I don't know about y'all, but some recent events that some of our dear fellow members have gone through have really driven home the importance of microchipping.

Both of mine are chipped. Maddie came with her chip, of course. Jack was chipped when he was neutered, and it cost an extra $35.

Until very recently, I was naive as to how rescue worked. Like many people, I assumed if a dog was lost it would end up at a local shelter. I now know that's not always the case, and rescue groups, those wonderful souls who are doing all they can to save dogs, will take dogs out of kill shelters and sometimes over state lines.

So, what would happen if you were in a car accident, or had a heart attack out walking the dogs, or some other tragedy befell you? Heaven forbid! If you are fortunate, you have enough friends and family that someone can start looking high and low for the dog while others tend to your own needs. But what if it's weeks before you can start looking? Your dog might be on the other side of the country by then. I have a friend at work who adopted a Corgi from rescue and he was flown in from many states away.

At least with a microchip there is a decent chance that some rescue or shelter along the way will scan your dog and attempt to contact you.

Anything can happen. Panicked dogs run. Or a dog might be stolen and then dropped off elsewhere, or might be taken in by someone and then get loose with them while they are traveling.

I know there are some minor health risks that could be associated with microchipping, but to me the benefits outweigh the risk.

My heart goes out to everyone who has ever lost a dog, and to the kind people who have taken those dogs in and loved them, wherever they are.