National Lost Dog Awareness Day - Doodlewash and watercolor painting of orphan corgi puppy
By Charlie

National Lost Dog Awareness Day

Written by Charlie O'Shields

Today is Lost Dog Awareness Day, a day created to bring attention to both dogs that go missing as well as to celebrate the joyful reunions of pets that have been found. A family pet is lost every two seconds. Over 10 million pets are lost each year. One out of three pets is lost during their lifetimes. Only one in ten is found. So yeah, these are pretty gloomy statistics, which is why raising awareness is so important. It’s also extremely important to have you dog microchipped so if found people can locate you. In some cases, however, reunions come from the sheer will of a little dog, determined to return home.

In 1923, Bobbie, a two-year-old Scotch Collie/English Shepherd mix was separated from his owners and lost while on a road trip in Indiana. The family attempted an exhaustive search, but the dog was never found and they had to return to their home in Silverton, Oregon. Heartbroken, they were certain they would never see their beloved dog again. Six months later, they had a shocking discovery when they found Bobbie on their doorstep, mangy and scrawny, having traveled plains, desert, and mountains for over 2,551 miles (4,105 km) to get back home. Later dubbed Bobbie the Wonder Dog, he quickly became famous and the subject of articles, books and movies.

Stories like this abound, albeit on a much smaller scale, showing the incredible love and affection that dogs have for their human families. Today is a day to celebrate that devotion and send some positive energy into the world for anyone who might currently be missing their beloved pet. Though in some cases, it may seem like there may never be a happy ending, love can make amazing things happen. And as is the case with most things in life, no matter what happens, always remember – never lose hope.

Join me any and all days you like during April by celebrating a National or International Day with a doodlewash! Tag your image #doodlewashaday and I’ll feature everyone who played along on doodlewash.com at the end of the month! 

About the Doodlewash

M. Graham watercolors: Quinacridone Gold, Burnt Sienna, and Neutral Tint. Sennelier L’Aquarelle: Opera Rose. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon sepia ink in a 5″ x 8″ 140 lb. (300 gsm) Pentalic Aqua Journal

Charlie O'Shields

Creator of Doodlewash, founder of World Watercolor Month (July), World Watercolor Group, and host of the Sketching Stuff Podcast. Sharing watercolor illustrations and stories while proudly featuring talented artists from all over the world!

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60 thoughts on “National Lost Dog Awareness Day”

  1. *sniff* What a lovely story about Bobbie’s return to his family! I happen to know, from having had one before, that English Shepherds (Collies, too) are super smart, but I’m sure other dogs could do this given enough gumption (wasn’t The Incredible Journey based on a true story?). 🙂 Love your sweet pup doodlewash! <3

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  2. Ohh this is such an incredible story about Bobbie’s return is amazing! His unconditional love did bring it back where he belongs at home with his family travelling alone for six months only following his instinct and super sniff wow no words to describe! Dogs are amazing and loyal! I love your watercolor Charlie he is so cute that I want to adopt him! Wonderful post! 😉 <3

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  3. thank you Charlie! this is a most wonderful, needful post that I’m so glad you posted!! Microchipping and containing pets, is vital to their lives. The story of Bobbie, is new to me. What a Miracle.
    a darling doodlewashed doggie you did do! cheers, Debi

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  4. Aww what a wonderful story and your painting is darling! This story reminded me of my grandpa. He had a horse which he sold and the horse came back home walking 20-30 km, not once but twice after he was returned to the buyer… My grandpa regretted selling him.

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  9. What a cute pup! I am amazed how many dogs are lost each year. And, it’s amazing that animals have the will to find their families. This is a national day needed to be recognized, thanks Charlie.

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  10. Such a beautiful and tender painting…immediate “awwwwww so cute” and a great deal of tugging at the heart-strings. Your talent with furry cuteness is so enjoyable. Absolutely wonderful post, full of emotions, information and encouraging hope. Thank you for sharing. Peace.

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  12. Cute little guy! And yes, the Incredible Journey was based on a true story. I also know some people whose dog was lost (stolen? – it was a pedigree Rhodesian ridgeback) and came back six years later!

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  14. Way to go bobbie, what an incredible story, super dog, super doodlewash. I am shocked by the statistics, although as I write I am aware of the dog that has been missing in our area for over a week, having been sighted at various points, but unable to be caught, the power of Facebook has helped the owners to track their dog, and we all hope he is on his way home….poor Dooley 😕 I will again have my eyes peeled while out riding on the forest today.

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  16. How adorable – your little puppy needs a cuddle and I gladly volunteer! A very worthy doodlewash today – and what a sweet story against those statistics. Just how on earth did he manage that!? Incredible.

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  19. Wow, what an incredible story! I didn’t realize the stats were so gloomy. I’ve seen so many missing posters and I always hoped for a happy ending. Your doodlewash is precious!

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  22. Charlie, you really excelled yourself with this lovely little dog, and with such a lovely piece of writing. It’s so important to help make people aware of the responsibilities we have towards animals and you’ve written this in just the right supportive way.
    Haven’t been able to follow all your posts lately because I’m ludicrously busy and have limited internet access – catch you when I can!

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