Sometimes, behind the most tragic abandonment cases lies a hidden glimmer of hope, and Rome serves as a living example!
This Bulldog was found tied to a shelter’s gate alongside a tiny Chihuahua, with only his coat, a blanket, and a few toys. It was a devastating yet common sight in Austin, Texas, and the rescuers admitted the pups as soon as possible.
What they didn’t know at the time was that Rome’s story was far from ordinary. Quite the contrary – his real identity shocked absolutely everyone at the shelter.
Owners’ Response That Shocked Everyone
Rome was a sweet, gentle pup right off the bat. Although it wasn’t clear why he was abandoned in the first place, the rescuers from Austin Pets Alive!, Texas, didn’t waste time and they immediately took him in.
Upon their standard checkup, they scanned Rome for a microchip, hoping to reach his family and find out more about his story. Then came a real shocker!
As it turned out, Rome wasn’t abandoned by his original family. He went missing from his yard in Perris, California, after going out for a potty in 2021 and never returning.
How he ended up in Texas, a thousand miles away from his home, remains a mystery.
“Rome was found tied to a gate at @austinpetsalive over 1,000 miles away with no ID, alongside a small chihuahua. Thanks to his microchip, we traced him back to his original family,” the Texas rescue wrote in an Instagram video.
When the family heard that their sweet little pup was found, they couldn’t believe it. It was a real shock, especially since they hadn’t had any information about Rome for years.
Before parting ways with Rome for good, they posted fliers, checked the neighborhood, contacted shelters, and posted pleas on social media, but to no avail. Eventually, they made peace with never seeing him again until the phone rang. It was a true miracle!
Upon receiving this unbelievable update on Rome, his owners sat in the car and drove all the way from California to Texas with one mission and one mission only: to reunite with their dog.
The rest, as they say, is history!
When Rome’s owners arrived at the facility, they were still a little apprehensive about the reunion with their dog. They weren’t sure if he’d remember after all those years or if he’d go home with them…but then he saw them and rushed into their arms immediately!
Rome remembered everything!
As soon as he saw his dad, he melted into his lap and showered him with love, trying to make up for all the lost time.
Back To His California Home
Despite this huge enigma floating above Rome, one thing is for sure: he forgot his ordeal as soon as he saw his family. He’s finally back where he belongs, picking up from where he left off four years ago.
“Rome is finally back with the family that never stopped loving him, and he’s on his way back to California to start his next chapter–right where he belongs,” APA! added.
Rome’s story turned out to be one with a positive outcome, all thanks to his microchip. That’s why the APA! staff urges all pet owners to regularly microchip their furry friends in case they get into a similar situation.
“Microchips reunite families. Make sure your pets’ is up to date,” the rescue concluded.