Few things are as terrifying as realizing that your greyhound is lost. Panic comes in waves and you don't know what to do first. We wanted to share some ideas you can implement immediately that might help get your pup back. Please take a look and save this list where you can easily refer to it.  

• Call your adoption organization immediately. If you leave a message, include your name, the dog's name, the location the dog went missing and your phone number. GALT's lost dog report phone number is 972-503-4258. GALT dogs come with an ID tag with this phone number. You should always keep this ID tag, as well as an ID tag with your address and phone number, on your dog. In fact, the GALT adoption contract requires you to do so. GALT dogs are all micro-chipped and the tag is provided to you upon adoption; please keep this tag on the collar as well.
• Post to Nextdoor.com. Nextdoor.com is a free social media network similar to Facebook, only centered around your neighborhood. Set up your account and get familiar with posting today so that you're ready to go. If your dog gets lost away from home, you'll need a resident of the area to post for you. Your post should include a current photo, a physical description of the dog, the location the dog was last seen, and your contact information. Ask anyone who sees the dog to call you and not to chase.  
• Ask a good friend to take the lead in helping you. As word gets out, you will likely need help filtering advice and responding to inquiries, especially on social media. You can also delegate many of the ideas on this list so that you can go look for your pup.
• Post on Facebook or other social media. On Facebook, make sure your privacy setting for the post is "public" so that the post can be shared widely. In addition to the information in your Nextdoor.com post, your Facebook post should conspicuously identify the city and state in which the dog is lost. 
• Share your Facebook post in local lost pet and community groups. While not really local, Facebook's Greyhound Amber Alert is worth trying. Its members tend to share widely and might reach others in your community.   
• Create a sign for posting in the neighborhood. Signs are the most often cited source of leads and are critical to finding a lost dog. Print the sign on bright, heavy paper and include a current photo of the dog standing (likely how the dog will be seen). A silhouette of a greyhound running will work in a pinch.  Also include "Lost Dog" and "Do Not Chase" prominently as well as your phone number and address. In some neighborhoods, stating that the signs will be removed when you find the dog can help keep your signs up longer. 
• Get your sign copied and buy lots of clear packing tape. Make the signs and the tape available to volunteers outside your front door. Consider leaving bottled water and snacks to show your appreciation. A tablet of plain paper and pens for volunteers to note where they have already put up signs can save volunteer time too.
• Call local shelters to let them know you want your dog back if it is brought to them. You cannot count on them to contact you though and will need to follow up with them daily.
• Contact local vets and make sure they have a copy of your sign. People who find dogs take them to the vet either for medical assistance or to check for a microchip. 
• Call the nonemergency numbers for your local law enforcement and fire departments. Many are dog lovers and paid observers. They will likely want to help. 
• Never lose hope. If your hound is lost for more than a few days, you'll want to take additional steps, depending on the circumstances, such as hiring professionals, placing live traps, contacting the City, and working with local businesses and construction zones. Continue to post updates in    social media so that volunteers know you're still looking and make sure your signs remain up.  

A lost hound can happen to any of us. Take a moment now to snap a current photo of your dog and to make sure the contact information associated with your dog's microchip is current. If you need to update your contact information with GALT, email info@galtx.org. Keep those pups safe, everyone!