Brittany Simpson and her family endured one of the worst fears any dog owner can face when their beloved dog, Ruger, disappeared from their yard.
They searched tirelessly, hoping that their microchipped pup would be found.
Unfortunately, seven years passed with no word, and the family assumed Ruger had been stolen. They had almost lost hope of ever seeing his sweet face again.
Little did they know, Ruger was about to find his way home.
Ruger Is Found
In June 2024, Rebecca and her daughters discovered a dog wandering in their yard in Amarillo, Texas.
The dog was in poor condition with a skin infection.
Although the pup was nervous and wary, Rebecca and her family coaxed him in. They fed him and gave him a bath.
Even after the bath, the dog continued to tremble, so Rebecca knew he needed veterinary care. She suspected he might have a fever.
A few hours later, Rebecca took a photo of the dog and posted it on Amarillo Pet Lost And Found, hoping his owners would recognize him.
That June day seemed ordinary for Simpson as she scrolled through Facebook when she saw a familiar face on her screen.
Simpson was stunned.
“I immediately saw him and my heart dropped! I was like, ‘That looks so much like my dog,’” Simpson told The Dodo.
Although the pup appeared older, Simpson recognized his distinctive markings.
Overcome with emotion, she commented on Rebecca’s post, saying she believed the dog was Ruger, missing for seven years, and shared an older photo of him as proof.
After seeing the photo, Rebecca was convinced it was the same dog. She took him to the vet for a checkup and microchip scan.
When Simpson received a call from the microchip agency, she rushed to the vet to reunite with her beloved dog.
The reunion felt almost unreal. Simpson never imagined she would see Ruger again.
Back Home With His Family
At the vet, Simpson gently approached Ruger and stroked him.
Ruger kept his head down and did not recognize her immediately.
Simpson suspected he had not been treated well while away. He had a double ear infection and a bacterial infection throughout his body.
She brought Ruger to his forever home in Amarillo, where his family welcomed him with open arms.
Simpson’s children were overjoyed to have their sweet pup back.
“It feels like we’re living a dream. We just sit and cuddle him and watch him sleep,” Simpson added.
Ruger’s family was determined to make up for the lost years and shower him with all the love he missed.
Soon after returning home, Ruger began healing and adapting to life with his adoring family. He started opening up and soaking in their affection.
Finally, Ruger is back where he truly belongs.