One of my greatest frustrations is to see dogs running around loose without any tags, collars or outward identification.

Every Wednesday, I do a pro bono walk for some clients of PAWS in the City Heights area. Almost every week I come across a sweet dog running loose in the streets with no identification. These dogs can so easily be killed by a car, stolen, or attacked by other animals, etc. It breaks my heart that people aren't more responsible about the animals they have taken into their homes. I can tell these dogs aren't strays because they appear well -fed and are usually quite friendly to both me and the dog I am walking. I guess they just somehow manage to escape from their homes, backyards etc when gates and doors are left open.

Sadly, I have no idea whether they make it home safely but I do see several signs posted on poles saying "Lost Dog".

If you are the guardian of a dog, I urge you to please make sure he has identification on him, a collar with a tag, a microchip, etc. Also, please be very careful with open doors and gates. Make sure your furry kid is secured at home. I know you don't want his to be the next picture on a "Lost Dog" poster on a telephone pole.