I wanted to post this alert to all pet owners and more specifically lost pet owners. When you use the web to post your lost pet ads, there are scammers out there – we all know that.

There is a terrific pet site, petfinder.com referred to as “PETFINDER”. Not to be confused with a site called “PETFINDERS” (note the S). The guy who owns “PetFinders” has a website called “petfindersalert” DO NOT EVER use the service. They apparently offer a service like I used, findtoto.com.

How I learned of this… Before we found Zoey, I spoke with a MAR tech – she said there was a guy out there who’d scam lost pet owners. She said his name was “Gary” and he’d call you. but that’s all I knew. She referred me to the FindToto, instead – saying she KNEW they were reputable. Now, I know they are, from experience. Anyway… I never thought much about the other service by “Gary” -’till today.

Today, 8 days after Zoey went missing (tho I found her Monday), I get a call from “Petfinders” the number was 702-270-2379. I didn’t think anything of it. I did post an ad on petfinder but deleted it two days ago when we got our baby back.

I used good ‘ole Google to seek info on that phone number, a few hours later, as I thought it was odd. I sought out info and found it was the service ran by “Gary” – the guy I was warned about. More searching lead to see people had been scammed by him and the MAR tech was right.

While folks are grieving over their lost pet – the company takes advantage of them. They obtain ph#’s from lost pet ads (likely petfinder) and calls them. I assume people will think it’s the reputable site petfinder.com but it isn’t. They will ask for your CC info and will tell you they’ll help you find your pet.

The company sports a nice red F with the BBB.

I’m thankful I was NOT scammed by this “so called” company. Am glad I had warning of it, too.

Most people should know they should never give out there personal info, credit card info, etc over the phone when someone calls you. But, we all know some people don’t think before acting at times… that’s why I am sharing this. I even posted a warning on the petfinder lost pet section today (if they don’t delete it). I did read about it in their forums but know most won’t read there before posting a lost pet ad.

It makes me sick – people like this – that take advantage of others. I just wanted to spread the word in hopes that it will keep someone from being scammed. Maybe they don’t scam *everyone* but I know they do scam and I wouldn’t dare take a chance so you don’t either, in the event you ever find yourself seekin’ your pet.

P.S. All is well here!! I’ll post a new update soon!

First, Praise God for keeping her safe from harm and her return home, today.

Second, Thank you for all the thoughts, prayers, hugs, comments… and a big thanks to the MANY of you that spread the word and made badges on your personal sites, in effort to help. You all are just fantastic compassionate, loving and caring folks and I’m so glad to have such a huge support system!! Many emailed me helping, as well. Thank you, sincerely, I’m so grateful. I’ve tried to email most back with my personal thanks but if I missed you… please accept my thank you here!

Anyway….

After we walked the city many hours, drove around many hours (gulp, gulp gas!!), spoke with residents, passed out phone numbers, posted flyers, posted posters, ran the local radio station ad, local news channel classifieds, local newspaper ad, posted lost ads on over nearly 20 online lost & found sites, two calls that ended up being another hound, posting here, keeping in contact with the local vets, shelters, Humane Society and dept. of transportation! PLUS all of you wonderful folks out there posting on your sites… I finally took one step that made the difference!

A MAR tech (missing animal response aka search and rescue) referred me to findtoto saying it was the only thing we had not done shy of hiring SAR bloodhounds which I couldn’t find locally. After discussing it for hours and debating, I placed the order on findtoto when I woke up this morning (Mon. 4/28).
I figured it couldn’t hurt and would maybe reach just one person that could help… and I was right!
Hubby took off work as he felt like he had to find her, today. I’m so thankful for that!

-10:19am my cell rang and it was the pet alert itself.
-10:21am a call, they rec’d the pet-alert. Beagle sighting Thurs. 10AM (3 days ago).
-10:31am a call, they rec’d the call-alert calling about possibly seein’ her Sunday (yesterday).
-10:53 THE call! Lost female beagle dog was sleeping in their neighbors open backyard. She’d been back there since Saturday (2 and a half days). The lady asked me “Does your dog have on a harness? I told her yes and she told me “Well, she still has it on!” then she proceeded with her location. We went, immediately, and it was indeed our dog!! She was asleep in this open backyard – there was farmland behind the houses…. when we got out of the car my husband called her name and she perked up but ran into a wooded area of the field. He ran and caught her and we leashed her up and gave her a teddy (her teddy). We let her catch a break (from running) and drink water.

Zoey has crossed over the main HWY and went up this hill and cross the double RR tracks and a block or so down… I mapped it and it was only 1.3 miles away from where she was last seen.

Her harness was broken. She has lost some weight but still looks healthy. Thankfully she could afford the small weight loss. I cried. Hubby cried. Zoey yelped! What a fantastic moment!

The lady refused my reward money. I insisted I must do something for her, even if it wasn’t pay her… she wouldn’t accept. She requested I donate the money – so I am. I gave this stranger a hug (she was a super nice retired lady) and we brought our hound home.

Zoe appears to be fine. She shakes a little sometimes but seems good otherwise. Her eyes are a bit red. I think her back leg may be sore but not sure – she doesn’t limp or anything- She isn’t injured as far as I can see looks like she missed all cars (whew!). She has a small “carpet burn” type spot in front of her hind legs and a tiny scab type place on the back of her leg. Since her harness was broken we assume she got stuck somewhere. Amazingly, she was clean but she did make friends with the fleas and needs a bath! We’ve treated her for fleas (she’s never had them, ugh) and will give her a bath after she settles back in.

My vet says she’s too traumatized for a check up right now to wait a few days and let her adjust. Then, if I want to bring her in to be checked, I could.

After being a house dog in a super rural area and then being lost for almost 6 days in a city… she just isn’t herself. She will whimper and whine at times. She’s slept for the past 4 hours, straight! I hope she catches up on her much needed Z’s and gets used to being back home. I know she loves back here getting all the love and attention.

I’ve rec’d a few more called since we’ve been home – people responding to the pet-alert. I just thank them for calling (as that’s what I wanted, to be contacted) and tell them a caller already found my dog. They always tell me they are happy to hear… I’m thankful for this call-service. I truly believe it saved Zoey and reunited us! I’d recommended it to anyone who really wants their lost pet back!

Hubby and I are exhausted – the last few days our lives have been off track. Now, we can carry on again, as normal, with our hound babe! My two children are very happy to have her back, too. We call it a miracle.

Here she is… back home!

Long story short, she’s home and she’s safe. Never again will she be with anyone other than myself or my husband. I can’t go through this again!

Again, thank all of you so much for your comments, prayers, puurayers, etc…. Lots of new people commented… and I’m truly thankful for the connection of the internet! Wow! If ever you need the word spread about something or need help and think I can help – please just ask!

xoxoxo

I have my Zoey! More later….