When a Michigan couple’s beloved dog, who had been lost for four months, was located and returned to them, they believed they had experienced a miracle.
When Jinks, a 3-year-old Australian shepherd, went missing while on a camping vacation with his owners, Don and Kim Carpus, at Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground in July, the Carpus family was devastated.
During their three-week hunt for Jinks, the couple went to great lengths, including staying at a campsite in Northern Michigan for three weeks in the hopes of finding him.
Eventually, she returned to her hometown of Milan, Michigan, but she didn’t stop posting missing dog advertisements on Facebook and looking for her lovely puppy. The concerned parents tried everything they could think of, including radio advertisements and brochures, but to no effect.
A couple in Charlevoix, Michigan, discovered Jinks hiding beneath their RV, more than 70 miles distant from where he had gone lost. It was the first time anybody had seen him since he went missing.
The tags on Jinks’ collar were seen by his pastors, Randy and Susan Hitts, who promptly called the number. “The dog had probably traveled hundreds of miles through the forest before ending up beneath my RV,” Randy said to Petoskey News in an interview. “He was very fortunate to still be alive.”
Jinks was on the lookout for his parents in the same way that they were on the lookout for him. “It’s amazing how much our RV resembles the people who live in it.” As Susan pointed out, “I can see why he could have assumed it was the same one.”
As you might guess, Jinks’ family was overjoyed when they got the phone call informing them that their son had survived and was well. He looked to be in excellent condition, save from the fact that he had lost weight and was covered in burrs.
Jinks’ green color with ID tags managed to remain on throughout his adventure across the forest, which resulted in a pleasant reunion with his family and friends.
“He seems healthy, but he is definitely ready for the groomer due to burs and hair matting,” Susan said on Facebook after meeting his parents halfway. That is, in my opinion, rather remarkable. “Today, I had the privilege of seeing a miracle!”
She tweeted a video of Jinks embracing his parents after months of being separated, and the video has gone viral throughout the globe. A strong embrace from the affectionate pooch was received by his mother, who expressed her gratitude with tears in her eyes, saying, “I missed those hugs.”
Jinks is delighted to be back at home, where he can spend time with his canine sister, Skye. A warm bath was given to him, and he has not let go of his “baby.”
Despite all odds, this wonderful tale demonstrates that you should never give up. See for yourself the incredible reunion in the video below, and don’t forget to share it!