Microchip Did Not Save This Pet
I have written before about the need and usefulness of microchips for your pets, here and here.
They are used to assist you and others in identifying and locating lost pets.
Some times though, even common sense will not overcome this technological advancement.
A family in Naples, Florida recently lost their pet when a local veternarian failed, for whatever reason, to search and scan for a microchip when an an unidentifiable pet was presented to his facility.
The sad story is as follows:
"Katie's Story:
I was adopted by Maureen, Victor, Matthew and Jamie when I was 4 months old. I had a wonderful life. We traveled alot, went camping, boating, horseback riding and walking. Maureen and I could walk for miles together. My favorite was going for car rides! And I didn't care where we went. I met alot of friends along the way. I had a litter of 5 puppies, one looked just like me, her name was Minnie Me.
I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer when I was 7 yrs old, my Doctor's said I still had a long life ahead of me. I didn't even have to take medicine on a regular basis.
Maureen made sure I had a Microchip, OUCH! she said it would help me get home if I ever got lost.
Well, I did get lost, on 11/30/08, I wondered out of the back door, just to see who has been walking by! I was found shortly after by a Neighbor. They had 2 Black Labs. They took me in and the next day they took me to their Vet.
The Vet told them that I had Breast Cancer and Cataracts, but didn't check me for a MICROCHIP?? So, they took me back to their house.
I wish they would just call Maureen, I know she is looking for me!!
The next day they took me back to the Vet and they decided to put me to sleep!!
WAIT!!!! My Birthday is next month, I am going to be 14 yrs old! Jamie was 3yrs old when I met her, she is about to Graduate High School, I HAVE A MICROCHIP! Someone PLEASE scan my Microchip! I want to go home to my family. They must be so worried about me!
Well, the Vet DID NOT scan my Microchip and they are going to Euthanize me. I just want to go home.
Maureen will tell the rest of the story........."
Unfortunately, Katie was euthanized less than 48 hour after she went missing from her home.
The family has now established a non-profit organization in Katie’s memory to improve the awareness of microchipping.
You can visit the site of Katie’s Story here and become involved with the organization if you desire.
We know that microchipping your pet is not infallible, but it is still a protective option that you should use.
