When Debi Petranck’s beloved dog, Zeus, went missing in August 2014, she did what any loving pawrent would do. She searched her Ocala, Florida neighborhood, placed ads in local papers, and followed up on every lead, but it was as if Zeus had simply vanished. Nearly two years passed before Debi received a surprising phone call from the Dearborn Animal Shelter – in Detroit, Michigan!
A black and white stray pup had turned up at the shelter, and the staff, following their usual protocol, scanned him for a microchip. Elaine Green is the Executive Director of the Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter. She told CBS News that Debi was “ecstatic” when she received the unexpected phone call that her boy was safe and sound. She hopped in the car and made the more than 1,000 mile drive to Dearborn, MI. Local businesses and several anonymous donors helped fund Debi’s voyage.
Debi worried that Zeus may not remember her after so much time. She waited nervously as shelter staff went to the back to retrieve him. A short video captured their emotional reunion, and leaves no doubt that Zeus kept his mama in his heart and mind during their 2 years apart.
My main worry, I didn’t know if Zeus would know me or not, but he walked in and knew…he recognized me from right off. Everything’s just the way we left it; we’ve just picked right up where we were.”
As it turns out, Zeus had been picked up after escaping from Debi’s home by a man who mistook him for a stray. The gentleman then relocated to Michigan, taking Zeus with him. He apparently did not take Zeus to a shelter or veterinary clinic to be checked for a chip. Zeus must be quite the escape artist, because he was picked up in Detroit after running away again, and taken to the Dearborn Animal Shelter where his microchip was finally scanned.
Debi is just happy to know that her sweet dog is safe, and she is looking forward to bringing him home. The story is also a big win for Elaine Greene and the Friends For The Dearborn Animal Shelter who have seen many such tales with far more tragic endings.
This is one of those rewarding occasions that a joyful reunion results from a stray dog being brought into our care, it’s what we always hope for them.
For more information on microchipping consult with your veterinarian.
H/T to Fox10 Phoenix/Facebook and detroit.cbslocal.com
Featured Image via detroit.cbslocal.com & Fox2Detroit
