A small dog named Choco made it home just in time for Christmas. He returned to a family that had grown while he was gone, but never stopped missing him.
Gone for Five Years, Never Forgotten
Choco disappeared in 2022 from his home in Antelope, California. His owner, Patricia, searched with help from neighbors and looked as far as she could. Despite the effort, Choco was nowhere to be found.
Still, Patricia never gave up hope that one day he might come back.
Found in Detroit by a Microchip
In November, Choco was found chained to a fence in Detroit, more than 2,000 miles from home. No one knows how he got there.
When he was taken to the Lincoln Park Animal Shelter, staff scanned his microchip. The chip showed he was registered to a family in California.
A Rescue Group Steps In
Helping Paws and Claws, a volunteer animal rescue charity, took responsibility for reuniting Choco with his family. The group quickly reached out to Patricia and arranged air travel to bring Choco home.
Shelter staff were surprised to find a California address linked to a dog in Michigan, but the rescue group did not hesitate to help.
A Shocking Phone Call
Patricia said she was stunned when she heard the message left on her answering machine.
“Shocked,” she said. “I called the number, ‘You’re talking about Lincoln, California, right? No, Lincoln, Michigan.’”
Help From a Kind Stranger
The story took another warm turn when a stranger named Pamela donated her SkyMiles. The miles allowed Penny, a volunteer with Helping Paws and Claws, to fly Choco back to California.
Home at Last
After five years away, Choco returned to his family. During that time, the household had grown, but there was still room for him.
His spot on the couch was waiting. The reunion was filled with tears and laughter.
A Message for Other Pet Owners
Patricia hopes others learn from Choco’s story.
“Microchip your dogs,” she said. “With the holidays and the extreme cold, a story like mine can be your story next.”
Choco’s long journey ended where it began, at home with the people who never stopped hoping he would return.
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