Bailey, a black and white border collie, was missing for six years. Thanks to Bailey's microchip, the missing dog, who was thin but fairly healthy when found, was returned home. The Swartz family was amazed and pleased to reconnect with Bailey.

As O'ahu's official lost-and-found center for all pets, the Hawaiian Humane Society understands the fear and heartbreak of losing an animal companion as well as the joy of reuniting pets with their owners. In 2006, the society's Lost and Found department worked with more than 7,400 families whose pets disappeared and helped return more than 3,300 pets to their owners.

Most families assume their dog is lost if he or she does not show up for dinner, and they call the Humane Society immediately. Yet cat owners sometimes wait a few days before reporting their feline lost. It is recommended that all owners report missing pets to the society immediately.

An ID tag or license is important but a microchip — a tiny, modern-day miracle — is essential in helping lost pets find their way home. Inquisitive Roger, a 4-year-old canine, recently decided to explore his Waimanalo neighborhood. He escaped by nudging open the sliding glass door with his nose. The dog's owner, Jennifer, noticed the door open and Roger missing. She and her husband walked around the neighborhood in search of their dog.

Later the same day, Jennifer received a call from the Humane Society; a concerned neighbor found the dog and turned him over to the society. He wasn't wearing an ID tag, but was identified through his microchip and was returned within a few hours of being reported missing.

A microchip is effective only if contact information matching the electronic ID tag is current. If you're recently moved or changed phone numbers, call the society to update your microchip record.

In 2006, the society expanded its Web site to include a Found Pets database. Within hours of arrival at the shelter, found animals have their photograph and a brief description posted online. When an animal is returned home, their record is closed and is removed instantly from the site, which keeps information current.

Socks
Tag No. 07-5465 — Socks is a fabulous specimen of felinity. Black and white with beautiful markings, he is an older pet who appears to be in very good health and qualifies for our "Seniors for Seniors" program.

Tita
Tag No. 07-3503 — Tita is a WONderful dog, perhaps even TWOderful or FOURderful! Loving and active but very independent. Tita is heartworm-positive but qualifies for the Max Fund Program.

These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open weekdays from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For directions, special events and to see more pets available for adoption, visit www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals, ext. 4.