A lift type tailgate on a passenger van type vehicle body is operated by an electric motor powered actuator with an electronic control circuit utilizing a microprocessor operating under program control to respond to user-initiated opening and closing signals to move the tailgate in the selected direction. The device includes a plurality of microphones for measuring an acoustic input signal from an acoustic source. The electronic device and method enable animal owners to quickly find their animals that might not otherwise respond to verbal commands. The user is further provided with the capability to send messages containing content obtained from external sources, and to send those messages periodically to at least one distribution list, where the content of the messages is automatically updated prior to sending the periodic message. A second sensor is connected to the second end of the bracket for engagement with a second side of the brake rotor.