Family’s Tearful Surprise at the Shelter Will Break Your Heart

Published: September 8, 2024

Family's Tearful Surprise at the Shelter Will Break Your Heart

Josh
Editor

Ruth and her daughters will always remember the day their beloved dog, Dante, vanished. During a walk, Dante slipped his leash and chased after other dogs, disappearing from sight and leaving their hearts shattered. He was not just a pet but a cherished family member, and his loss was unbearable.

Trying To Move on

The family had adopted Dante during a challenging time in 2017 when Ruth’s eldest daughter was diagnosed with lymphoma. The puppy brought immense joy and support to the family until that fateful day on July 26th, 2022, when Dante went missing. Their lives felt empty without him.

Despite their efforts, they couldn’t find him, and the heartbreak led them to move to another town in Virginia, 20 miles away. The hope of finding Dante never left their minds, but they knew they had to try to move forward.

Family's Tearful Surprise at the Shelter Will Break Your Heart-1
Source: Fairfax County Animal Shelter via PEOPLE

Dante Ends Up In A Shelter

In August 2022, a kind soul found a sweet dog in Burke, Virginia, and brought him to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. The shelter staff quickly fell in love with the adorable pup, but he had no collar or microchip, and no lost dog reports matched him.

Named “Soldier” by the staff, the dog met several potential adopters but seemed uninterested. He was waiting for his true family, a fact the shelter staff would later understand.

Family's Tearful Surprise at the Shelter Will Break Your Heart-1
Source: Fairfax County Animal Shelter via PEOPLE

An Emotional Reunion With Dante

In October 2022, Ruth, her daughters, and her grandson visited the shelter to adopt a dog. Browsing through the kennels, they felt no connection until a familiar face caught Kayla’s eye. She recognized Dante in a photograph and insisted it was him despite the name “Soldier.”

Ruth asked the staff to see the dog, and the moment Dante saw his family, he wiggled with happiness. The reunion was filled with tears and joy as Dante’s family embraced him. He had never stopped believing they would find him.

Family's Tearful Surprise at the Shelter Will Break Your Heart-1
Source: Fairfax County Animal Shelter

The Importance of Microchipping

Ruth shared pictures of Dante as a puppy with the shelter staff and thanked them for their care. The next day, Dante went home, ending their ordeal and filling their hearts with joy. The beautiful pup was ecstatic to be back with his family.

This heartwarming story underscores the importance of microchipping pets. If Dante had a microchip, he would have been reunited with his family much sooner, sparing them months of worry and sadness.

Comments

  • Such a beautiful reunion! Remember to microchip your pets, folks. It makes all the difference.

  • Katherine

    Ugh, why did they move 20 miles away? That seems like giving up too soon.

  • TristanNebulae

    Wow, that’s such a touching story. I’m crying at work now! 😢 Thank you for sharing.

  • Why wasn’t Dante microchipped from the start? It’s such an essential step for pet safety!

  • Mackenzie

    What an emotional rollercoaster! So glad Dante found his way back to his family. 🐾❤️

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