Lost / Found Animals

Trigger Warning: Discussion of lost & deceased pets. . . . June 10, 2023: Episode 79

There are several lost dog posts daily. Please call Bend Police non-emergency at 541-693-6911. There are people posting here & on other social media platforms, in the hopes that "the owners will see", without calling & reporting. The people drive off, & the scared, hungry, cold / hot pups wander onto streets and risk injury or death. Heartbreaking reports are made by people who discover the deceased animals.

The task & responsibility of animal control falls on the shoulders of our police department. This is troubling, as we have countless missing pets on a regular basis. The majority are dogs, but have also been cattle, chickens, horses, etc. This is also troubling because of priority, as the police have crime to contend with. Understandably, this takes precedence over a lost pet. During this time frame, lost animals are increasingly at risk of being hit by a vehicle, being harmed by other animals or people with bad intentions, succumbing to dehydration, frostbite, heat stroke, etc. These animals may consume poisonous items, such as chemicals that humans commonly use, toxic plants, or the waste of someone who has used drugs. In addition, the entire experience is terrifying and traumatic. This may very well impact their ability to trust, may increase anxiety, fear, etc.

It's a good idea to carry pet first aid kits, extra dog treats, collar, leash, compact water bowl & water NOT IN CASE YOU FIND A LOST PET, BUT WHEN YOU DO. ATTEMPT TO SECURE THE PET TO KEEP IT SAFE, BUT NEVER RISK YOUR OWN SAFETY.

When you do see a pet who is presumably lost, please report as much detail as possible. Make mental, written or texted notations of the street, house number, breed, color or markings of the animal. I've texted myself this info when in this situation. Knock on doors if possible. Leave notes on doors. If you need to leave, please find someone to pass the responsibility of care and safe keeping to. Pretend that this is your pet, and your heart is connected. Show up late for your appointment if need be. We have. Lives and safety are more important than punctuality.

We recently were notified of 2 lost dogs. We kept them safe and blockaded until the BPD Community Service Officers arrived. They didn't come prepared with the equipment they needed for the job. They used our dog treats, and called a backup person to bring the equipment. Once they took over, both dogs got loose. My daughter and I were able to trap one again, but the other wasn't located, to the last of our knowledge. This was an elderly pup. We were very concerned for her safety, as they were both running in the streets before we arrived (according to the person who kept them safe before handing the responsibility over to us). Upon the officers' arrival, I described the dogs as fearful. One of the officers then called them aggressive. Yes, fearful can look like agressive, but I don't believe it's appropriate to label as such when they're frightened. When we left, the 3 community service officers were attempting to retrieve the one pup from where we had her blocked. One was standing there watching. Nobody looked for the other pup, except for my daughter and I, on foot and driving. The 3 officers didn't have a sense of urgency. As one dog was missing, and we were protecting the trapped one, the officers stopped to have a casual conversation. I appreciate and respect our police department. I don't however, feel that this is acceptable or sufficient treatment of our lost animals or the people who love them. I understand that they have witnessed horrific things in their careers. I respect and appreciate all they do, have done and continue to do. Yes, I'm repeating myself. Yet, I feel that we can do better for our animal loving community. Yes, I reported this incident. Yes, I'm in the process of improving this system.

Once you report to the Police Dept, IF THEY CAN BE CAUGHT, the pups will be taken to the Humane Society of Central Oregon. If your pet is missing in Bend, please contact the Humane Society at 541-382-3537. You can utilize social media platforms to increase exposure. Lost and Found Pets in Deschutes County (Facebook) has been recommended by Missing Pet Recovery. A Missing Pet Recovery course will soon be available for local volunteers.

Thank you to all the animal lovers of our community, including Missing Pet Recovery, Lost & Found Pets in Deschutes County, and more, who volunteer their love, time & efforts to assist in bringing pets safely home.

Nakala Matthews

***Update: she is pregnant, and is at the Humane Society. No collar or microchip. Keith and I went door to door to nearby neighbors last night. We hope she finds a home. ***

We found the same dog who eluded the officers in my previous post. Pup is safe. We're so grateful that she is OK. Our family has been incredibly worried about her being harmed on the streets. We also were heartbroken that she was separated from her partner. She appears to have been living beneath a storage shed for who knows how long.

We're grateful for the community members who worked together to help to calmly follow her rather than chase her / to safely secure her / to stop the vehicles in the street, and to the drivers who were alert and caring enough to stop, and to the driver who assisted those of us on foot by notifying us which direction she headed. The phrase "It takes a village." doesn't only refer to raising children, but to bring members of a community. We are all puzzle pieces in the greater picture.