Just when you think you’ve seen it all, a determined pup comes along and surprises everyone.
This time, the spotlight was on Boey!
This adventurous dog vanished from his home in Zolfo Springs, Florida. What no one expected was that he would turn up more than 50 miles away in Bradenton, Florida, at a place no one would have guessed: a Girl Scout campground.
A Weekend At Camp
Boey quickly made himself known at the camp. He spent the weekend lying outside the girls’ cabins, often sleeping in the rain while waiting for someone to spend time with him.
People were puzzled. He had no collar but behaved exactly like a friendly family pet.
Eventually, the campers and leaders realized he needed help and arranged for him to be taken to a veterinarian for a checkup.
With the assistance of kind-hearted rescuer Patty Giarrusso, president of Lost Pet Services, Boey was soon transferred to Manatee County Animal Welfare.
At the shelter, he was well cared for and began making new friends among the staff. What no one knew then was that Boey’s story was far more complicated than it first appeared.
He was not just another stray wandering the streets, nor was he a dog abandoned by his family.
So how did this lost boy make it all the way to a Girl Scout camp? That question would soon be answered.
The Truth Comes Out
Joan Pfender, a volunteer at the shelter, noticed Boey’s photo posted in a local lost pet group. At first, he wasn’t sure if it was the same dog, but he decided to investigate.
After scanning Boey for a microchip, the truth was revealed.
This pup was not a stray at all. He belonged to a family, and he had been missing for weeks. Once contacted, Boey’s dad wasted no time and came straight to the shelter to be reunited with his dog.
The reunion was emotional and joyful. Boey immediately recognized his owner, and it was clear the bond between them had never faded.
No one can say for certain how he managed to travel so far from home, but the important thing is that he was finally safe and back where he belonged.
“Great news! Flapjack, also known as Boey, was reunited with his Dad after being missing since December in Zolfo Springs! Huge thanks to Lost Pet Services, Inc. for spotting Boey on a Desoto lost pet group and helping connect him with his owner. Your dedication is incredible,” MCAW wrote on Facebook.
“This serves as a reminder to never assume a dog was abandoned and to never give up hope in reuniting lost pets with their owners,” the Lost Pet Services team added.
What could have turned into a sad story became a heartwarming memory for both Boey and his family. His unexpected stay at the Girl Scout camp ended up being the adventure of a lifetime.
Hopefully, his next adventure will be a little safer and much closer to home.