Sometimes, even in the most heartbreaking cases of abandonment, there’s a spark of hope waiting to be uncovered—and Rome is the perfect example of that.
This lovable Bulldog was discovered tied to the gate of a Texas shelter alongside a tiny Chihuahua. With only a coat, a blanket, and a few scattered toys left behind, the scene was devastating—and unfortunately, all too familiar in Austin.
Staff at Austin Pets Alive! welcomed both pups immediately, unaware that Rome’s story wasn’t just another case of neglect. In fact, what they were about to discover would leave everyone stunned.
A Microchip Unveils the Unbelievable
From the very beginning, Rome was gentle and sweet. Although no one knew why he had been left behind, the rescue team didn’t hesitate—they brought him in and began the usual intake process.
As part of their routine, they scanned Rome for a microchip in hopes of tracking down his owners and uncovering a bit more about his past. What they found left them speechless.
To everyone’s surprise, Rome hadn’t been abandoned by his original family. He had gone missing back in 2021, vanishing from his yard in Perris, California, after a simple trip outside to potty—and never returning.
How he ended up over 1,000 miles away in Texas remains a total 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 rescue shared in an Instagram video.
When his family received the news, they were in total disbelief. They had searched relentlessly when Rome first disappeared—putting up flyers, knocking on doors, checking with local shelters, and pleading on social media—but after years of silence, they had sadly given up hope.
That all changed with one unexpected phone call. It was the miracle they thought would never come.
Without hesitation, Rome’s family jumped in the car and drove from California to Texas, determined to reunite with the dog they never stopped loving.
What happened next was nothing short of magical.
The Reunion They’d All Been Waiting For
As the family arrived at the shelter, they were nervous. Would Rome remember them after all this time? Would he recognize their voices or run to them?
But the moment he spotted his people, there was no hesitation—Rome sprinted toward them and collapsed into their arms, overflowing with love and joy.
He remembered everything.
As soon as he saw his dad, Rome climbed into his lap, covering him in kisses and wagging furiously, as if trying to make up for every moment they’d spent apart.
A New Chapter Begins Back Home
Though the details of how Rome ended up so far from home may never be known, one thing is crystal clear: the moment he saw his family, all his fear and confusion melted away.
“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 had a beautiful ending—and it’s all thanks to his microchip. That’s why Austin Pets Alive! continues to remind all pet owners how important microchipping is.
“Microchips reunite families. Make sure your pets’ is up to date,” the rescue concluded.