|
Dog Uses Radio to Get Home
SHROPSHIRE (UK) — Before we get
into today's story about "Thimble" the Jack Russell Terrier who
came home after almost a year, let's talk about microchips!
They're the latest rage in the dog world, replacing those crusty, old,
outdated collars and tags (although Scoop Senior Editor "Wags"
seems to take pride in the loud jingle they produce when scratched
endlessly).
Microchipping is the process
by which a tiny device is implanted beneath the skin of a dog, and when
scanned with the proper equipment, the device utilizes harmless radio
frequencies to reveal a unique registration number which can be traced to
a shelter, veterinarian or a home.
Health and safety issues do not seem to be a concern of pro-microchipping
advocates, since the microchip is encased in a biologically-compatible
material and implanted routinely. The main criticism of microchip
technology is that not all shelters—in fact, not many—are equipped to
scan incoming strays for microchips.
But let's focus on how it worked for Thimble the dog.
 |
|
"Calling all dogs... Calling all dogs...
Has anyone seen my house?"
An increasing number of dogs are using the radio airwaves to get home
these days. Microchip identification involves a process by which a
small device is implanted under the dog's skin. This device, when
passed under a scanner, uses radio frequencies to deliver an
identification number. |
In September 2002, Thimble disappeared from the home of Louise Phillips
in Alkington, near Whitchurch.
BBC
News reports that Ms. Phillips had given up hope of finding her
cherished pet until she received a phone call from Liverpool (50 miles
away):
"She was found by a gentleman and his grandson who spotted her on
a towpath in Liverpool," she said.
"Eventually they contacted a dog warden and the warden came out
and said 'I'll scan her' and thankfully we had chipped her. That's
why we have her back here."
As always, no one can say what the dog was doing 50 miles away from
home for a year, but everyone is simply thrilled that she's back home.
Editor's note: If you feel you absolutely must have an explanation,
check out the Top
8 Dog Excuses for Not Coming Home!
|
Dog of the
Year
FORT
DODGE, Iowa
(USA) — On July 27 of last year, "Bam-Bam" and
"Rueben", two Boston Terriers, disappeared from their fenced-in
yard at the home of Julie Geophert. Although Rueben turned up two
days later near a local pool, there was no trace of Bam-Bam.
Ms. Geophert put up posters,
ran ads and searched on foot for the missing pooch—to no avail.
But late last month, almost on the anniversary of the disappearance, the
strangest of coincidences led to a startling discovery at the Pop-N-Go,
reports the Lincoln
Journal-Star.
"Hey, bartender! Is it July 27th yet? I'm supposed
to go meet someone."
Who can say what "Bam-Bam" was up to for a full year.
This Boston Terrier demonstrates one possibility.
(Photo: Corbis)
At the convenience store, Ms. Geophert
overheard a clerk talking about some Boston Terrier puppies for sale.
"She was talking about how wonderful their
dispositions are, and then she said she was lucky because hers didn't cost
her anything. She had found her along the side of the road."
Probing further, Ms. Geophert
learned that the terrier had been found near a local pool wearing tags
from a familiar veterinarian. And the rest? You guessed it:
pictures and veterinary records proved that the mystery dog was indeed
Bam-Bam, who was promptly returned to her long-lost home.
"I was just thrilled to
pieces," said Ms. Geophert. "My dogs are my family, not
just dogs."
"I never really thought
I'd have the chance to get her back," she added. "Considering it had been a
year, it was just such a coincidence.
"Always keep up hope if you've lost a pet. Miracles do
happen."
§§§
Part 1
A Dog's 6-yr, 1200-mi Journey Home
§§§
Headlines
Prev  Next
|
