Only in Bend, Oregon would hundreds of strangers come together to help find our lost dog. This post was written by Jessica Laue – she wanted to relay this message to the Bend dog community: We want to thank the Bend community for your selfless generosity and dedication in finding Rudy. We are forever grateful for your help and are moved by the power of your combined efforts.
On July 25th, our beloved dog, Rudy, went missing from our home. Leaving us devastated by his absence and frantic for his return.
The steps we took in finding him, led to us being reunited just 48 hours after his disappearance. The steps we have taken since his return, have given us peace of mind. We encourage all dog owners to consider these precautions for the safety of their precious companions.
The Power of Social Media
Immediately upon realizing that Rudy was missing, we took to social media. We plead with our community to spread the word and keep an eye out for our sweet, 85-pound, brindle boy.
Within 24 hours, Rudy’s disappearance had been shared, literally, thousands of times. The news reached people as far as southern California and New York City.
Rudy’s story captivated our small town. The streets around our midtown home were filled with selfless humans – driving, biking, hiking, and walking around during a state of emergency heat wave.
“Lost Dog” flyers were plastered in every intersection and posted at dog parks, parking lots, coffee shops, food cart pods, community centers, and more. Then we knocked door to door and slipped flyers under door mats.
48 hours later, we found Rudy
We hung our clothing from the spruce tree in the front yard and, at night, we curled up on our front lawn in sleeping bags, hoping our familiar scent would lead our lost boy home. We were not going to give
up and our persistent efforts led to Rudy being found just 48 hours after he went missing.
His grand adventure around Pilot Butte State Park ended with a nap under a tree, in the cool grass, at the nearby elementary school – found by a loving and selfless Bend local, who had been invested in Rudy’s story from day one. We learned so much from losing and finding Rudy.
We wanted to share the top 5 things that we believe all dog owners should keep in mind when it comes to keeping your companions safe:
1. Collar on ALWAYS
We got in a habit of not putting collars on when our dogs were in the safety of our home. We wanted them to be comfortable and not have the jingle of their ID tags following them around all day.
Unfortunately, no one can predict when their pets may suddenly go missing, so having collars on at all times is a new rule in our home.
Tip: We follow the “two finger rule” (being able to take your pointer and middle fingers and slide them in between your dog’s collar and neck) to ensure a comfortable fit.
2. Update your ID tags
We now have QALO silicone dog tags (jingle free), with our current phone numbers and address listed. ID tags will reunite you with you with your dog sooner. Microchips require the help of a shelter or veterinarian.
3. Microchip your pet
Because Rudy was microchipped, we were able to report him missing with his microchip company, HomeAgain. This meant that, although he was not wearing his collar, any veterinarian or shelter would be able to scan his chip to locate our contact information.
4. GPS tracking
Having a GPS tracking device would have completely changed the narrative of our devastating lost dog experience. We now feel so at ease with both of our boys wearing Fi Smart Dog Collars. With escape detection, the app alerts you as soon as your dog leaves the premises of your home, and states whether they are with an owner or have ventured off alone. Should they wander off without one of their humans, the GPS leads you to the exact address of their current location.
5. Ensure your home is safe and secure
Rudy went missing because of our faulty front door – simple deferred maintenance that led to the most heart shattering 48 hours of our lives. We have since had it repaired and installed an additional lock for extra peace of mind. Additionally, we installed locks (not just latches) on our backyard gates. Keeping our home secure means safety for our dogs. We encourage other dog owners to check their doors, fences, and gates to ensure their home is a secure and safe space for all.
Author: Ely Twiggs
Ely's love for the outdoors and having first hand experience of the shortness of life was the impetus for her move from Australia into an RV to travel the US. When she got to Bend, she knew this was the place. After creating The Dog in Us, a multi-channel platform about exploring National Parks with Dogs, she wanted to bring dog-approved resources to a local community she loves. Enter The Dog Guide Bend, a resource made for the Bend Dog Community. Ely is the guardian of two rescue dogs, Alaska and Smoky Joe, and they are the center of her universe. Ely and her husband Tom run a mobile RV repair business called Meet You There RV Repair & Inspection.