Uncle Keith Says:

Doggie Daycares, Dog Parks, and many community events offer the opportunity for our dogs to interact and exercise with other dogs.  These activities can be both entertaining and safe.  In order for these activities to be positive experiences, we need to be aware of many things.  This section will address issues that can make Doggie Socialization a wonderful experience for all.

August:

Make sure your dog is up to date on all vacinations including Bordetella.  Unfortunately, not everyone keeps their dog up to date on shots.  Private parks and Daycares enforce health requirements for their guests.  Public parks and community events that allow dogs have no enforcement.  If your dog is not healthy, keep it at home just as you would your child or yourself.

September:

Lets Talk About Pet Theft:

Who would have ever thought that we would be discussing a Black Market involving family pets.  It's true.  People are stealing dogs from porches, patios, and back yards and selling them.  You can find dogs for sale along roadsides, at flea markets, and through online classified adds.

Sometimes a dog is targeted for theft, but usually it is a result of easy opportunity.  Dogs are sold on Craigslist every day with a "small rehoming fee".  That purebred, nuetered, housetrained, perfect pet, being sacrificed for $175.00 to a good home only, might have been stolen from somebody's yard.

What can be done?
-Don't leave your dog alone in the yard or on the porch for long periods of time.  Especially if visible from the road.
-If someone asks questions about your dog, don't tell them where you live or mention the cost of a dog like yours.
-Be aware of you dog as if it is a child, always dependent on you.
-Have a current photo of your pet.  With a photo, you can post it online (never reveal every detail in your add so that you can screen out any crank calls).  Creat flyers to post around your neighborhood and take copies to the area animal shelters.
-Report your loss to local police and animal control.
-Have Your Dog Microchiped.  Very inexpensive and may help in your recovery efforts.
-Have Your Dog Microchiped.  Did I mention this???
-After your dog is Microchiped, keep your registration up to date.

If you have any questions about this subject, feel free to send an e-mail to dog.daycare@sbcglobal.net .