I just thought I would post this to add some activity to the echo and also   
   it may be important. I know I don't look these things out, but do many   
   times get emails from my area about lost dogs cats etc. And as I say that   
   is without even trying, just being part of an animal loving community. I   
   also had one of my little guys run off during a blizzard and I was running   
   around looking for him in shorts and socks trying to find him as when he   
   ran out, I was told about it and ran out of the house as I was in an effort   
   to find him quickly. I was so glad that a woman 2 streets down had found   
   him. Thats beside the point, just a few tips if You do find a stray or are   
   actively looking for lost animal..   
      
   Mike   
      
      
      
   Tips For PetRescuers    
      
   So you're a PetRescuer, now what? Follow these tips to be safe and savvy as   
   you look for lost HomeAgain pets:     
   ÿ Read your Lost Pet Alerts and take note of the missing pet's description.    
   ÿ Keep a lookout in your neighborhood, during your commute, and talk to   
   friends & neighbors.    
   ÿ If you've seen or found a pet from a Lost Pet Alert, report it to HomeAgain.    
       
   What to do when you find a lost pet:     
   ÿ Assess the situation carefully. If you feel safe, slowly approach the   
   lost cat or dog.    
   ÿ If the lost pet is aggressive or otherwise unstable, call a local shelter   
   or animal control for help.    
   ÿ If you feel safe approaching the pet and it is wearing a collar with ID   
   tags, check for information about the owner and let them know you found   
   their lost pet.    
   ÿ If the pet is not wearing visible identification but you are able to   
   safely approach the pet, take it to the nearest animal shelter or   
   veterinary clinic to be scanned for a microchip.    
   ÿ If you are unable to approach the pet or determine the pet's owner,   
   contact your local animal control agency. Animal control can scan the pet   
   for a microchip and get the pet off of the streets, so it doesn't get injured.    
       
   Some PetRescuers may decide to shelter a friendly cat or dog until the   
   owner can be contacted or while waiting for the owner to arrive. In those   
   situations, it's important to keep the lost pet separate from your children   
   and pets. Even the friendliest pets may act out in an unfamiliar environment!    
       
   --- Platinum Xpress/Win/WINServer v3.0pr5   
    * Origin: www.holo.homeip.net:   -telnet://holo.homeip.net (1:261/1381)