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- Man reunited with his dog 8 years after getting lost (newsbreak.com)
Local Man Reunited with Beloved Dog After Eight Long Years
A local man has experienced an unbelievable reunion with his dog, Damian, eight years after he went missing. Paul Guilbeault describes the experience as “a big dream.”
In 2017, Guilbeault was moving from Massachusetts to Arizona. During a stop in Oklahoma, Damian slipped his leash and ran away.
Guilbeault, his father, and a friend searched tirelessly, even after a frightening encounter with a mountain lion. They remained in Oklahoma for another week, but Damian was nowhere to be found.
Guilbeault never gave up hope. For years, he distributed missing posters, sharing Damian’s picture online and across the country.
Though the search waned over time, the pain of Damian’s loss never faded. Guilbeault even feared the worst, believing Damian might have become prey for the mountain lion.
Earlier this month, Guilbeault received a life-changing call. While driving to California with his husband, an unknown number called twice before sending a text to his Apple Watch. The message read, “Your dog, Damian, has been found.”
Initially in disbelief, Guilbeault had his husband return the call, confirming the incredible news. A woman in Oklahoma City had almost hit Damian with her car.
She then took him to her brother, who cared for him for two weeks before bringing him to a vet. The vet scanned Damian’s microchip, leading them to Guilbeault.
Without hesitation, Guilbeault and his husband turned their car around and drove 14 hours back to Oklahoma. Although older and a bit scruffy, Damian was clearly the same dog, tail wagging excitedly upon seeing his owner. Guilbeault remains unaware of Damian’s whereabouts during those eight years.
The reunion has been filled with joy. Damian spent the drive back to Arizona curled up happily in Guilbeault’s husband’s lap. Now, they are making up for lost time with daily park visits, although Damian seems most content simply sitting in his owner’s lap.
Guilbeault credits the microchip for Damian’s return and urges all pet owners to microchip their animals. He emphasizes the importance of this simple procedure for the safe return of beloved pets.
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- Man reunited with his dog 8 years after getting lost (newsbreak.com)