Every local Facebook group eventually develops a steady stream of lost pet alerts.
At first glance, these posts seem perfectly reasonable. Someone’s dog or cat has wandered off, and the owner is understandably worried. The community rallies around the search effort. Photos are shared, locations are posted, and people promise to keep an eye out.
But over time, a curious pattern begins to emerge. Many of the “missing” pets were never really missing at all. They were simply doing what animals have been doing since the beginning of time: wandering around the neighborhood.
The post usually begins with a photo and a message written with an obvious sense of urgency.
“Has anyone seen our cat Muffin? She’s black and white. Last seen near Cedar Street around 4:30.”
Within minutes, the entire community becomes involved.
“I think I saw a cat like that near the school!” “Check behind the grocery store.” “My neighbor’s dog chased a cat earlier!”
People begin scanning their yards and looking under decks as if they’ve joined a volunteer search-and-rescue operation or a treasure hunt. Then, a few hours later, the update appears.
“Muffin has been found! She was under the bed in the basement.” Then, of course, come the inevitable responses.
“So glad to hear.” “Happy it all worked out for your family and Muffin.”
Which raises an interesting question. How did the cat get under the bed without anyone noticing? But that mystery is quickly overshadowed by the relief that Muffin is safe.
And the cycle begins again a few days later with someone else’s dog, cat, ferret, gerbil, or occasionally even a hen.
johnberkovich.com 