I have been volunteering with a lost dog rescue group. Our goal is to return dogs that are lost and wandering on the streets. There is a lot of traffic here, and I have seen dogs hurt by cars. We try to prevent this.

I am surprised how often I find a dog with no collar or tags. It is much easier to return a lost pet that is wearing identification. Once rescued, we always scan for a microchip. Sometimes that is all it takes. I returned a lovely collie to his family. He had been missing for over a week, and had strayed miles from his home. I love happy endings.

Sometimes an owner turns the dog over to us. I rescued a tiny chihuahua on a busy street and put up posters. The owner called me and told me to keep him! Her daughter had moved to another country and had left the dog, and her family did not want him. They should have found him a home instead of abandoning him on the streets. Some people...

If we don't find an owner, we find the dog a new home. Currently I am fostering a chihuahua mix. He is very sweet and affectionate, but no one has called and it has been 3 months. He is what I call a "velcro dog", always right by my side and eager to jump on my lap whenever I sit down. It will be hard to let him go.

I hope if you see a dog that looks lost, you do what you can to help it get back home. Pets rely upon the goodness of others.

Play safe and have fun.