Misplacing your dog is a dreadful experience. If we analyze the figures in the United States, an estimated 10 million dogs go missing each year, with approximately 65% of them never returning to their homes.[1]
This is the reason why it’s profoundly distressing for numerous pet guardians if their pooch goes astray. They not only have to confront the harsh reality of such an occurrence, but the likelihood of locating their pet diminishes with each passing day.
In this narrative, we will discuss a canine who was lost for two years before ultimately finding his way back home.
2 Extended Years Apart
During one of her coffee errands, Jasmine Noffsinger and her sibling stumbled upon an extremely underfed dog roaming the streets. His ribs and spine were evident, indicating severe undernourishment.
They halted in a parking area and attempted to grab his attention by calling out to him. Noffsinger remarked to the Dodo: I exited the vehicle, and he dashed towards me at full speed, wagging his entire body. It was the most adorable sight ever.
To their astonishment, the dog had no hesitation in mingling with complete strangers and leaped into their vehicle almost instantly.
The two sisters subsequently brought him to a veterinarian to check if the dog possessed a microchip. The veterinarian confirmed that he indeed had one, yet they were unable to locate any details regarding the owner.
Fortunately, the microchip firm retained all of his information, and they informed them that the pittie was named Hamm, and his true home was in Dade City, Florida.
A Fateful Reunion
The company proceeded by contacting Patricia Dewit’s spouse to notify them that the canine was located. Noffsinger reassured her that the dog was safe.
She stated: When I informed her that I had Hamm, she began to sob uncontrollably and was in disbelief that I had him.
She then explained that he had been missing since February 2021, and when I inquired about her location, she mentioned Dade City, which is 450 miles away from me in Pensacola.
Noffsinger was informed that the dog had gone missing a considerable time ago and that the family had exerted every effort to locate him, but to no avail.
The two women had agreed to meet in Tallahassee. Upon recognizing his mother, Hamm dashed towards her vehicle. The two were eventually reunited in a touching moment.
Dewit expressed her gratitude to Noffsinger for her kindness, and she has kept her updated on Hamm’s progress even to this day.
A significant lesson derived from this entire tale is the importance of microchipping your dogs, allowing you to locate them if they ever go missing.
It’s indeed a tragic event when it occurs, thus being responsible for your dog is crucial.
References:
[1] Adobe Animal Hospital of Soquel (2017, October). Pet Microchip vs GPS. American Humane Association.