During the past two days several stories have appeared in the news about microchipped dogs finding their way home over hundreds miles or after being lost for several years.
Pooka, only five months old when she disappeared from her yard in Kentucky 18 months ago, was found in New Mexico recently. Because there was a microchip implanted between her shoulder blades, a quick scan with the proper equipment and computer showed the name and address of her family. Pooka, also known as Chiweenie, is now safely in her mom's arms.
This week in San Mateo County, another lost dog found his way back home because he too was microchipped. "Oreo" a Boster Terrier, disappeared from his home in Palo Alto two years ago. On Tuesday, a Daly City resident found Oreo wandering near Security Public Storage on Hyde Court in Daly City. When Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA animal control arrived, they could see Oreo was limping from what appeared to be an old leg injury.
Back at the animal shelter, staff contacted Oreo's family and learned that the dog escaped from the yard two years ago when a gate was left open and the family surmised he ran to nearby Cubberley Park, where he went for daily walks. At the time, Cubberley has hosting a soccer tournament and the family guessed a spectator picked-him up. In addition to being microchipped, Oreo had a collar and ID tag with his owner’s contact information.
“This story illustrates the importance of microchips, which can be a lost pet’s ticket home,” said PHS/SPCA spokesperson Scott Delucchi. “Too many people don’t know how inexpensive this can be – we implant pets for $30, no appointment necessary – and how easy of a process it is. Hopefully, this happy ending will cause more people to consider this permanent form of identification for their pets.”
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA offers microchip services. To microchip your own animal in San Mateo County, the cost is $30 and $12 for those living in unincorporated areas. For more information contact PHS/SPCA at 650/340-7022 or visit their website by clicking here.
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