Who Let the Dogs Out?

Is it just me or have you noticed a surprising spike in the number of lost dogs around Santa Barbara lately? Earlier this month, I fetched Mugsy from the corner of Hollister Avenue and Walnut Lane and reunited the pooped pug with her very relieve family.

Then last week, a group of motorists (myself included), stopped traffic on Haley Street to help corral a harried hound, who was weaving in and out of rush-hour traffic. I was the one teetering down the middle of the street in high heels barking, “Here pup!”

This made me wonder:  is there a safer way to help a dog in distress? I called Pam Christian, Animal Control Supervisor for the City of Santa Barbara Police Department, for answers and she offered this advice:  “Use common sense whenever you approach a strange dog. If the dog seems friendly, go ahead and help – otherwise, call Animal Control or the Police Department.”

Pam also cautions against children approaching a dog they don’t know under any circumstances.

And don’t forget to safeguard your own pets by making certain they are always wearing a collar and identification tag or have been microchipped.

Below, I have listed several organizations that will be of assistance if you lose a pet or find a lost/injured animal. Take a moment now to cut out this column and place it in your wallet or other prominent location. You never know when you might need these life-saving services.

Lost/Found Pet Hotline (after normal business hours):  (805) 564-6862

Report a lost/injured animal (City of Santa Barbara ):  (805) 963-1513

Report a lost/injured animal ( County of Santa Barbara ):  (805) 681-5285

Report an injured bird/wildlife (S.B. Wildlife Care Network):  (805) 966-9005

Report an injured marine mammal ( S.B. Marine Mammal Center ):  (805) 687-3255

C.A.R.E. Emergency Animal Hospital ( 301 E. Haley Street ):  (805) 899-2273

(C.A.R.E. is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

I’m happy to report that both the harried hound and my high heels are doing just fine. Have an animal tale to tell? Contact Karen at karenleestevens@cox.net.

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