Be prepared to find lost pets

To the editor:

Anchorage and Mat-Su boroughs have decided to allow fireworks on New Year’s Eve. With that, animal shelters are bracing for the influx of lost-and-found pets on Jan. 3. Even when fireworks are prohibited, many animals, including elderly longtime pets “who never did THAT before” have gone missing, frightened by fireworks. This year should prove much noisier and more frightening for pets.

Some tips to be prepared:

• Locate your pet’s registration, ID chip information and take a photo with you and your pets to prove ownership.

• Put ID tags on a secure collar on your dog for the weekend — even when inside — in case they escape.

• If you’re yard is fenced check that your gates are secure. Frightened dogs can demonstrate super-canine strength and agility.

• If dogs are tied out, double check their clasps, chains and posts. If you only have a few dogs, think about bringing them in for the night.

• Add an hour before and after the legal times that fireworks are going off — Friday 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. When you can hear a neighbor setting off fireworks, accompany dogs out in fenced yards, and put them on a leash in unfenced yards.

• Pets and fireworks don’t mix. If you are setting off fireworks, please put your pet inside in a secure room or crate.

• There are a variety of methods to calm your dog inside. Keep the TV or music on to muffle the sound.

• Set up a crate with blankets or cushions; fill up treat balls or get a good marrow bone that will keep a dog occupied.

• Don’t praise anxious behavior by returning or trying to soothe the dog.

• On the other hand, some excited dogs respond to a bear hug, arm around the neck (the other around the chest) and being held snuggly. You can feel when the dog calms and reward the calming with praise and a treat.

• Cats will typically enjoy a closed, dark room with a place to hide, like under a bed or closet. Set up food, litter pan and water.

If your pet is lost or you find a lost pet here are resources to help reunite the pet with its human. Time is critical; as soon as you realize your pet is missing call your local shelter first, then contact the other resources.

Municipal shelters

• Anchorage Animal Shelter (open Jan. 2), muni.org/animal, 4711 Elmore Road Anchorage, AK 99507, 343-8118.

• Mat-Su Animal Control and Regulation Shelter, matsugov.us/animalcare, 746-5500,

49th State Street next to the landfill.

• Houston Animal Shelter, animal control officer 355-8794, on-call 355-5404.

If your pet is lost, you can also post on Alaska Dog News’ Facebook page or send e-mail to AlaskaDogNews@mtaonline.net, or visit Willow Dog Mushers at WillowDogMushers.org and send an e-mail to the website contact. Alaska Dog News and Willow Dog Mushers have helped reunite a number of dogs with owners.

Call veterinary offices listed in the phone book for both boroughs. Dogs are often found by people who do not live in your immediate area.

You can also check Craig’s list for Alaska. Many people put lost-and-found pets there, but use caution — don’t give out personal information until you’re sure of the good intentions of the respondent.

If you do not find your pet within a few days start contacting rescue organizations, like:

• Homeward Bound in Fairbanks, Linda Cook, 457-6783.

• Alaska Dog and Puppy Rescue in Palmer, akdogandpuppyrescue.com, 745-7030.

• Alaska ASPCA in Anchorage, info@alaskaspca.org, 562-2999.

• Pet Adoption Center in Anchorage, adopt@alaskaspca.org, 344-3622.

• Straw for Dogs in Anchorage and Eagle River, strawfordogs@yahoo.com, 310-7294.

• Kitty and K-9 Connection in Anchorage, kittyandk-9connection.org.

• For cats: Cindy at kittyandk-9@gci.net or Sue at igloocat@mtaonline.net.

• For dogs: Carol at kkc.carol@alaska.net.

Linda Henning

Editor/publisher

Alaska Dog News