PetKnows

Any pet owner knows the feeling when you see that “Lost Dog!” poster on a telephone pole or a street corner, because we know how devastated we’d be if our pets were missing. Still, how many of us have actually made a concerted effort to help find these lost pets, and get them back to their owners?

On January 3, an Australian cattle dog named Rocky went missing from his owner in Falls Church, VA, but I first heard about it when a business card was left on my car window at the Metro station over the weekend. I felt that usual stab of sympathy when I realized it was a plea to help find a lost dog, but my attention was really grabbed by the fact that there was a website address on the card. I was curious enough to go check it out, and found a blog all about one pet owner’s quest to find his baby. On the site you can learn more about Rocky and his somewhat, uh, mischievous nature, see pictures of him, follow the search on Twitter, see maps of his latest sightings, even volunteer to help look if you’re local or donate money to the cause if you’re not, with all leftover funds going to the SPCA and Homeward Trails.

HelpFindRocky is is a local effort, with 14-15 volunteers over this past weekend, but the concept of it is something that could — and should — catch on in the pet community at large. We blog about our pets’ triumphs and trials already, why not get a blogging movement started to help find them when they lose their way? How many pets might have found their way home if there was only some good way of communicating with people locally, share images, and spread information about possible sightings?

All I know is that I’m following Rocky on Twitter now, and I’m keeping my eyes peeled whenever I’m out. If I see even a flash of that adorable little mug, I’ll be on the phone in a heartbeat. We’re rooting for you, Rocky!