As far as contacting the shelter goes, make sure you visit it if you can. I have posted this story many times on here before, but I was there one day when a Family came in to look for their pup. They gave the description to Tri County over the phone, and were told "No Dog matching that description is here". While I was there, I heard the Family when they did in fact, find their Dog right there. I can't stress the importence of getting your pup micro chipped. All shelters scan the animals as they come in to the shelter. I hope that your pup returns home very soon.