lost beagle

Question
My beagle got out of my yard last night and I cannot find him.  He is 5 and one half years old and not neutered.  His tag has my cell phone number and when he has gotten away previously I have been called within 1 to 2 hours.  I live in the city of Chicago and both of my sons and myself are devastated.  I have spent the day looking at our animal pound and posting flyers.  He is now gone for 24 hours.  What is the radius for posting flyers?1 mile or several?  How long can he live on the streets?  Can he find his way home?  The few times he has run away I have been called within the hour.   I know I hear stories of pets turning up after several months could this be true for beagles.  Please give me any advice that you can

Answer
I am very sorry to hear that your beagle got out. I would called the local paper this am and place a lost ad. They are free in most newspapers. I would also post flyers in miles radius (at least 5). If your boy followed a scent he could be miles away.
Dogs are resourceful and beagles are so adorable someone may have taken him in. It is possible that his tag or collar could have come off.
Be sure to post flyers at local pet stores (if someone finds a dog they would want to get pet food and supplies) also at vet offices, the SPCA and stores with pet supplies (wal-mart, target..).
Beagles are great scent dogs but, most follow a scent to the end and can't find their way back. But, I have heard of a dog being returned after a year. There is hope.
Janet, let me know if you find him. I'll try helping you on ways to keeping him from getting away again.
Most SPCA's have websites or phone recordings listing animals that they find. You can also search for him at home at any hour  

Fellow beagle lover,

Kenny