Our pets are true family members, and the bonds we form with them often feel even deeper than those we share with people.
That is why being separated from a beloved dog is heartbreaking for both the animal and the humans who love them.
Sometimes, a pup’s instincts to explore or track scents can lead them astray, leaving them lost and unable to return.
This was exactly what happened to Theresa Hobson and her family, who endured three painful years apart from their dog.
Even in their darkest days, though, they refused to let go of hope.
Caring Strangers Stepped In To Help
A dog named Ella suddenly found herself alone in an unfamiliar place. She longed to see her mom, Theresa, and the rest of her family, but that dream seemed impossibly far away.
After wandering, she settled near the headquarters of Butler Toyota in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The employees quickly noticed the forlorn pup. Realizing she was lost, they wanted to do something to help.
“Everyone wanted to help it so we put food out there but it wouldn’t want to come close,” said one of the employees of the company.
They didn’t know who Ella belonged to or what she had endured, but it wasn’t surprising that she kept her distance. Life on the streets had replaced the warmth of the family she once knew.
Despite her hesitation, the employees didn’t give up. Day after day, for nearly three years, they set food outside for her, ensuring she had a small lifeline of care as she lingered near their workplace.
A Family’s Hope Never Faded
Meanwhile, Ella’s family grieved her absence, unaware that kind strangers were watching over their dog.
Still, Theresa refused to surrender hope.
During the coldest winter nights, she left food out, holding on to the fragile dream that Ella might somehow return.
“Every time I set out the food, my heart would hold onto the hope that she might be out there, and she would find her way back home,” Theresa confessed. “The thought of her braving the cold winter nights alone was heart-wrenching.”
Just as her faith began to falter after three years, fate intervened. Only six miles away, Ella was finally discovered.
The Long-Awaited Reunion
The breakthrough came when the Humane Society for Hamilton County stepped in, teaming up with Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside – FIDO. Together, they managed to capture the elusive pup.
A quick scan of her microchip revealed the truth: this was the dog Theresa had been waiting for.
That Saturday morning, after the Humane Society reached out, Theresa traveled from her Indianapolis home to meet Ella at the organization’s headquarters.
The reunion defied words. After years of sorrow, their unbroken bond burst back to life, stronger than ever.
Ella was finally returning home, where her family’s open arms and full hearts were ready to welcome her back.
“It’s just so hard to believe,” Theresa said, “Three years is such a long time…”
Against all odds, hope had carried them through. Now, Ella and her family could finally live the dream they had never stopped holding onto.