When a dog goes missing, it’s always upsetting. You look for them everywhere, but eventually, you give up hope.
However, miracles do occur from time to time, and pets are discovered weeks, months, or even years later.
That was the case recently when a dog took four years ago unexpectedly returned home, surprising her long-concerned owner.
According to the BBC, Shona Macleod of Carlisle, England, was saddened when her French bulldog Roxie was kidnapped from her home in March 2017. Roxie was only 18 weeks old at the time.
She was microchipped but was not wearing a collar when she was apprehended. Shona was keen to have her puppy back and offered £500, but the dog was nowhere to be found.
Shona and her family eventually moved on, understanding that Roxie was gone forever. Shona had two additional children and recently adopted Bear, a French bulldog. Then, last month, she got some shocking news.
A French bulldog was discovered wandering around a park last month, and a stray dog team tested her microchip, which revealed Shona as the owner.
Roxie was found after being missing for four and a half years. “I burst into tears when I realized it was Roxie,” Shona told the BBC.
Shona claimed it felt “like if she’d never been away” when she reunited with her long-lost puppy after such a long time apart. While Roxie was filthy and had fleas, she appeared to be in good health and had not been mistreated.
Roxie, she adds, is adjusting well to the new family dynamic and is getting along well with her new dog Bear.
It’s a touching reunion — and a reminder to get your dogs microchipped. It’s a safe, low-cost program that can help you reunite with your lost pets, even if they’ve been separated for years.
It’s especially crucial for owners of expensive breed dogs, such as French bulldogs, who have been a popular target for dognappers.
We’re overjoyed Roxie has returned home after so many years abroad. We hope she’s making up for lost time with her joyful family!
