Despite the critical role microchips play in reuniting lost pets with their families, they are often not checked promptly. Harley the Pit Bull, despite being microchipped, was lost for eight long years. His family, although heartbroken, never gave up hope that their loyal companion would one day return. When Harley was finally found, he was in dire shape, suffering from severe malnutrition and overgrown nails. However, his spirit remained undiminished, and he was as affectionate and joyful as ever. Harley’s story serves as a powerful reminder to pet owners never to lose hope when a beloved pet goes missing.
In February 2014, Betsy Dehaan let her dogs out at her Florida home. As she momentarily looked away, her dogs ran into the nearby woods, and when she turned back, Harley was gone. Dehaan hoped someone would find him and check his microchip. “We searched everywhere and put up lost pet flyers, never giving up,” Dehaan said.
Despite extensive efforts, no sightings of Harley were reported for years. Even after eight years, Dehaan and her family never stopped yearning for their missing dog. One day, while reminiscing about Harley, Dehaan received an unexpected phone call. She was informed that her dog had been found and was at Lee County Domestic Animal Services. Initially, she thought it was a scam.
But it wasn’t a hoax. Harley was indeed at the Florida animal shelter. Found emaciated, he was taken to Cypress Lake Animal Hospital by Angie Bray, who scanned his microchip and discovered Dehaan’s contact information.
“I started to cry,” Bray recalled. “The thought of being separated from my pets and not being able to find them is heartbreaking.”
Although Dehaan had moved from Florida to Missouri since Harley’s disappearance, she didn’t let that stop her. She traveled over a thousand miles to retrieve him and began crying even before she saw him.
When Harley was brought outside to reunite with Dehaan, his tail wagged enthusiastically, and he showered her with kisses. Though he was older than the last time she saw him, his capacity for love remained as strong as ever.
Harley’s story is a poignant reminder of the importance of microchipping pets and keeping their identification information up to date. It shows that even after years apart, microchips can help bring pets back home.
