As every dog owner fears, Michael Joy experienced the nightmare of losing three beloved dogs in 2016.
Despite Michael searching every local shelter for Sam, a 4-month-old Lab mix, he was still missing.” I continued to check the shelter’s website just in case he appeared. I never stopped searching for him. Hey, I’m going to find this puppy, I told my wife, Michael replied.”
In spite of moving to Kentucky, Michael never lost hope of finding Sam. He often returned to their former Georgia home in the hopes that Sam was still alive.
Sam had not been found by Michael after nearly five years. Suddenly, City Dogs Cleveland called Michael one day.
“We have Sam,” they said. In my mind, I am thinking, “This can’t be Sam!” Michael spoke. It’s Ohio, folks! This is practically in Michigan.
As Sam was getting examined at the shelter, his microchip was discovered during the scanning process. This allowed the Joys to locate him.
But suddenly, one day, Michael got a call from City Dogs Cleveland.
Michael and Sam had undergone significant transformations over those years, and Michael hoped Sam would still recognize him when he arrived in Ohio eight hours later.
Michael comments, “I was like a kid at Christmas as we wait for them to pull Sam out.”. I can just see my excitement in my face as we wait for them to pull Sam out. A non-stop wagging of his tail was all Sam could do as he bounced all over his dad and shared Michael’s excitement. My question was, “What kind of dog is he? Where are you and when can I get him?” after she replied, “He has lighter hair.”
Get tissues ready for this one…Sam was dropped off by police who found him. Kennel staff scanned & found a #microchip then contacted the number on file. Turns out, Sam was missing for 4 YEARS, from Georgia! His owner drove 8hrs to get Sam in an emotional #reunion.☺️#happyending pic.twitter.com/kGtaeN4iX1
— City Dogs Cleveland (@CityDogsCLE) April 15, 2021
There is no doubt in my mind that Michael won’t let Sam out of his sight ever again!
