Take action if you find runaway dogs

The last two weeks have been prime time for dogs to end up missing. The fireworks that were displayed in professional shows, neighborhoods and small town events seem to create anxiety that results in many dogs running away. Unfortunately, in this fear/run state, dogs are not paying attention to where they are actually heading and end up lost and cannot find their way home.

If you find a dog running loose and have taken it in, please don't assume the owner was irresponsible or isn't desperately searching for the dog. Contact the animal shelter or Humane Society, place a found ad in The Gazette, hang up posters and share the information about the animal everywhere you can. Families are desperately searching for their lost pets and trying to explain to children why someone might not return their dog.

My neighbors (southwest area of city) are searching for their German Shepard, Ricochet. He was lost around June 29 when he broke loose from a dog sitter's house (the family was on vacation) and he hasn't been seen since. If you have Ricochet, please do the right thing.

Jennifer Carroll

Cedar Rapids