This Marker Could Save Your Dog’s Life!

Would you spend $1.79 to protect your dog in an emergency? If so, read on.

It started like any other week in southern Illinois—Spring one day, summer the next, then winter, then back to spring again. Our weather is as unpredictable as a squirrel crossing the road.

The forecast called for a catastrophic weather event. Living in Tornado Alley, we’re no strangers to storms, but catastrophic? That word carried weight.

As the day unfolded, the sun shone, and everything seemed normal—until it wasn’t. The skies darkened, the winds howled, and the tornado warnings blared. We tuned in to our go-to weather guy, The Storm Predictor on YouTube, tracking every swirling menace. Then—darkness. Power out. No internet. No cell service. That eerie silence before the storm.

We knew a tornado was close, so I gathered my pack—eight dogs and a few pieces of cheese—and we crammed into our tiny, windowless bathroom. Let’s just say ‘comfy’ was not the word. Add in an anxious, gassy dog, and well… survival was taking on a whole new meaning.

I had my disaster bag packed—flashlight, leashes, collars, treats—but then reality hit me like the storm outside. What if we took a direct hit? What if my dogs got loose? What if one got picked up and dropped somewhere miles away?

Sure, they’re all microchipped, but in the aftermath of a disaster, would someone actually have the time to scan them? Their collars have name tags, but let’s be honest—those things pop off when they’re just playing, let alone in fight-or-flight mode.

So, what’s the solution?

A $1.79 permanent marker.

Yep, that’s it. I grabbed one and wrote their names and my phone number on their bellies and inside their ears. The marker isn’t toxic and will fade over time, but in the immediate chaos of a disaster, it provides instant identification that could bring them back to me faster.

So, roll over, pack—Momma’s got the marker!

In case you’re wondering, the tornado passed within a couple of miles from us. We escaped with only the loss of a few trees, but sadly, many communities around us were not so lucky. After living in the area my entire life, you’d think that tornadoes and destruction would feel routine or even mundane—but it never is. Every storm leaves a mark, and the devastation always comes with a price.

How to Prepare Your Pets for a Disaster

1. Pack a Disaster Bag – Keep a bag in an easily accessible place with:
   • Leashes, harnesses, or collars
   • Treats (because bribery works!)
   • Flashlight
   • Any necessary medications
   • A small first-aid kit for minor injuries
   • A copy of your dog’s medical records (especially if they need regular medication)
   • A blanket or towel for comfort and warmth
2. Microchip, Microchip, Microchip! – This is one of the best ways to ensure your pet’s return. Many vets and shelters offer microchipping, and some pet fairs provide it at discounted rates.
3. Register the Microchip – A chip is useless if it’s not registered! Check your information annually to ensure it’s up to date. Some databases charge a fee, while others don’t—find the one that works for you.
4. Collars with Secure Tags – Newer name tags that slide onto the collar (rather than dangling) are more durable and less likely to fall off. Consider adding a reflective strip to help locate them in low-light conditions.
5. The $1.79 Marker Trick – Write your dog’s name and your phone number on their belly or inside their ear. It’s a simple, temporary solution in case their collar gets lost.
6. Take Recent Photos – In a world of social media, a clear picture showing distinctive markings or coat patterns can be a lifesaver. Snap a few from different angles, including their face and sides.
7. Plan an Evacuation Route – If you need to leave your home, know where you’ll go with your pets. Research pet-friendly hotels, friends or family who could take them in, and local emergency shelters that allow animals.
8. Train Your Dog to Come When Called – In the event they get loose, a solid recall command can make all the difference. Practice calling them from different distances and rewarding them for responding quickly.
9. Have a Buddy System – If you’re not home when disaster strikes, have a trusted friend or neighbor who can check on your pets and bring them to safety.

These small steps can make all the difference in a crisis. Our dogs are family—taking a few extra minutes to prepare could be what brings them home safely. Stay safe, stay ready, and don’t forget the marker!