Smart search

Signs: Ultimately, it was one of our signs that reunited us with Rylee. Get the word out by ordering 11x14-inch laminated posters from an office supply store. Staple them to a stake and zip-tie the posters to posts in the area.

Social media: Check to see if your local community or homeowners association has a blog or email list to spread the word to your immediate neighbors. We were also surprised at how quickly and effectively the word spread via Craigslist.

Pet psychic: Of all the advice and “leads” we received, the information from the pet psychic (www.calmpet.com) most closely reflected the actual truth-Rylee was still in our community. 

Animal agencies: Visiting animal control, humane society and local animal hospitals. Many caring folks who see an injured animal scoop them up and bring them to a local animal hospital. Rylee had a microchip.

Microchip tips: Rylee's microchip was only registered to our clinic, not a national registry. Be sure to register your pet nationally. It's also a good idea to add a name and number not in your area in case a hurricane, tornado or other natural disaster shuts down local phone or cellular service.

Pet tracking: In our geographical area there were too many places for Rylee to go, so it was hard to accurately track her. We spent the day going in circles. As for the Nebraska-based tracker, she turned around once we found Rylee and only charged us for 2.5 hours of her time. 

Helicopter search: This effort made me feel like I was being productive, but it may have actually scared Rylee further under the bushes. 

Facebook ads: If we had to do the Facebook ad again, we would have filtered it down to our immediate area.

The most effective strategy: Don't give up!