How did this happen you ask? Another great question! Again, honesty is the best policy. Ristra did not have on her collar. The truth is, she really hasn't worn her collar for quite some time because she just hangs out at the back door until someone lets her in. I know... I should be publicly shamed. I should be forced to wear a sign around my neck that reads "I'm a vet and my dog got turned into the shelter," It should be posted all over social media so everyone can poke their finger at me and say "shame on you; practice what you preach."
In recognition of National Microchip month, which is June, I wanted to write this blog and tell of this slightly embarrassing situation. I mean come on...no one really expects the veterinarian's dog to be impounded...locked up...mug shot and all!! It's kind of like the preacher's kid getting caught smoking in the locker room! Not good for the family image! But this vet's dog did! Yep, she has a record...animal at large.
This all went down a little over a month ago. It was late afternoon and I was at dance recital practice with Wallace Anne when I got the phone call from the shelter. Fortunately, they had scanned her and found her Home Again Microchip. The shelter was about to close and all employees were leaving for the annual fundraiser, Bark At the Moon. Thankfully, some kind soul hung around so that my husband could pick her up.
I can't express how important it is to have two forms of identification on your pet. The collar with an i.d tag will get your pet returned sooner but oftentimes collars become lost. The microchip is kind of the back up plan. Although you know your pet well, their behavior and their routines, you never know when they may get brave and decide to do something out of character...like hit the road. It's your responsibility to make sure they have identification.
Many different brands of microchips exist, but at Leesburg Animal Hospital we use the Home Again brand. It is a device the size of a grain of rice which is placed between the shoulder blades with a large gauge needle. Many owners elect to have it placed while the pet is under anesthesia during a routine spay, neuter or dental procedure. Anesthesia is not necessary, however. When the lost and found pet is taken into a veterinary office or a shelter, as standard operating procedure, the pet is scanned. If they have a microchip, a number unique to them comes up on the scanner. The chip company is called and given the number so that the owner's contact information can be released. That is exactly what happened in our situation. We were notified just a few minutes after our old girl was found and 30 minutes later she was back, safe at home.
The truth is, it can happen to anyone; animals are lost daily. But when it happens to your own pet, you will wish you had taken the extra precaution. The Home Again Microchip is easy, safe for the pet, and very affordable. If you are interested in learning more about the Home Again Microchip, we would be happy to answer any questions at Leesburg Animal Hospital, just give us a call.