This dog has gone missing and is living at large. It
includes all dogs that remain at large and are not able to find their way home.
Most pets in this category are dogs that are displaced or have become lost in an area outside of their known
territory. They may have recently moved to the area and are unfamiliar with it, may have been on vacation with their owners
or being taken care of by a caregiver away from home and escaped. We are now experiencing a large number of STARS, (Shy,
Timid, Aloof, Reserved or Skittish), dogs going missing due to the large population of puppy mill survivors in
rescue and starting their new lives in a new world. There are some pets that are escape artists and try to get out
all the time to go on walkabout because it is fun and exciting. These Houdini's may wander aimlessly not realizing they have
traveled well beyond their known home territory.
Note: In my experience, most dogs have the potential to follow or back track a scent trail but if they have never or
rarely used the skill it may lie dormant. Like everything else it takes practice to follow a trail and end up home. Pet owners
should not be surprised when their dog goes missing and does not appear to be able to find his way home. For dogs it is like
riding a bicycle but like us, first one must have learned to ride the bike to be able to remember the skill when it is necessary
to use it. It then makes sense that a dog that lives indoors or in a yard does not have the skill necessary to find home from
even one block away.
