If you have lost your pet, the following tips may be helpful:

• Contact Local Law Enforcement Agencies.
• Contact the Stray Center (Bay Area Pet Resort) at 231-348-5550.
• Contact local Humane Societies.
• Put up Posters with the dog’s picture in the area he was last seen as well as near your home.
• Contact your neighbors to alert them to look for your pet.
• If you have an electric fence, be sure to turn it OFF.
• Call all the local vet offices and see if they will let you put up posters.
• Call local schools to see if you can circulate or place posters near or at the school.

List your pet on Lost Pet USA at www.lostpetusa.net.

Once your dog has been sighted:

• Remain calm upon arriving at a sighting location where the dog has been seen.
• Don’t slam the door to your vehicle.
• Don’t shout.
• Don't rush toward the dog.
• Give the dog time to adjust to your presence.
• Start talking, using positive familiar phrases such as "want to go for a ride?" or "want a cookie?"
• Never approach a dog head on. Turn, face sideways, and walk very slowly with arms close to your sides. The dog must accept every step you take, even if it takes you a half hour or longer to advance 100 feet.
• Never show your teeth if you smile– that’s the same as baring your teeth–(growling) in canine language,
• Never stare at the dog– that is a challenge, and what a predator does before attacking.
• Avoid sudden body movements. Stop moving and sit down if the dog is going to bolt.
• Slowly lower yourself to the ground and assume a non-threatening position BELOW the dog’s eye level.
• Keep the dog’s attention focused on you by talking. Speak to it slowly, using soft and reassuring tones.
• Use only positive, happy phrases such as "what a good boy!" (for Darin, that could be, "want a cookie?" or "Kevin has been looking for you!" or "Quinlan's gonna get the squirrel!"
• Try to get closer by crawling. Let the dog's body language be the guide as to how fast and far you go.
• Get within 40 feet or to a point where the dog will be able to see and smell the food you’re going to toss.
• Whenever you move, do it slowly.
• To help ease the dog’s anxiety, make submissive gestures every few minutes, such as closing your eyes for a few seconds and bowing your head down and off to one side, licking your lips.