Microchips have helped to reunite many canine and human species, but sadly, they weren’t always immediately tested. A Pit Bull named Harley has been missing for 8 years despite having the latest microchip. His family was devastated, but they never gave up hope that one day their beloved dog would return.
When someone finally found Harley, the poor dog was severely malnourished with overgrown fingernails. But despite everything the puppy has to endure, he remains as optimistic and loving life as he can be. His journey has a happy ending, so it’s a good reminder for families with lost pets to never give up hope.
Lost for 8 years
In February 2014, Betsy Dehaan let her dogs out to work from her home in Florida. When she looked away for a while, they ran into the nearby woods, and after following them, Harley was gone. Harley was only a few years old at the time, and Dehaan hoped someone would find the puppy and scan its microchip.
“We searched and posted posters of missing pets. We are constantly looking,” said Dehaan.
But sadly, years passed without a trace. Harley has been gone for eight years, but his family has never forgotten him. One morning, Dehaan is reminiscing about Harley and talking about his good dog, but then she gets an unusual phone call.
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Someone texted Dehaan to tell her they found her lost dog and that he was at home. Lee County Family Animal Service. At first, Dehaan thought it was a joke.
“I was like, ‘is this a scam?’ Because we talked about him that morning,” Dehaan said. “I got the message, and you know how you think Google always chooses your ads? I was like, ‘this is a scam. This is unrealistic.'”
An unbelievable surprise
But it’s not a trick. The dog at the Florida shelter is actually Harley. Angie Bray found the puppy severely malnourished and brought him to the Cypress Lake Animal Hospital. When someone scans Harley’s chip, they have Dehaan’s number.
“It made me cry,” Bray said.
Dehann has moved from Florida to Missouri since Harley went missing, but she hasn’t let that stop her. She had driven more than 1,000 miles to pick him up, and before she even saw him, she was sobbing.
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When an employee took Harley out by his mother, his tail wagged like crazy and he gave her lots of kisses. He’s a lot older than Dehaan last saw him, but he still has a lot of love for him.
This story is a good reminder that dog parents should their pet microchip. It can help bring them home no matter how long they’ve been gone. Make sure your dog’s tag and microchip are always up to date with your current contact information.
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