Misty’s tale a timely reminder to microchip

When Michaela Tooth came home from shopping her worst fears were realised, her ‘baby’ Misty was missing.

Misty's disappearance proved a timely reminder for Michaela Tooth about microchipping. Photo supplied

If you haven’t already microchipped your beloved pet there’s still time to register for the PETstock Assist Microchip Blitz this weekend .

The event, now in its fourth year, offers microchipping for just $10 at participating PETstock stores across Brisbane.

Kallangur dog owner Michaela Tooth discovered the hard way the importance of microchipping after her dog Misty escaped from home last month.

“I’d been out at the shops for a bit and usually when I get home she’s there but she wasn’t,” Ms Tooth said.

“I was so upset and devastated. I was worried she’d been hit by a car and then I thought OMG someone’s taken her,” Ms Tooth said.

“I ran up and down the street calling out to her and asking people with dogs if they’d seen her.”

Misty's disappearance was a timely reminder to update her microchip details. Photo supplied

$1 A WEEK FOR THE FIRST 8 WEEKS. Min. cost $4

Ms Tooth took to social media posting a picture of Misty in the hope someone had found her.

“My son is so attached to her and he was crying. She’s such an amazing little dog. She doesn’t bark. She’s so quiet.” Ms Tooth said.

“My son has some problems and she’s so good with him. She understands him.”

Luckily for Ms Tooth, it wasn’t long before PETstock North Lakes also posted a picture of Misty in the hope of finding her owner, as unfortunately the little dog’s details on her microchip had not been updated since she was born.

The mischievous two-year-old Maltese, who had a habit of escaping by moving rocks in garden, somehow found herself in North Lakes where luckily someone had handed her in.

Misty after she was found by a passerby who handed her in to PETstock North Lakes. Photo. supplied

When Ms Tooth saw the photo she knew immediately it was Misty and drove straight over to get her.

“PETstock had checked her microchip (which still had the breeder’s details) and because I hadn’t updated the details on the microchip they couldn’t give her straight away to me,” Ms Tooth said.

“It was so sad because when she saw me she was so excited but we had to wait. So she had a sleepover with the vet nurse.”

Ms Tooth said she had learnt the hard way that she should have updated Misty’s microchip details.

The PETstock’s Blitz is happening Saturday (19th) and Sunday (20th) October offering $10 (by appointment only) microchipping at participating stores.

A PETstock spokeswoman said Michaela’s story highlighted the importance of “not only having a microchip implanted but also maintaining up to date contact details of the current owner and up to date details of the pet, such as names as this commonly isn’t done by the breeder when the puppy is first implanted”.

“By doing this it ensures the animal can be safely and promptly returned home to their families without difficulty,” she said.

Owners can bring in dogs, cats and small animals including guinea pigs.

The Blitz aims to reduce the heartbreak of losing pets and the pressure on animal rescue services.