​The VGG publishes (2015) European, Asian and regional recommendations regarding vaccination and infectious disease guidelines.  VGG updated changes for puppy and kitten 12-month booster and revaccination intervals for adult dogs and cats.  If you have the time the VGG pdf is worth reading given in this article’s references.  They are very dedicated to evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM) and have developed their own EBVM classification.  This classification incorporates four levels of evidence-based work offering a broader field of legitimate recommendations for consideration in the investigations of dog and cat vaccinations. Note that these guidelines are not rules but “scientific advice and best practice vaccination concepts” because of individual practice variables.

Why look outside the USA?  Because vaccines including the Rabies vaccine is a global issue and Europe has different ideas about such things as vaccines and neutering, and they have less government bureaucracy, etc., than the U.S. which deserves respect especially because of the facts they bring to the table of veterinary care. Their differences and facts provide a broader vision of quality pet care with less government interference. 

Vaccines have something called Duration of Immunities (DOIs) which means how long a vaccine provides the immunity for which it was created hinting at how often it should be given. Vaccine Efficacy or VE is “the proportional reduction in a specified outcome in a vaccinated group compared with an unvaccinated group," -Guinovart and Alonso, 2007. When one looks at the VE, the DOI must be considered as well.  Both the DOI and VE of a vaccine are keys to one of the hottest topics in veterinarian medicine today. For several reasons, over-vaccination is a seriously debated topic and concern.  It is also clouded by the financial impact of giving vaccines, warranted or not, the dangers of giving multiple vaccines at one time, and coverage. 

There is scientific support that the overall core vaccines such as parvovirus, canine hepatitis, and distemper once given, have antibodies that may last 7 to 15 years.  The difficulty is when they are no longer effective and uniform. This can be difficult because you have the vaccine developer the U. S. government agencies and finally the dispenser.  The developers of the vaccines determine the DOIs.

To further complicate matters, there is the financial aspect of vaccines. In the United States, the veterinary vaccine industry was valued at $7 billion in 2017 and is expected to exceed $9 billion in 2024. The dark side of the industry is that finances can impact and change the scheduling of the shots instead of an individual's health. This is not always the case, but it exists.  

DID YOU KNOW? According to The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) vaccines add up to 14 percent of a clinic’s income.

In France Louis Pasteur and Emile Roux developed the first rabies vaccine in the 1880s and the first distemper vaccine was developed by 1923 in Britain but was not available to veterinarians until the 1950s. Vaccine schedules have long been an annual clinical tradition since the 1950s and are treated as a very safe and secure topic like an old friend.  Unfortunately, that old friend was established more than 60 years ago and until fairly recently, had not been re-visited. Now ‘new’ information is cited.  It reveals where changes should be made, trouble with over-vaccination, emerging auto-immune problems and more. Change is slow to be made.

​AAHA created a Vaccine Task Force (2003) to look at the DOI of core vaccines.  They reported, “revaccination every 3 years is considered protective.”  In 2011 (AAHA) Task Force updated the Vaccination Guidelines supporting the best of vaccination protocol. In 2017 again, it was updated. The AAHA quickly notes the Guidelines are only a guideline and not mandatory.  The needs of the patient should be considered and veterinarians “must base their decision on the best available scientific evidence in conjunction with their own knowledge and experience.  These guidelines were sponsored by the generous educational grant from Boehringer Ingelheim USA Inc., Merial, Merck Animal Health and Zoetis.”  - AAHA Guidelines>2017 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines

Boehringer Ingelheim donated 75,000 doses of the rabies vaccine in recognition of World Rabies Day (2018).  In 2017 Merial, a world leader in animal health became a part of the Boehringer Ingelheim group.   Merck makes vaccines and a wide variety of animal-related products and offers information under the Merck Animal Health division. Zoetis “Knows Vaccines” and is a major company in the vaccine business.   There are other excellent vaccine companies.

Many vaccine schedules reflected annual boosters but in Europe during 2010, there was a DOI  change. The vaccine manufacturers changed the directives regarding how often the vaccines should be given due to overwhelming evidence proving over-vaccination damages the immune system resulting in illness or death to the pet.  Some of these ‘illnesses’ included medical ‘problems’  such as sudden death or it triggered cancer development.  The WSAVA and the BVA worked with the Vaccine Manufacturers to revamp the frequency core vaccines should be administered.  The ‘new’ recommendations are core vaccines should be given no earlier than every 3 to 4 years.  To date in the United States,  the Rabies vaccine and the DA2PP vaccine are given every 3 years after receiving the one-year booster.

In 2015 the WSAVA revised the schedule again splitting the schedule between a “triennial (3 year) core vaccination schedule and personalized non-core vaccination schedule.  The AVA states, “each individual animal should be vaccinated as frequently as considered necessary by their veterinarian to provide protection.”  It continues, “The AVA  (2018) supports vaccination schedules that recognize that requirements for vaccination will differ based on the individual patient, situation, and veterinarian-client-patient relationship.  As such, it is not possible to give prescriptive guidelines for vaccinating dogs and cats.”

WHAT IS A CORE PUPPY SHOT? It is in a DHP/DAP or 5-in-1 Vaccine/DA2PP or DHPP.

• A DHP/DAP Vaccine includes
• Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
• Canine Adenovirus (CAV) – Hepatitis
• Canine Parvovirus Vaccine (CPV)

 
A 5 in 1  is commonly known as DA2PP or DHPP. 

• Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
• Canine Adenovirus (CAV) Type 1 and 2
  • hepatitis and kennel cough (A, A2 OR H), 
• Canine Parainfluenza Virus
• Canine Parvovirus (CPV)

 
THE WSAVA VACCINATION GUIDELINES GROUP (VGG)
In small puppies, depending on when they were weaned, maternally derived antibody (MDA) affects the efficacy of a vaccine.  This makes the timing of the first vaccine dicey but should be given closer to 8 weeks rather than six weeks.

VGG RECOMMENDED  VACCINE SCHEDULE
Core Vaccines for Dogs: 

• Canine Distemper Virus (CDV) 
• Canine Adenovirus (CAV)
  • Variants of Canine Parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2)**

 
According to the Clinical and Diagnostic Laboratory Immunology the original CPV2 is no longer in the dog population but has been replaced by CPVa and CPVb which were widespread during 1979-1980  and in 1984.  Creating a new vaccine is recommended now since the vaccine in use today is created with CPV2.     

Non-Core Vaccines for Dogs:   

• ​Parainfluenza Virus (PI) (Included in most 5 in 1)
• Bordetella Bronchiseptica (Bb)  ​(Given at 12 wks)
• ​Leptospira Interrogans Not Recommended 
• Coronavirus Insufficient  scientific evidence to use 
  • ​The Coronavirus (CCoV) is NOT Covid (SARS-COV-2).
  • CCoV is intestinal and SARS-COV-2 is respiratory.

How It Works: 

• ​8-12 Weeks - Passive immunity will have faded allowing for “active immunization”          
• 6-8   Weeks - One core vaccination                                                         
• Every 2-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age when the Rabies vaccine would be administered.
  • See Dr. Dodds - regarding 2-week intervals - following
• If started at 6-7 weeks, the four primary core vaccines would be given in a 4-week interval. 
  • Only 3 primary core vaccines would be required if started at 8-9 weeks with a 4-week interval.
  • 1.3-5% of all dogs will not have enough protection against parvovirus in a 3-year program.  This is why a DOI study breed by breed should be done.

 
Most companion animal core vaccines, until relatively recently, had a 1-year minimum DOI and carried a recommendation for annual revaccination. In more recent years many of the same products have been licensed with a minimum DOI of 3 (or sometimes 4) years. In fact, in many countries, the majority of core MLV vaccines are now licensed for the triennial revaccination of adult animals. However, there are many other countries in which the identical products still carry a 1-year minimum DOI because the manufacturer has either not applied for a change in its product label recommendations or the national licensing authority has not permitted the change to be made. 
  
This leads to confusion amongst practitioners in those countries. Above all, it must be remembered that even a 3-year license is a minimum DOI for core vaccines and for most core vaccines the true DOI are likely to be considerably longer, if not lifelong for the majority of recipients. Core vaccines should not be given any more frequently than every three years after the 6 or 12-month booster injection following the puppy/kitten series. This is because the duration of immunity (DOI) last from years to the lifetime of the pet.

"Core vaccines should not be given any more frequently than every three years after the 6- or 12-month booster injection following the puppy/kitten series, because the duration of immunity (DOI) is many years and may be up to the lifetime of the pet" -VGG

Non-core vaccines should be given no more frequently than is necessary. These guidelines are not proscriptive. "A particular example of a vaccine that may be considered core in only some countries is that against rabies virus. In a geographical area in which this infection is endemic, all dogs should be vaccinated routinely for the protection of both the pet and human populations.” - VGG

At 20 weeks determine a dog’s seropositivity to CDV, CAV, and CPV-2 by using a titre (tī′tər) test (titer or titre). If tests are positive do not booster sooner than every 3 years.  If Negative test, then repeat vaccination once and re-test.  Ask a vet to explain further.

“The VGG recognizes that at present such a serological or titer testing kit might be relatively expensive.  However, the principles of ‘evidence-based veterinary medicine’ (EBVM) suggest that testing for antibody status (for either puppies or adult dogs) should be a better practice than simply administering a vaccine booster on the basis that this would be ‘safe and cost less’. . . Vaccines should not be given needlessly.”   -VGG
                                                           
The AVMA is more cautious about titre tests. At this time the states do not recognize a vaccine titre test in lieu of revaccination.  A current rabies vaccination is only recognized if the dog has received a USDA-licensed rabies vaccination given by a designated and authorized individual. This ranges from licensed veterinarians to pet owners depending on the state’s jurisdiction and if they are given at the correct age, interval and dose.

​It takes 30 days after receiving the vaccination for the dog to be considered truly vaccinated because it takes that long for the immune system to respond to the vaccine.  By law, a dog is not currently vaccinated if it is a day (1) overdue for its booster. Most states require the first rabies vaccination to be given to puppies by 16 weeks. Medical exemption varies state by state.  It is interesting to note only 39 states require rabies vaccinations for dogs leaving 11 states with no state-mandated rabies vaccination requirement for any species.

*With regard to CIV Bivalent (H3N8 & H3N2/ Canine Influenza A vaccine), only at-risk dogs should be given this non-core vaccine if their environment warrants it.

In the United States AAHA Guidelines Core Vaccinations:

• MLV or Recombinant Canine Distemper Virus (CDV)
• Adenovirus-2 (CAV2)and Parvovirus (CPV)
• (DAPP) +/- Parainfluenza Virus (CPiV) and the Rabies Virus. 

Non-Core vaccinations include:

• Bordetella Bronchiseptica+ canine parainfluenza virus
• Bordetella Bronchiseptica (CAe) only
• ​Leptospira
• Borrelia Burgdorferi
• Canine Influenza Virus, H3N8
• Canine Influenza Virus, H3N2
• Crotalus Atrox.  

​Only the DHLPP or DHPP are considered essential vaccinations for all dogs, hence CORE vaccines. 

The Canine coronavirus (CCV) vaccination is not recommended by the AAHA. AAHA does recommend that vaccinations should be spread over multiple appointments for small breed dogs. Their vaccination recommendations commence at 6 weeks of age for the series and follow with a one-year booster.  Rabies and DA2PP are given every 3 years after the one-year booster.

According to Dr.  Jean Dodds, DVM, (American) “Not only are annual boosters for parvo and distemper unnecessary, they subject the pet to potential risks of allergic reactions and immune-mediated hemolytic anemia.  There is no scientific documentation to back up label claims for the annual administration of MLV (Modified-Live Virus) vaccines. [Furthermore] Puppies . . . should not be vaccinated at less than 8 weeks . . . Vaccinations given 2 weeks apart suppress rather than stimulate the immune system . . . Another vaccination given sometime after 6 months of age will provide a lifetime immunity”.

The reason for the 12-month booster, historically, was linked to a 12 month or first-year health check.

Are we over-vaccinating our pets? Yes. According to author, Max J. Appel, who has publish over 100 research works, and is affiliated with College of Veterinary Medicine’s Department of Pathology Cornell University(Ithaca, NY). 

There is a solid and growing body of evidence supporting that for most dogs and cats the efficacy of vaccines remains intact at a traditional year’s end to re-evaluate vaccine protocol whether that is in dosage and/or timing is unclear.  

In the states, there is a lot of red tape and animal vaccine use is regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), not the Food and Drug Agency (FDA) and vaccines are veterinary biologics. The Veterinary Biologics Program of the USDA’s Animal and Plan Health Inspection Service (APHIS/1972) oversees this industry. Regulations regarding labeling under the Animal Medicinal Drug Use Clarification Act (AMDUCA) do not apply to vaccines in that its use other than given on the package or insert does not follow under “. . . extra-label use; a more appropriate term is “discretionary” use . . . it [USDA] does not regulate [the] use of vaccines by veterinarians.” – Duane Flemming, D.V.M., J.D.C.V.O

Story Time:
We have seen a perfectly healthy puppy get 7 more injections in three months after she left us at eight weeks of age. Injections included Core vaccines and 2 Non- Core vaccines plus other injections. Additionally, 3 monthly oral 3 in 1 heartworm, tick, and flea medicine was given. The owner acted in good faith based on professional advice. There was no malpractice here just discretionary decisions,  but there were no questions. It was a quiet acceptance and a general routine done.  When you ask questions and share your concerns you begin to personalize your dog's vet experience instead of being one of many. 
​

Our Thoughts on the Matter:

• We support only CORE vaccines given at one time for puppies under 4 months unless medically advised otherwise. A 5 in 1 can be enough in itself for a puppy’s system.  Your breeder can tell you if your puppy had a reaction to its first vaccine but no reaction does not guarantee there will not be a reaction to any other injections. Be vigilant and ask questions! 
• Most non-core vaccines should wait until the puppy is past 16 weeks, like the Bordetella Shot which we do at 6 months. 
• Examine why a Non-Core vaccine is needed in your area and justify your evidence-based decision BEFORE discussing this with your veterinarian. Be open in your discussion and ask questions, get satisfying answers. Random or over-vaccination is an increasingly industry-wide issue. Even some of our veterinarians are hesitating or refusing to follow questionable corporate protocols.  Question/challenge adding unnecessary/unwanted services.
• Shop your groomer and compare vaccine requirements.  Are any requests out of line?  Be willing to consider other groomers.  
• If a veterinarian is willing to vaccinate your young puppy for a variety of things please consider finding another doctor to treat your pet, or ask questions! Convey your concerns. It's okay and normal to do that. Your veterinarian is providing a service, and questions are key in understanding and maintaining your dog's health. 
• Reporting vaccine reactions is strictly voluntary on the dog owners part, but we recommend doing this along with vet visit to make sure. The more one's vet knows, the more knowledgeable they are on handling your dog's individual health. 
• One of our mantras is to educate and have accurate information for our buyers and interested parties so they can make their own independent and informed decisions or begin their questions. Evidence-based approach or similar ‘science-based’ catchphrases are found in a lot of material regarding vaccines today.  An owner has the last say in care.
• We strongly discourage putting your puppy in any social or grooming activities before finishing their puppy shot series plus a week (17 weeks). Puppies are not totally immune to parvo until the series is finished. 

Generally speaking, a 4-month-old puppy needs 3 DHPP given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks and a Rabies Vaccines. Totaling 4 core injections, unless there are environmental reasons a veterinarian would give further advice.  

Allergic Reactions Related to Vaccinations and Treatment:
A common mistake is to assume Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is appropriate when an allergic reaction occurs.  Even some vet-techs will simply advise Benadryl.  Wrong!!! Hear it from the vet because reactions can be deadly. With an anaphylaxis reaction, a stronger measure is needed with an evaluation. Often the dog will get a single dose of anti-inflammatory corticosteroid or epinephrine in more severe circumstances and possibly IV fluids (not Benadryl). You will not go wrong with a check-up.

There are some mild reactions such as simple soreness and low fever, but other reactions may require immediate intervention. Your vet can tell the difference.
 
Most Common Vaccine Reactions: When getting shots we recommend asking your veterinarian this question because the more one hears it, and while we hope it is never needed, it is important to know the signs.  
‘Common’ does not necessarily mean it is not very dangerous. 

• Anaphylaxis – Call the veterinarian immediately. A severe allergic reaction.
  • Hives,
  • Itchiness,
  • Facial swelling
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea and/or breathing difficulties.
• Infection or abscess at the injection site. Very Dangerous 
• Bump or lump
• Crying/pain
• Fever – 103° or higher
• Head-Shaking
• Lethargy -
• Moving in a Circle
• Odd Behavioral
• Shock – gray tongue, slower respiration, weakness, paleness in pink of eyes and gums Gums
• Sneezing and cold-like symptoms   [runny nose, coughing]
• Soreness
• Stiffness

 
More Vaccine Reactions (can develop immediately or over time)

• Allergic uveitis (Blue Eye): Severe pain with redness in eye
• Atopy: Allergic reactions/see list/ talk to veterinarian
• Conjunctivitis: Discharge from the eyes
• Granulomas/Abscesses: Hard tissue lump/hole
• Loss of hair or change at the injection area
• Immunosuppression: Immune system defenses are low
• Lameness
• Oral ulcers and loss of milk produced
• Loss of appetite
• Respiratory disease
• Vitiligo: Loss of skin color
• Weight loss (Cachexia): Wasting disease and sign of other problems

 
Serious Vaccine Reactions: Call Vet Immediately 

• Abortion, congenital defects, embryonic/fetal death, problems conceiving
• Anaphylaxis: See above first section/common reactions
• Arthritis, polyarthritis: When 5 joints are affected by arthritis
• Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia  (AIHA): 
  • Weakness
  • Lethargy
  • Movement intolerance
  • Respiratory problems
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Faster heartbeat
  • Body attacks itself
• Disease or enhanced disease which with the vaccine was designed to prevent
• Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation and damage to kidneys.
  • Filtering failure
• Hemolytic disease of the newborn: Neonatal Isoerythrolysis
• Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia (IMTP): Auto-immune/body attacks itself
• Myocarditis: 
  • Inflamed heart muscle
  • Abnormal heartbeat
  • Weakness    
• Post Vaccinal Encephalitis [PVE] or polyneuritis:
  • ​Confusion
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Lethargy
  • Seizures
  • Memory issues
  • Convulsions
  • Death
• Seizures
• Thyroiditis: The immune system attacks the thyroid gland/auto-immune   
• Vaccine injection site sarcomas: Cancers
• Death​

~In Memory of River~
​

DID YOU KNOW? PET THEFT IS A FELONY IN THE USA.

What can you do to protect your pet?

1. Never leave your pet unattended for long in car, etc.
2. Do not tie up outside restaurant or store.
3. Outside the home, watch your pet.
4. Keep information on the collar up to date. Know color of collar. Have pic.
5. Microchip your pet. Keep chip number stored with other vitals and register it with your vet and local animal shelter. AKC Reunite is a one time enrollment fee under $20 per pet. 
6. Have a recent photo, license #s, etc.
7. Watch in your neighborhood for strangers/ door-to-door sales.
8. Spay or neuter your pet.
9. Be sure your fence & lock are in good order.
10. Keep your pet on a leash when away from home.
11. Do not share the monetary value of your pet.
12. Remember, every dog has a value.

DID YOU KNOW? HALF OF ALL STOLEN DOGS ARE TAKEN FROM THE BACKYARD.

If your pet is missing, what do you do?

1. File a police report.
2. Call the local animal shelter, take a picture in, re-check daily. I cannot stress how important pictures are here! 
3. Post pictures everywhere including the shelters and 3 mile area.
4. Check online adoptions, Craigslist, Fido Finder, Lost Pet USA, etc.
5. Check online dog sales venues such as Puppy Find, Craigslist.
6. Walk or drive around calling your pet’s name. During the evening is best because it is easiest to hear you. Remember their hearing is very good. Establish a mile radius from your home.
7. Note the day and time your pet went missing.
8. Notify the microchip company.
9. Recruit Helpers.
10. Notify Neighborhood Watch/ online neighborhood groups- Next Door Neighbor is a great app to check/notify neighbors
11. File with Pet FBI (Pets Found By Internet – not investigators)                            
12. Report and Check Pet FBI's website 
13. Don’t give up hope.  

DID YOU KNOW? 17% OF STOLEN DOGS ARE TAKEN WHEN ON A WALK.

Your Lost Pet Sign

1. Name
2. Breed
3. Gender
4. Size/Wt
5. Color/Markings (very basic/limit detail*)
6. Contact #, email – never address
7. Date Last Seen
8. Include short plea
9. Maybe Include Reward. Do not specify amount.
10. Have pull off tabs on page
11. Keep your sign easily readable.  Templates online.
12. Beware of lost pet scams and fraudulent callers. Keep an identifier to yourself something Wear a collar?  Collar color? # of tags? What do the tags say, anything unique? 

​DID YOU KNOW? 7% OF DOG ARE TAKEN FROM SHOPS OR WHEN YOU'RE DISTRACTED.

When Someone Calls

1. Remember you are talking to a stranger.
2. Get their number. Hang up and call them back.
3. First, Ask for a description. 
   1. Offer nothing.
   2. Do not ask leading questions like, “Does he have white on his chest?”
4. Have a list of questions ask for details and listen.
5. If there is a request to wire money before return of pet or if your pets safety is threatened, breathe, it's a scam.  

DID YOU KNOW? ALMOST 2 MILLION COMPANION ANIMALS WERE STOLEN LAST YEAR.

Some Scam varieties:

1. A truck driver on the long haul found your pet and request you send money
2. You need to repay them for vet bills because pet was hurt
3. Some scams, the caller collects info you have given them, and has their partner contact you with the very information you gave 

How to deter or avoid 

1. No reward until you hold your pet.
2. Meet at public place nearby and take a friend

DID YOU KNOW? DOG THEFT IS ON THE RISE BY NEARLY 33% SINCE LAST YEAR.

​Topmost Stolen Breeds:

What Happens to Stolen Pets?

1. Intact animals can be sold to puppy mills or labs.
2. Labs do not accept spayed or neutered animals.
3. Scams
4. American Pit Bull Terriers are sold most often for fighting dogs or bait. Also, this list includes Boxers, Boston Terriers, and German Shepherds.
5. ‘Flipping’ is ‘finding’ a lost dog and selling it usually on Craigslist.  
6. Mostly dogs are stolen for ransom/reward.
7. ‘Bunchers’ are not regulated and collect from random sources.    
8. Some Flippers operate for years. Sophisticated ones target their breeds.
9. A disgruntled neighbor may take a pet and drop it off somewhere.

REMEMBER: IF THE PHONE RINGS, LET IT RING ONCE, TWICE. TAKE A BREATH, STAY SMART AND FOLLOW A SCRIPT. GIVE AWAY NOTHING.

We hope this never happens to you, however we believe in having at least 2-3 backup plans. It helps to chart out a plan. From the time your bring home your furbaby. This way you have a plan or checklist to follow, and are less like to forget an option or resource. Remember if the phone rings, let it ring twice and take a breath, stay smart. Follow a script.  Give away nothing. 
                                                                    
 
References:
“Beware of ‘Lost Pet’ Scams.” Beware of Missing or Lost Pet Scams, https://www.pawfriendly.com/petcare/lost-pet-scams.shtml.

“Companion Animal Theft.” Animal Legal Defense Fund, 29 Mar. 2022, https://aldf.org/article/companion-animal-theft/.

“Dognapped! Frightening Facts of Pet Theft.” Modern Dog Magazine, https://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/dognapped-frightening-facts-pet-theft/147.

Paws. “Pet Theft.” PAWS, https://www.paws.org/resources/pet-theft/.

“Pet FBI Is the Free Database and Information Center for Lost and Found Pets.” Pet FBI Is The Free Database and Information Center For Lost and Found Pets | Pet FBI Pets Found By Internet, https://petfbi.org/.

Petmoo. “How to Prevent Pet Theft? Most Stolen Dog Breeds.” Petmoo, Petmoo.com, 6 Feb. 2019, https://www.petmoo.com/pets/pet-theft/.

Puppy Leaks. “Dog Flipping on the Rise.” Puppy Leaks, 19 Sept. 2017, https://www.puppyleaks.com/dog-flipping-rise/.

Staff, AKC. “Dognapping: How to Keep Your Dog Safe When Pet Theft Is on the Rise.” American Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, 30 Mar. 2022, https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/dog-theft/.

“Stolen Pets.” Stolen Pets | Pet FBI Pets Found By Internet, https://petfbi.org/how-to-protect-your-pet/stolen-pets/.

wikiHow. “How to Make Lost Pet Signs.” WikiHow, WikiHow, 2 Dec. 2021, https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Lost-Pet-Signs.

“Your Dog Has Been Stolen - Here Is What You Need to Do Immediately: NAI.” North American Investigations, 14 Feb. 2020, https://pvteyes.com/stolen-dogs/. 

The owner ended up calling me, the breeder and keeper of copies of puppy records, like Chip I.D., etc. She told me that her puppy had no collar or I.D., and she had not registered the chip. She had forgotten that the chip number was in her puppy binder, that we provide at time of pick up. 

This was a really good time to get that puppy's chip registered. Which she did. She also posted signs around her neighborhood about her missing puppy before the end of the day. I wanted to go help, but they lived more than four south of Dallas, and my arrival would be well after dark and the closest town was 13 miles away. 

The temperature had begun to drop perilously closer freezing as the sun sank down below the horizon, a dangerously cold night for such a small dog. He was lost in the middle of farmland where hawks and coyotes trolled for their next meal. 

---
In another part of the country, a beautiful show dog had gone missing while visiting his owner's sister just before Thanksgiving. How could this happen? Well the dog escaped and went exploring. A little bit more than a month passed when the male's owner got the call. She was told that her dog had finally been found and returned to her sister's home. She drove to pick him up and amidst her joy at finding her dog, she realized there was a problem. 

That was not her beautiful and beloved show dog. This dog was a lovely little girl. No stem on apple! However, this dog was chipped and registered. It was not an issue, but this came into play a month later when a beautiful male Havanese was taken to a veterinarian's office. He was identified and reunited with his owner almost three months after chasing his nose began. It is because his chip was registered that he was able to go home.
---

​The puppy lost in countryside did not have a tragic ending only because the nothing could catch it. That puppy ran three miles through the night on his little Havanese legs! In the morning, one of her neighbors called her and asked if the little black and white, lickity puppy she found at her backdoor was the same dog and to his owner's delight, it was him. Safe and sound. 

Moral of the Story:
Register your puppy's chip! Put a name tag with a phone number on your dog's collar. There is such a wonderous variety of collars and tags. It can even be incorporated onto the collar itself if a hanging tag does not appeal. Just make sure that it isn't faded!