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Maya,
We see a lot of lost pets enter the shelter. Nationally, in the past five years, 16% of owned dogs and cats have gone missing. Yet the percentage of dogs and cats wearing collars with ID tags or who are microchipped is minuscule. The good news is that having an ID tag and/or microchip increases a pet’s chances of returning home to nearly 100%!
WCHS strives to provide affordable (and at times free) microchips and ID tags to help escape artists like Quick Cat, also known as QC (name changed to protect his identity), find their way home without an overnight stay at the shelter.
We can all relate – it was the first sunny, hot day in ages. QC was spread out under a window, taking in the sun’s rays, when “mom” opened the window. Forgetting his advanced age and years of contentment watching the world go by, he clawed at a small opening between the screen and the sash. It moved! Before he knew it, he popped his head under the 3” opening and wiggled out.
He quickly discovered a neighbor’s paved driveway – the perfect quiet place to nap. The sight of old QC’s body – thin, rough hair and sunken eyes – scared the homeowner, who exclaimed, “We must help!”
QC’s sunny adventure ended when he found himself on an examination table being scanned for a microchip, examined by a vet, and offered canned cat food.
Back inside QC’s house, his human noticed the screen open. She darted outside, “Kitty! Kitty! Q-C!!” loud enough that the “paved driveway neighbor” heard and went to tell her QC was at the Humane Society. A few minutes later, QC was reclaimed. QC didn’t have a microchip or any ID. He is fortunate that his owner noticed the window, acted quickly, and had very healthy lungs!
Thank you for being a big part of WCHS. Your support ensures unwanted animals find new loving homes, allows lost pets to find their way back home, and so much more!
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