Check Your Pet's Tags

I was on the highway, on my way to the dentist. As I sped along I noticed a dog on the side of the rode who had obviously been hit by a car at some point. Well, I couldn’t just continue on my way so I exited the highway and circled back around to the dog.

I pulled over hoping beyond hope that he might be alive and just in need of some veterinary care. But, very sadly, this was not to be the case. It was a gruesome scene and I suspect the dog died instantly.

The little guy was wearing tags and I decided to call the family and let them know what had happened. The dog was wearing four different tags but darned if I could read any of them. They were scratched and worn, having been on his collar for some time, and I really struggled to read any of them. I finally found one number I could discern and ended up speaking to the mother of the son who owned the dog. Her number was on the tag as a back-up.

I was so sad talking to her, practically in tears myself having to deliver such tough news. But she thanked me for letting them know and said they would go get him.

My unsolicited advice to you is to not only make sure your dog has proper identification on their collar (and a microchip, for that matter) but please do a spot check occasionally and make sure the information is still legible. That is something we probably don’t think of over time.

I hope all of your pets and safe and happy for many years to come. And please chime in if you have any other pet safety suggestions or reminders.