The connection between a dog and his human is often unbreakable.
A young married couple serving in the U.S. Army discovered just how deep that bond could be. They grew so devoted to their puppy that life without him seemed unimaginable.
But just before his first birthday, something happened that scarred their hearts.
Family Member Caused Heartbreak
Jodie was the emotional support dog of Gregory and Victoria Hudler from Morristown, New Jersey. They cherished him dearly, treating him as precious as a drop of water in their hand.
When Jodie turned one, they had just welcomed their first child. Unable to care for both at once, they temporarily entrusted him to a family member.
But when they later tried to bring him home, their calls went unanswered. Eventually, the family member admitted to selling Jodie. The Hudlers were devastated.
“At that point, with it being a family member, it was a little bit difficult,” said Gregory Hudler for News12 New Jersey. “We decided on not contacting the authorities and causing a giant mess with the family.”
Despite desperate efforts to track him down, every attempt failed. What followed were nearly two years of anguish, as their hope of ever seeing their beloved dog again faded with each passing day.
A Miracle Reunion After All Hope Was Los
More than a year and a half passed without Jodie. The Hudlers had almost given up believing they would ever see him again.
Then came a call that changed everything. A shelter in Tennessee informed them Jodie had been found.
No one knows how she ended up there, but thanks to her microchip, the Hudlers were identified as her family.
The challenge was figuring out how to bring Jodie home to Morristown. That is when Wings of Rescue and Animal Lifeline stepped in.
“Tomorrow Wings of Rescue will make a special stop in Knoxville, Tennessee to pick him up, and join our 130 dog transport from Mississippi, so he can be reunited with this super excited couple! We”ll be singing Reunited and It Feels So Good across the east coast! Let The Fur Fly!!!” Wings of Rescue posted on their official Facebook page.
Reunited and it feels so good!