Shelter professionals estimate more pets run away from home and get lost on the Fourth of July than any other night of the year. Given this detail, it’s no surprise July has been designated Lost Pet Prevention Month.
In fact, it rains lost cats and dogs at Louisiana shelters this time of year. Our region’s severe summer showers have all the unpredictability, intensity, pops, booms, crackles and flashes of fireworks. If that weren’t frightening enough, a perceptible drop in barometric pressure triggers an animal’s survival instinct to flee and run for cover.
Sometimes, when the storm clouds clear and the panic subsides, the animal has no idea where he is, how he got there or how to get home.
This problem particularly plagues owners who place their pets outside unattended; the situation can be easily remedied by leaving the animal indoors. Still, sometimes all it takes prey drive to chase a pesky squirrel or the scent of a neighbor’s barbeque combined with an unlatched gate or small crack in the screen door for pets to escape. In either case, by the time the owner realizes the pet is missing, there are usually few clues—unless the pet has a GPS collar stays on—to the animal’s whereabouts.
Mandy is a chipper adult female Australian cattle dog/Catahoula mix.
Hamilton is a three-month-old pointer/beagle mix. He should weigh about 45 pounds, when he’s full grown. While he has yet to meet a cat, Hamilton loves all people and other dogs. He’s learning his doggie manners—including housebreaking—very quickly. While he is not crate trained, Hamilton does well in a separate room when alone or at night for bedtime. Hamilton is a sweet, happy, playful puppy who will be a wonderful companion for one lucky family.
Sandy the Bearded Lady appears to be a seven-year-old border terrier mix. At 26 pounds, she is the perfect size. More importantly, Sandy loves everyone—people of all ages, other dogs and cats. However, unlike most terriers, she is super laid back and very calm natured. Sandy is content to follow her foster from room to room and settle down for a nap. She does love to go on a walk, though—besides food—it is definitely her favorite thing. Sandy is such a good girl that her foster knows: With just one meeting, the right family will fall in love. 
Looking for a puppy? Think Pink! At 12 weeks and 12 pounds, this soft and cuddly boxer mix pup is energetic, inquisitive and positively irresistible. Pink is super-playful, trusting, cheerful and ready to bond with a caring, forever family. Like all puppies, pretty, little Pink will need regular exercise, lots of chew toys and plenty of patient, positive training to grow up happy and healthy. For more information, contact Pink’s foster at 
Percy is a four-year-old male bluetick coonhound. He is housebroken, leash trained, crate trained and knows basic obedience commands. Percy is fine with adults and teenagers, but he is a little frightened of small children with their quick movements. He is good with all dogs and cats. Percy has had some recent changes in his home that have left him skittish and uncertain. Overall, he’s a sweet, mellow boy, who loves going for walks and to the dog park. He’s very smart and picks up new commands quickly. Percy would be happiest if he could just stay by his owner’s side all day.
If you are looking for a companion for your dog, George may be the right fit for your furry friend. This beautiful adult briard mix is very timid and has some anxiety and abandonment issues. So, he will need a special, patient family because his acclimation to a new environment will probably take some time. For more information, contact his foster at 
