Microchipping!
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.
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.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Jane Christensen on
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I think I'm going to have to "get with it" and get mine micro chipped! I never have because we live in the country and never thought I needed it but with all these stories lately I guess I do and I think I will microchip my pups too! I have always micro chipped my rescues but never thought of the need to do my own but they travel with me alot and as Beth said "you just never know'! Good point Beth!
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Permalink Reply by Lou Ann Lemaster on
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I just recently got both of my dogs micro-chipped. Seems like everytime I wanted to have them chipped, something else in taking care of them popped up and was more important. I finally got a CareCredit Card just for the dogs. I put about 800 on it the first time I used it. I had their teeth cleaned, (the older dog need two teeth pull), update on all shots, nails trimmed (one dog has to be sedated to do that), ears cleaned and pretty much a good all over health check. It was nice to know I had 3 months or more to pay it off. Anyway, I now rest easy knowing that they are chipped if they ever get out or become taken. At least I have a better chance of getting them back.
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Permalink Reply by Geri & Sidney on
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Here is a big thread regarding microchipping (112 replies!)
http://www.mycorgi.com/forum/topics/1150197:Topic:26410
All three of my dogs and both cats have microchips. I think if I could, I'd microchip my teenagers!
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Permalink Reply by Beth on
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Here's a story I was looking for-- I think I posted it before.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/09/28/assignment_america/main53...
A dog hung out around the car crash site for two weeks waiting for its owners to show up. The rescuer who found the dog did some sleuthing and was able to find its owners.
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WOW! What a story!
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Has anyone watched your dog get micro chipped? I was just wondering as I held my rescues as the vet did it. I had never seen one and did not have a clue as to what they looked like! It was another new experience for me and I am glad I was able to watch!
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Permalink Reply by Mickey on
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Well, I always wondered about microchipping and was convinced today that it's the right thing to do. I had my Sophie chipped quite a long time ago. Recently I signed up on HomeAgain to get notified when there was a lost dog reported in my area (Sacramento). I got an email this morning that Maeby, a tri-colored PWC, was lost in Citrus Heights yesterday. I recognized the name and low and behold, Maeby is one of Sophie's MyCorgi.com "friends". I spun into action and sent out emails to all of the MyCorgi groups I thought might be able to help because time is of the essence. As of this writing I don't know if Maeby has been found, I hope we hear from her owners that there is good news. Bottom line, get your animals microchipped and God Bless everyone on MyCorgi that helps to find missing dogs! Happy Thanksgiving!
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Permalink Reply by Potus on
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Hi Beth- a very timly post!! I posted a smiliar plea on one of the discussions.
In Australia microchipping is required of all dogs and I think it is one of the best investments you can make in relation to your dogs.
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Yes, between poor lost Ellie, the story with the happy ending about the stolen pit bull/boxer mix, and the whole mess with the Dooley situation (bless everyone involved!) it has really driven home how important that little bit of data could be.
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Permalink Reply by Alice on
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Finnigan's breeder put a chip in him. People I know who's dogs weren't chipped when they got the dog opted to have them chipped while being spay/neutered. Of course they can chip the dog at any time, it can be uncomfortable though which is why most people opt to have it done on young pups or during a surgical procedure.
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Permalink Reply by John Wolff on
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Verify your microchip. Al's chip was immediately detected today, but they scanned Gwynnie's whole body and found no signal.
Gwynnie's first chip fell out soon after insertion. My wife just happened to notice it emerging from the skin. It was replaced. Many years later (8 y.o.) during a rare vet visit, no signal. We have no idea how long it's been gone or nonfunctional.
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