[Sticky] 🐾 How to use the Lost & Found: A Quick-Start Guide

To help reunited neighbors with their pets and belongings as quickly as possible, we use a Topic Prefix system. This allows everyone to see the status of a post at a glance.

1. Choose your Status (Required)

When you create a new post, you must select one of the following prefixes:

• 🔴 (LOST): You are looking for a missing pet or item.

• 🟢 (FOUND): You have found something or a pet is safely in your care.

• 🟡 (SIGHTING): You spotted a lost pet but were unable to secure it.

• ⚪ (RESOLVED): Use this once the pet is home or the item is returned! (Please edit your post to change the tag once finished).

2. Add an Object Tag

After selecting your status, please add a descriptive tag if applicable, such as PET, KEYS, TECH, or KIDS/TOYS. This helps neighbors filter the list to find what they are looking for.

3. Best Practices for Posting

• The Title: Be specific! Instead of "Lost Dog," try "[LOST] Brown Lab near Glenwood Elementary."

• Photos: A photo is worth a thousand words. Please upload one if you have it.

• Location: Mention the nearest cross-streets or landmark (e.g., "Near the Glenwood park entrance"). For your privacy, do not post your exact home address.

• The "Secret Detail": If you find a valuable item (like a watch or keys), keep one detail private. Ask the person claiming it to describe that detail to ensure it’s going to the right owner.

4. If You Have Camera Footage

If you saw a lost pet on your home security system (Ring, Ubiquiti, etc.), please post a (SIGHTING) with the timestamp and direction of travel. This is incredibly helpful for neighbors trying to track a moving pet.