The 9-year-old Beagle-mix, Bosco, went missing from his home in Westerly, Rhode Island. He lost his way home after slipping out of his collar while wandering around the neighborhood.
Despite months of searching through missing posters and personal inquiries, Bill Ballato, a disabled veteran who lost his Bosco after being struck by a car in San Antonio, has not been found. Having to relocate to Lafayette, Colorado, Bill feared he wouldn’t see his dog again if he didn’t find him.
Bosco had lived in the streets for nearly two years and had become extremely skittish. Rhode Island residents recognized him from the missing posters nearly two years later.
It was locals who contacted Sheilah Graham, a Department of Homeland Security employee who frequently serves as a pet detective. Bill was informed and provided further details on Bosco. Shortly thereafter, she successfully caught Bosco with a trap containing all of his favorite foods!
Because Bill couldn’t travel, Sheilah offered to drive 2000 miles in 36 hours to bring Bosco back so they could reconnect. Since a seasoned dog like Bosco can’t travel on planes, Sheilah offered to drive 2000 miles in 36 hours to get him back. Over the course of her self-funded journey, Bosco was well cared for by the thoughtful lady, who drove through two snowstorms.
Nevertheless, when Bill’s senior dog finally rediscovered him after 764 days, he was stunned. He was worried he wouldn’t recognize him anymore. But when Bill had the courage to say “Dude,” Bosco knew he had returned home to his loving dad.
It was such a delight to see Bosco’s old toys and puppy brother again! Thank you Sheilah for making this reunion possible. We hope you enjoy watching them reunite in the video below.
