It’s always heartbreaking when a pet goes missing, but it’s important not to give up hope – sometimes pets come back months or even years later, when we least expect it.

A dog who had been missing for 7 years recently reunited with his owner.

Two dogs named Starsky and Hutch went missing seven years ago from their home in Fauquier County, according to a Facebook post from the Spotsylvania Animal Shelter.

It’s heartbreaking to lose two dogs at once, and we can’t imagine what the owner went through all those years ago – but she got some good news recently that she never expected.

Thankfully, shelter staff found a microchip that allowed them to identify the dog’s owner after finding it on the street in Spotsylvania.

When they called the owner, they discovered the dog had been missing for 7 years: it was Starsky, finally found.

Starsky was reunited with his owner via a photo shared by the shelter, who cried “many happy tears.” In the comments the shelter also shared a video of the heartwarming reunion.

Our shelter is delighted to have been able to play a small role in bringing his family together.

Sadly, Hutch remains missing, but the unexpected reappearance of Starsky shows that miracles happen, and the owner has “renewed hope that maybe one day Hutch will find his way back home as well.”

The Spotsylvania Animal Shelter also took the opportunity to remind people to get their pets microchipped, which makes remarkable reunions like this possible.

We’re so glad that Starsky is home after 7 years! We know his owner is thrilled to have him back and they will be making up for lost time. We hope that Hutch is also found someday.