Flyers, Flyers and More Flyers: What Works Best?

When Hildie first went missing, I created a flyer and had 300 printed. Since then I have printed many more, but the initial run was 300. The flyers were black and white and featured a photo of Hildie taken on my cell phone a few weeks before she went missing. 

On the flyer I tried to describe her as best I could. But how do you describe a mongrel who may be Terrier and Border Collie, Terrier and Jack Russell or Terrier and Dalmation? So I used the terms "Terrier Mix" and left it at that. The problem with this was that most people assumed she was a small dog, which she is not. 

Hildie is a medium-sized dog - about the size of a Dalmation or Border Collie. She is mostly white with long, wirey hair like a Terrier, but with spots like a Dalmation under her white coat. She has a grey mask and weights about 45 pounds. Clearly, this was important to say so my flyer listed the following:

Hildie
Lost, 7/6, Sunland
White/Grey Terrier Mix
45-Lbs.
Call 818 468-7278

After posting the flyers on telephone poles within a mile of our home - in each direction, we waited. When we didn't get any calls, we expanded out to the adjoining communities of Tujunga, Shadow Hills, La Tuna Canyon, and into the Lakeview Terrace/Kagel Canyon areas. 

Soon, we began to get calls but they were the WRONG DOG. Almost every caller described a small dog belonging to a homeless lady who many people saw at the freeway exit ramp, in Sunland Park, or on Oro Vista heading for the Tujunga Wash. After running down several of these wrong leads, we realized people don't know the different between a 15 lb. dog and a 45 lb. dog so we started putting "Medium sized dog" on our flyers.

What I have found by doing this, after six weeks, is that most people are kind in my community and will respect the dog owner's plight and try to help. But there are always a few 'sour grapes' types who will take down my flyers or tell me that I shouldn't be hanging them up. I wonder how they would feel if they lost a loved one. 

After a few weeks with no legitimate leads, it was suggested to me that I offer a reward. With the money I had already spent for advertising and flyers, gas for driving around, and various other costs that come with looking for a lost dog, I didn't think I could do that. But a friend came through for me and offered to loan me $500 for a reward. So I started making flyers stating REWARD: $500.00. 

Another thing I changed was the way I made the flyers. A pet detective told me that it is best to use a bright background for the flyers so they don't get overlooked by motorists driving by. So I incorporated that tip and have now done that with all of my flyers. As the flyers get old and weathered, I try to replace them with new ones that are better looking. Above all, I try not to put up too many on the same street. And when Hildie is found, I will take them all down as soon as possible.

My search goes on. As long as I can afford to, I will continue searching for her and putting up flyers to remind people that we need their eyes and ears to find her. It truly takes a village to raise a child and it also takes a village to find a lost dog. 

Anyone who has any information about where Hildie might be, please call me: (818) 468-7278. I am still offering that reward and hope someone will reveal to us where she is so we can bring her home to her family that loves her and needs her!