A charming 5-year-old Corgi-Border Collie mix found his way back to his owner on Wednesday, concluding a remarkable journey of three months and nearly 2,000 miles.
The pup, Opie, bolted from his home in Babcock, California during a thunderstorm in July. His owner, Ciara Babcock, mentioned to FOX Weather that Opie usually gets a bit grumpy during storms, always seeking refuge until the weather calms down.
“But this time, he just took off,” she recalled.
Babcock started searching for her furry friend after learning he had been spotted at a local gas station before being taken away. She devoted weeks to posting on social media, joining groups aimed at finding missing pets in California and nearby areas.
“(Beaver) is a popular stop for travelers passing through Oregon and Nevada,” she said regarding the lost pet database, Paw Boost. “There’s a good chance, but he seemed lost, and I hope someone picks him up.”
She hoped that anyone who found Opie would take him to a shelter or police station so they could scan his microchip.
As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, Babcock’s hope of finding Opie began to fade.
“I always felt he was out there, but I just wanted him to be loved, to get the care he deserves and to live well wherever he is,” she shared.
Then, earlier this month, after more than 90 days, a microchip company named Home Again informed Babcock that her dog’s chip had been scanned at the Itasca Police Department in northern Illinois, far from where he went missing.
Initially, she doubted the notification seemed so far-fetched, but after following up with the police dispatch, she learned they indeed had Opie.
Authorities reported that he was found outside wearing a collar and harness, but with a tag bearing a different name, thus being classified as a stray.
“He was in good health,” said Laura Flamion from DuPage County Animal Services, who coordinated with the police to reunite them. “He hasn’t been neglected. He looked plump and clean.”
Babcock immediately booked a flight from California to Illinois to bring her beloved dog home.
“As soon as he spotted me, he dashed over, jumping around and making the cutest sounds,” Babcock said, tearfully recalling the moment. “I just couldn’t help but cry happy tears.”
DuPage County Animal Services shared this emotional reunion on Facebook, noting, “We’ll never know how Opie ended up so far away, but the microchip definitely worked.”
“No matter the distance our furry companions travel, it’s these types of reunions that remain possible,” they concluded, featuring a photo of Opie and Babcock together again.
On their road trip back to California, Babcock reflected on the beauty of the journey, enjoying the scenic views with Opie at her side.
“God really is good and answered my prayers,” she said, filled with gratitude.
