Michael Joy experienced the nightmare that every dog owner dreads in 2016. His three beloved dogs ran off and disappeared.
Although two of the dogs returned, 4-month-old Lab mix Sam was still missing. Michael tirelessly searched every local shelter, but Sam was nowhere to be found.
"I'm going to find this puppy," Michael told his wife. He continued to check the shelters' websites in hopes of Sam's appearance. He never gave up on the search.
Despite relocating to Kentucky, Michael and his family never lost hope that Sam was still alive and well. Michael continued to visit their former house in Georgia, hoping that Sam might still be there.
After nearly five years of searching, Michael still couldn't find Sam.
Then, one day, Michael received an unexpected call from City Dogs Cleveland.
"We have Sam," the person on the other end said. Michael couldn't believe it. "I'm thinking, 'This can't be the same Sam!'" he exclaimed.
"Oh, it's in Ohio, not Michigan!" Michael exclaimed with excitement.
"Can you describe him for me?" Michael asked eagerly. "Where are you, and when can I pick him up?" he continued after the person on the phone mentioned that Sam was a lighter-haired dog.
Sam had received a medical examination at the shelter, and during the process, they scanned him and discovered his microchip. This allowed them to track him down to the Joys' family.
That same day, Michael received a call from City Dogs Cleveland.
Filled with hope and anticipation, Michael traveled eight hours to Ohio, hoping that Sam might still recognize him. Over the years, both Michael and Sam had undergone significant transformations.
As they approached the top, you could see the excitement on Michael's face. "I was like a kid at Christmas," he stated.
Sam shared in Michael's excitement, bouncing all over his dad and wagging his tail nonstop.
Get tissues ready for this one...Sam was dropped off by police who found him. Kennel staff scanned & found a #microchip then contacted the number on file. Turns out, Sam was missing for 4 YEARS, from Georgia! His owner drove 8hrs to get Sam in an emotional #reunion.☺️#happyending pic.twitter.com/kGtaeN4iX1
— City Dogs Cleveland (@CityDogsCLE) April 15, 2021
Michael won't be allowing Sam out of his sight again anytime soon, that's for sure.
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