I am also a newbie, having only started geocaching last month. Taking this new hobby seriously, I did my research/homework on everything involved - including reading the latest edition of The Idiot's Guide to Geocaching. Recently, I came across TB dog tags (only) in a local cache and looked up it's story. Found out it should have had a Ty plush squirrel attached. Went back to the cache the next day to search the container for Nutty, but no luck. Another interesting note, the TB was still listed in a cache inventory about 50 miles away. I then sent a message to the owners explaining what I found and what they would like me to do next. Unfortunately, after waiting 3 weeks, I never received a reply. Feeling responsible, I bought a new Ty Nutty from Ebay, printed out the TB's info sheet and dropped it off to continue on it's way. Don't know if it was right, but I feel better. Thinking this experience was an isolated incident, I was excited to start my own TB, but after reading about so many TBs gone missing (how sad), I'm now reluctant to do so. Guess I'll try it anyway, but won't expect much.