Shadow a German Shepherd mix male, went missing on September 21, 2012 and was not found until 6 long weeks later. This page was originally started for him so the community could get together to post information and ideas in hopes of finding him. The page has remained, with Shadow being the inspiration for and a reminder to NEVER GIVE UP! This page includes pets missing from Ledyard and Gales Ferry along with those from neighboring towns. What to do if you have LOST a pet? Below you will find different suggestions. Some are our own and some from others. But all can be very helpful in getting your pet back home.
1. FIRST call the Ledyard Animal Control at 860-464-9621 or after hours call Dispatch at 860-464-6400 if local. Otherwise call the animal control for your town. Feel free to contact this page with the info and we will also post on this page. A message button is at the top of the page.
2. Be proactive! Have all of your info needed to alert others about your pet. This includes: name, breed, sex, color, unusual markings, and size. Also needed is the road/neighborhood it went missing, time/date last seen, and your phone number for quick contact. And lastly a good photo of your pet, preferably showing the entire pet.
3. Start walking your neighborhood taking with you a leash, flashlight, and treats. Alert neighbors of your missing pet and ask them to check their garages, shed, under floors/decks, etc.
4. Put posters up in your neighborhood. Keep it SIMPLE including a title of, LOST DOG/CAT, a phone number", and the pets photo. Get these up ASAP in the immediate areas.
5. Hand out flyers in neighborhood and put up in local businesses. Also don't forget your postal carriers, school bus, UPS, and Fed Ex drivers as they travel throughout your neighborhoods.
6. Avoid sending out search parties as this can many times spook a pet, especially one that is skittish, and make them run farther away. The goal is to keep the pet in one area. As hard as it is to understand, lost pets go into what is called "survival mode" and they will not always respond to you and could also run from you. Stay calm, speak softly, avoid eye contact, and be PATIENT. Let your pet come to you.
7. Consider a pet tracker or trapper who can help immensely in your search. Most importantly, NEVER GIVE UP. FOUND PETS
If you find a stray pet, you must contact your animal control so that they can take it to the shelter and attempt to find its owner. They will also check for a micro-chip and insure the pet is not sick or injured in anyway. You may send us a photo and the area found, along with your contact info and we will be happy to post it on our page.
