You are here:   Ways to help
  |  Login
We're compiling a list of ways people can help.  If you have an idea or want to help out - go for it! Send a note to Karen via the e-mail link on the front page or through 'Report A Sighting' so we don't duplicate efforts.
Are you a teacher? - Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Willie may be in the area of Russian Jack Elementary and/or Ptarmigan ELementary.  If so, the kids are probably seeing Willie.  But kids don't always look at the flyers posted all around their homes of know what to do if they see Willie.  One thing that could help is if you could get posters around school and talk to your students about what to do if they see Willie (like don't chase him, ask an adult to call, etc.)

 
Make a special poster - Tuesday, November 17, 2009

We learned about this idea from www.missingpetpartnership.org

Make a special high visibility poster and post it up high at a major intersection.

Supplies: Poster Board, Permanent marker, Clear Contact paper, some special flyers

  • Start with a 22x28 piece of flourescent poster board (under $2 at Fred Meyers)
  • Use a permanent marker to write 'REWARD' in 6" tall very thick letters at the top
  • Use a permanent marker to write '229-9534' in 6" tall very thick letters at the bottom
  • Print a letter size picture of Willie from here
  • Print a letter size brief description of Willie from here
  • Put Willie's picture and description in the middle of the poster board
  • Weatherproof the posterboard by applying clear contact paper on both sides, overlapping all 4 edges
  • Find a major intersection and post the new sign
     

See samples on this site: 
www.missingpetpartnership.org/recovery-posters.php

 
Flyers - Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Print a flyer and post it:

  • Grocery Store
  • Gas Station
  • Church
  • School
  • Vet Office
  • Coffee Shop
  • Restaurant
  • Bus stops
  • Work
  • Bookstore
  • In neighborhood
  • On your car
  • At your club
  • Other local businesses
 
Talk about him - Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Word of mouth

  • Tell a friend
  • Tell your family
  • E-mail your contacts
  • Blog about Willie
  • Tell your neighbors
  • Coworkers
  • Postman at home and work
  • UPS driver at home and work
  • FedEx driver at home and work
  • Children you know (kids notice dogs!)
  • Local businesses
  • ???
 
Website - Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Direct people to www.findwillie.com

Maybe they'll be inspired to help too!

 
Contribute - Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Contribute through Chip-In on front page
Money is needed to

  • Pay a reward
  • Ads in newspapers
  • Google AdWords - we just started advertising on Google so people in Anchorage know we're looking
  • Facebook ads - another way to get the word out
  • Printing flyers
  • Gas for driving around looking for him
  • Potential Vet bills when Willie is found
  • Possibly Sponsor a bus advertisement
  • Possibly Sponsor a radio advertisement
 
Get out and look - Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Anchorage is a really big city. We can use all the help we can get for door to door neighborhood searches. Contact Karen either via the e-mail link on the front page or through the 'Report a Sighting' form.

 
Protest! - Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Another technique that seems promising is a 'Lost Dog Protest'

In a 'Lost Dog Protest' a group of volunteers stand on a major street corner at rush hour and wave large 'Lost Dog' posters. Imagine Lake Otis and Tudor at rush hour on any Election day. Now substitute 'Find Willie' for 'Vote for Joe' and you get the idea.  This combined with posters could be a great way to get more people looking for Willie.  It would take several hours and several volunteers to construct large signs, then maybe another hour or two of standing on a corner as a group.

If you are willing to organize a 'Lost Dog Protest' contact Karen via e-mail or the 'Report a Sighting' form. She'll put you in contact with me (jenny) and I'll explain the process.

We learned about this idea from www.missingpetpartnership.org