For animal lovers, seeing a stray pet, either on the side of the road or on a social media post, can invoke a range of emotions and in response, some may try to help rescue the dog or cat.
But many times, amateur rescue efforts end up causing more harm than good.
Once an animal’s survival mode or “flight mode” kicks in, they may avoid human contact, even with their own families, local animal rescuer Jen Deuesenberry explained.
She pointed to an ongoing case involving a black and tan dog that has been seen in multiple locations around Monongalia and Marion counties but as of Friday has evaded capture and no owners have come forward.
Various local social media pages have posted sightings of the dog, first in Fairmont, then Grafton Road, Don Knotts Boulevard, Dorsey Avenue, Van Voorhis Avenue and then back in Fairmont again.
Many concerned community members have tried to help, but the wary canine keeps moving on.
Deuesenberry explained this is often the case when well-intended people hope they will be the one the dog responds to.
While sharing posts regarding stray pets is helpful for finding owners and keeping track of an animal’s location, when a lot of different people show up to help by bringing treats or toys to lure the dog, it makes feeding stations, traps and other techniques used by dog wardens and experienced rescuers ineffective and can cause the dog to move to a different location.
The best way to help an apprehensive animal is to call the local sheriff’s office or dog warden, Deuesenberry advised. They will be able to evaluate how the dog is acting and get a better sense of what its plan might be and the best way to get it to safety.
There are a lot of ways a dog or cat can become lost, even for the most diligent pet parent, but there are also simple precautions that can be taken to lower the risk.
Deuesenberry said one of the most common reasons dogs run off is because they are not spayed or neutered, which also adds to overpopulation.
Intact male dogs will often break loose and stop at nothing to track a dog in heat that is miles away, running across busy roadways and interstates, putting them in danger.
Male cats who are intact can also run away and travel long distances. They will fight other intact male cats, leaving them both injured.
Most local animal rescues, as well as Mountaineer Spay Neuter Assistance Program (M-SNAP) and the Spay Neuter Incentive Program of West Virginia (SNIPWV), can provide vouchers for free or low-cost spay and neuter surgeries if cost is an issue.
Even if your pet is fixed, they can escape through open doors or gates or slip their collar on a walk if they see something they want to chase.
Once on the run, a loud noise like thunder could scare them and cause them to run even further from home.
Cats have been known to crawl into the undercarriage of cars and even into the engine area, which usually doesn’t end well. If they are able to hang on, they can end up miles away from home.
Deuesenberry said one local family has been searching for their cat “Marty” since early August after they saw him tumble from beneath their vehicle onto Interstate 68 between the Cheat Lake bridge and Pierpont Road exit, then run away into the woods toward Greer Industries.
Marty, a gray tabby wearing a yellow collar with white on his face, chest and legs, is an indoor cat and the family had no idea he had gotten into the garage and was under the car.
It’s a good practice for cat owners and those who live around cats to check under their car and knock on the hood and honk the horn before starting the engine in case a curious kitty has crawled in, Deuesenberry advised, but it’s not something most people think about.
If your pet goes missing, Deuesenberry said in addition to driving around and looking for them, make a flyer – or better yet have a pre-made flier ready for emergencies – and get it out on local social media pages like Morgantown Lost & Found Pets and neighborhood pages. You should also contact local shelters and vet offices.
Having a microchip placed by a veterinarian is the best way to make sure your pet can be identified by any animal shelter or veterinary office and will be linked to your contact information.
AirTags and similar products that track movement can also be useful but shouldn’t be used instead of a microchip as they can only provide your pet’s last location. If the device falls off, or the animal loses its collar while loose, the trail could become cold.
