I just finished reading Huck: The Remarkable True Story of How One Lost Puppy Taught a Family--and a Whole Town--About Hope and Happy Endings by Janet Elder and it got me thinking about what I would do if one of my dogs got lost.

In the book, the author and her family left their puppy with a relative out of state while they went on vacation. The puppy escapes, the family cuts short their vacation, and everyone in the family and community search for the missing dog. I was so impressed by their search methods, I thought it would be helpful to make a list of to-do's "just in case."

1. Offer a Reward - Decide this up front. Money talks and if you can, offer a reward in all outreach efforts. In the book the family decided to offer $1,000 but $100 may be just as effective.
2. Make Lost Dog Flyers - You'll want to make these up right away as you will be distributing them everywhere you go. Include a current photo of the pet, pet's name, information about the reward (if applicable) and your contact info. In the case of Huck, the family told people to offer the dog cream cheese, his favorite food. They also included "heartbroken boy" hoping this would make people take notice. If you have access to a color copier, that is preferable and you may also want to purchase plastic sleeves to put the flyers in so they don't get wet if if rains. You'll also need a staple gun and/or some nails and a hammer.
3. Alert Local Officials - If possible, visit the local police station and explain the situation. Ask them if they can help you spread the word within their department and in neighboring communities. Make sure your local Animal Control Officer is also notified.
4. Call the Local Newspaper(s) - Place a lost dog ad using the lost dog flyer. Newspapers have printing deadlines so to this as soon as possible.
5. Alert Local Pet Related Businesses - Visit or call all of the local animal shelters, veterinarian offices and animal hospitals, groomers, training facilities and doggie daycares.
6. Post Flyers Throughout the Neighborhood - In addition to the key targets above, post flyers in the neighborhood where the dog was last seen.
7. Post Flyers in Local Businesses - Visit as many local businesses you can to ask if they will post your flyer. Be sure to hit the grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, banks, post office, home improvement centers, anywhere local people frequent.
8. Visit Local Schools - Ask local school administrators if you can post flyers where families will be sure to see them. Enlist the school's support to reach student groups which may be able to help you search for your dog.
9. Knock on Doors - If your dog is spotted in a particular neighborhood, start knocking on doors to let folks know about your dog and ask (beg) them to take your contact information.
10. Stock Up on Bribes - Stressed and traumatized dogs are not always predictable. You may find yourself in a situation where you need to coax your dog with his favorite treat or toy. and don't forget the leash!
11. Keep Notes - Huck's family had a local map which they used to note Huck sightings and to target their search efforts.
12. Ask for Help - It's okay to impose on your friends and family in a crisis. Losing a pet is emotionally and physically exhausting, not to mention stressful. Don't be afraid to ask for help. The more people looking for your pet, the better!

I'm sure there are many other things which could be added to this list but it is a good start. The most important things to remember are to mobilize a search quickly and to generate as much publicity as you can.

It goes without saying, but I will say it anyway...stay current with your dog's vaccinations and make sure your dog has up-to-date ID tags (and/or microchip) at all times.

Stay safe!