack of a home, it is the least we can do for these animals we love.