In 2016, Michael Joy experienced the nightmare that every dog owner does. His three beloved pets took off and vanished.
When two of the dogs came back, Sam, a Lab mix who was 4 months old, was still gone. Michael had looked through every single local shelter, but Sam was nowhere to be found.
Well, I told my wife I was going to find this puppy," Michael said. I kept checking the shelters' website in case he had shown up. I didn't stop.
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Eventually, Michael and his family moved to Kentucky, but he never lost hope that Sam was still alive. He went back to their old Georgia home often, hoping Sam may still be there.
Sam had been missing for nearly five years, and Michael had yet to find her.
Nevertheless, all of a sudden, Michael received a call from City Dogs Cleveland.
Sam is here, she says. In the back of my mind, I'm thinking, "This can't be the same Sam!" Michael said.
Folks, this is Ohio! Almost in Michigan is this!
"I ask you, can you describe him for me? When and where can I pick him up, I asked. He's a lighter-haired dog, she said after responding.
At the shelter, Sam had had a medical examination, and when they were scanning him, they found his microchip. After that, they were able to locate him near the Joys.
Nevertheless, all of a sudden, Michael received a call from City Dogs Cleveland.
Michael made the eight-hour trip to Ohio later that day in the hopes that Sam would still remember him. Michael and Sam had changed significantly during those years.
When we get to the top, you can just sense the excitement on my face as I watch for them to remove Sam. "I was like a kid at Christmas," said Michael.
Sam was as thrilled as Michael. He never stopped wagging his tail and bounced all over his father.
It's safe to suppose that Michael won't soon let Sam leave his sight again.
It's safe to suppose that Michael won't soon let Sam leave his sight again.
Please forward this message along to your friends!
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