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Sightings
Click the link at the bottom of the page for your next step.
The
term sightings is used to describe the calls that come in from your posters
and fliers
You
need to be very patient, and pay particular attention to the calls that you
have come in. Some will definitely be information about your pet, and some
will not. The point is, be very appreciative to those who take the time to
call, and provide any information to you. When you receive a sighting call,
you must go check it out, even if it doesn't fit your pet exactly. Some
people's description may be different from your description, and some may
view the pet as being another breed, when in fact it could be your pet. Also
if your caller says the pet was not wearing a collar do not assume that it
is not your pet. Your pet could have easily slipped out of their collar,
maybe from losing weight, or it may have been caught on something. Do not
assume anything, because ANYTHING can happen. Try to get to the location as
soon as possible. If you get there, and you don't see any sign of the pet
your caller has described to you, be armed and ready to poster your big
fluorescent posters.
In
addition, Nicole Mabrey of
Lost Pet Investigations makes another great
suggestion:
"Many
times owners of missing pets receive multiple calls regarding possible
sightings, yet the sightings are 3 miles apart, at about the same time!
This becomes more frustrating when the missing pet is a cat. Some
people will see a cat, but never really "notice" it - they simply see a cat.
One way to help narrow down whether a sighting may be valid, is to
create a collage of pictures that resemble your missing pet (using images
off the Internet that are not copyright protected), and somewhere in this
collage include a real photo of your pet.
Show this collage to eye witnesses, and ask them to please choose the
photo that most closely resembles the cat/dog they saw. The key phrase is to
let them show you! Remember, when someone calls you with a potential
sighting, it is very important how you ask the questions:"
Don't ask: "Did you see his/her red collar?"
Do ask: "Did you notice a collar?" If the answer is yes, then you ask "What
color?"
Don't ask: "Did you see that his/her face is half brown and half white?"
Do ask: "Did you notice any distinguished markings on his/her face?"" The
way you phrase a question can be very beneficial in eliminating or
validating possible sightings. "
Thank
you Nicole! Most importantly, take down information from the caller, so that
you can begin to pick up a territory that your pet may be staying in. They
may be roaming, but sometimes they roam in what looks like a circle from a
birds eye view. Additionally, this can help you know where then, to set up
your feeding station or kitty buffet.
Some
important information to gather from your caller is, their name and phone
number, in case you need to reach them again to gather more information, the
address of where they possibly saw your pet, what was the pet doing, and the
time of day they saw your pet. On another note, be aware of lost pet scams
that may be calling you because of your advertising. There are always
scammers and dangerous people who are out there ready to victimize you. Do
not allow anyone to enter your home to discuss your pet, and never meet
anyone who says that they have your pet, alone. It is always best to have
someone with you, as you are searching for your pet. Always hold an
identifying characteristic about your pet to yourself. Do not put everything
about them on your poster or flier. This is so that, when you receive a
call, you can let them describe the pet that they are saying they have.
Action step - Surveillance
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