For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1400014 |
| Date Issued: | Feb 14, 2014 - 10:05am |
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Lost on Peavine, two dogs returned home thanks to microchips |
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| CONTACT: | |
A hiker spotted them, Regional Animal Services rescued them, but it was their microchips that got them home.
Two young German Shepherds, five-month-old "Lulu" and six-month-old "Jack Jack" were located Tuesday afternoon in the wilderness area north of Peavine Mountain and west of Cold Springs. It was difficult enough trying to rescue the dogs from such a remote area, but Animal Control Officers also faced the dilemma of trying to find the home of two dogs picked up in the middle of nowhere.
Fortunately, both dogs have microchips and all it took was a few phone calls. The dogs are part of the Huet family who live on a ranch about 10 miles from where the dogs were spotted. Joyce Huet says the dogs must have got out sometime in the morning, after she and her husband had left for work, and that she was amazed by the amount of distance they covered in such a short time.
"Just the thought of losing ‘Lulu' and ‘Jack Jack' is devastating," she said. "Without those microchips, we might not have seen them again. As it is, the whole family is loving having our dogs back home."
"Lulu" and "Jack Jack" disappeared on Tuesday morning and were back with their family by Tuesday night, the same day that Washoe County Regional Animal Services announced that they were extending their free pet microchipping campaign for two years.
"Time and time again microchips have proven themselves as the most effective and efficient means for getting pets home," Regional Animal Services Director Barry Brode said. "In many cases, pets are returned to their homes without ever having to be brought to the shelter."
Through the end of January 2016, free microchips will be available from Regional Animal Services. They are located at 2825-A Longley Lane and hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (excluding holidays).
"We encourage all pet owners, even those who think their pets never leave home, to take advantage of this free service," Brode said.
Once microchipped, Animal Services encourages pet owners to register their microchip online at homeagain.com to ensure proper identification if the pet should ever become lost outside of Washoe County.
For more information please visit www.washoeanimals.com.
Photo: "Jack Jack" and "Lulu" happy to be back home with Joyce Huet. The two young German Shepherds were located in a remote area north of Peavine Mountain on Tuesday, Washoe County Regional Animal Services was able to find their family thanks to the dog's microchips. (photo provided by the Huet family)
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.