How about some happy news? Stolen dog returned to family

[Platapus]

https://www.wlwt.com/article/ohio-do...asion/35054288


Ohio dog reunited with owner 8 years after being stolen during home invasion


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WINSBURG, Ohio — A family got an extra special Christmas present this year after being reunited with their dog who was taken from them during a home invasion 8 years ago.


Junior and his owner, Julia, were inseparable, sharing a special connection she said she never forgot.



Over the years following the home invasion, Julia would search Craigslist and lost-and-found pet groups online in hopes she would find Junior.
Junior later arrived at the Humane Society of Summit County, where he would spend two and a half years on and off.


Junior, who was known at the shelter as "Buddy," arrived after being surrendered to humane society officers.


He would soon become one of the shelter staff and volunteers' favorites.
Buddy was adopted three times over the years, but none the families were the right fit and he was returned, shelter officials said.
The shelter said they knew there was a family out there for him. But little did they know, his family had never given up on their search to find him.


Julia later found Junior's picture on the HSSC website in mid-December and called right away.


The staff then compared photos and determined they might be a match. Julia described Junior's personality, which matched the shelter dog’s quirks even after so many year shelter officials said.


Julia came to the shelter that day, hoping to reunite with her long-lost pet. When they finally reunited, Junior was distracted at first, but instantly connected with his long-lost owner, licking her face and obeying her commands. Julia even tried some of the hand signal commands she had taught Junior years ago and he obeyed them perfectly.
Julia brought her family to meet Junior the next day, and they took him home that night.


Junior is finally back with his forever family, in a home where he fits in perfectly.


“I keep asking my husband to pinch me because I can’t believe this is real. I can’t believe Junior is home. He carried me through challenges of my life and to have him back means everything to me," Julia said.

A very merry Christmas for this dog and his family.