How a Microchip Saved My Dog

When you own a pet, I personally believe getting a microchip is one of the most important things you can do.

Yes, tags, shots and lots of love are important as well, but the microchip will help insure that you’re pet can be safely returned to you if it happens to get lost.

I’m a dog lover (I’d love cats too, but I’m allergic) and have two of the sweetest pups around. One of them, My miniature pinscher, named Gracie, is unfortunately, very attached to my wife and I.

The reason that I say unfortunately is that it caused an almost disastrous situation.

In December of last year, my wife and I took a five-day cruise and we made the decision to let our dogs stay with our friend. They had been over many times before with no issue, so we thought an extended stay would work out fine.

When we returned from our cruise, I turned on my phone to find a message from an animal hospital near our friend’s house to find out that they had found Gracie running the streets.

Gracie had apparently remembered the route to our friend’s house and tried to run back home after getting out through a hole in the fence.

While getting out, she tore off her collar, so her tags were lost. The only reason they knew to call us was because of her microchip.

Her microchip contains all the information that is necessary to get a hold of us.

Needless to say, Gracie was picked up and we got her safely back home. She looked a little worse for wear from being on the streets for a day or so, but nothing major.

If she had not had a microchip, we would’ve lost her. In all actuality, she probably wouldn’t be lounging on my lap like she is right now and would likely be enjoying someone else’s company.

If you love your dog, get them microchipped. It goes the other way, as well. If you find a dog wandering the streets, don’t just assume it’s a stray. That could be someone’s microchipped pet.

The Pinellas County Animal Shelter can check for a microchip, as can most vets.

While I hope your pet’s microchip never has to be used, it can mean the difference between getting your pet back and losing it forever.
To learn more about microchips or to get your pet chipped, check out the Pinellas County Animal Services website.