At Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) in Texas, staff arrived one morning to find two dogs—an English bulldog and a Chihuahua—tied to their gate. They were left with coats, a blanket, and a few toys. No note. No explanation. Just two dogs abandoned in the night.
This kind of thing, unfortunately, isn’t uncommon. But what happened next? That’s where the story takes a turn.
The staff scanned the bulldog for a microchip—a routine procedure. To their surprise, he had not one, but two microchips. One of them led them to a family in California who had reported their beloved dog, Rome, missing four years earlier.
Back in January 2021, during a stormy day, Rome had been let out into his fenced yard. A gust of wind blew the gate open, and Rome disappeared. His family searched tirelessly, putting up flyers and knocking on doors, but Rome was gone. As the years passed, hope dwindled.
Then came the call from APA!. Rome had been found—alive and well, albeit thousands of miles away. His family was stunned. They immediately made plans to drive to Texas for a reunion they never thought possible.
When Rome was brought out to meet them, any doubts about recognition vanished. He walked straight up to his dad, tail wagging, body wiggling with joy. His mom burst into tears, overwhelmed by the moment. Despite the years apart, the bond remained unbroken.
This heartwarming reunion underscores the importance of microchipping pets. Without that tiny piece of technology, Rome’s story might have had a very different ending.
Rome’s journey from a stormy night in California to a shelter gate in Texas is a testament to resilience, love, and the incredible work of animal rescue organizations.