In April 2016, a stray was brought in to the Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit/Dearborn Animal Shelter. He had been found wandering in a bar parking lot not too far from the shelter. Per protocol, he was scanned for a microchip and one was found! A great start indeed.
The good news:
- the dog had a chip
- it was recognized by their scanner
- it was registered
- valid contact info existed
- the owner of the dog lived … in FLORIDA!?!
Executive Director Elaine Greene shares that what happened next.
The back story of this stray who turned up in Detroit is one of a pug nosed terrier mix named Zeus. He went missing from his home in Ocala, Florida when he wandered off from his front yard. His mom, Debi Petranck was distraught and searched far and wide, including repeatedly running ads in a local paper. Some “false” potential reports were garnered, but still no Zeus.
Then 20 months after he went missing, mom received a phone call from the Dearborn Animal Shelter in MICHIGAN! Seems Zeus had somehow wandered off it appeared and was picked up by someone who brought him in as a stray. He was scanned for a microchip and while it came up and contact info was obtained and Director Elaine Green made the call! As one might imagine, the owner was in total disbelief.
After the shock wore off, the reality of HOW to get reunited became the challenge.
Despite the many months and many miles, Petranck wanted to be reunited as soon as she could and was ready to hop in a car and drive the approximate 1100 miles north. However she didn’t have the transportation to do so, which is where Greene worked her magic of contacts to make it happen!
COMPASSION AND OUTREACH KICKS IN
When Greene learned about the barrier that existed in reuniting Petranck with her beloved Zeus she sprang into action. It didn’t take long for her networking to put the pieces together! She was able to receive support from Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Red Roof Inn to make the car rental and overnight stay available, and successfully garnered donations to help offset the hard costs to get Petranck on her long trek north.
Executive Director Elaine Green poses with Zeus. Photos courtesy Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit/Dearborn Animal Shelter
Greene speaks to the importance of microchips.
Zeus AKA “the wanderer”
Greene’s efforts were clearly worth it when Zeus went “ballistic” when he saw his mom after 20 months! View the WDIV-TV coverage of the full story about Petranck’s reunion with Zeus and the happy reunion.
Video provided courtesy WDIV-TV
Zeus is happily back home in Florida and hopefully his wandering days are over!
Remember to microchip, register, and keep your contact info updated!
Even if your pet has gone missing and it’s been some time, you might one day get that miracle call!
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Monday Microchip Miracles blog
click here to read other happy reunion tales!
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