Family bursts into tears after being reunited with lost dog after 12 years

05 September 2023 , 09:04

923     0

Minion is finally back home with his owners (Image: Maricopa County Animal Care & Control/Facebook)

A family's 12-year heartache has come to an end after being reunited with their missing dog. Minion, aged 15, was reported missing in 2011 after a maintenance man accidentally left the back gate open when carrying out work on their home.

It is thought the poor pooch spent all 12 years wandering the streets of Maricopa County, Arizona, in search of his home - but couldn't find it on his own. But finally, the senior dog was spotted by a field officer from Maricopa County Animal Care and Control - and taken to their centre for a check-up.

Taking to Facebook, an animal rescue worker said: "Our field officer picked up a senior dog who appeared a little shy and kind of sad, he never wagged his tail. Sure enough, our officer was able to find a microchip and called the number on file. She learned this little pooch's name is Minion and he had been missing for 12 years!

"Minion's owner couldn't believe it - he said the maintenance man left the back gate open back in 2011, and they never saw Minion again." The field officer drove Minion back home, wondering whether the pooch would recognise her owners after all those years.

"She explained to his owner before opening the kennel that Minion is old now and is not really a fast mover," they added. "However, once she opened up the kennel, Minion saw his family and instantly started wagging his tail and was clearly excited to be reunited with his family.

Furious chimp launches bottle at girl filming him leaving her bleeding at zoo

"They brought Minion inside and he was nearly running around with his tail wagging around the other dogs - he was home at last. We're so glad Minion is back home. This reunion wouldn't have been possible without a microchip! Make sure your pets are chipped and keep your contact information up to date."

Delighted to have Minion back home, the owner said: "Thank you field officer Sanford! You really went the extra mile for us in bringing Minion directly to our house. My kids are 20, 22, and 24 now. You definitely want to get your pet chipped!"

Commenting on the post, one user said: "I’m not crying you’re crying! Wonderful story. Times like this really make me wish dogs could talk so they can tell their stories!" Another user added: "I am terribly sad and happy at the same time! Poor baby to have lost his family for most of his life. Yes chip your dogs!" A third user said: "This just proves how important and successful microchips can be as long as phone numbers are current!"

Paige Freshwater