There’s no greater pain for a dog and its owner than an unexpected separation. While some owners sadly abandon their pets, those whose dogs go missing for unknown reasons would do anything to see them again.
This was the heartbreaking reality for one family from San Diego, California. Their beloved dog, Mishka, went missing, and they were devastated. Life without their furry friend seemed unimaginable.
Holding on to Hope
Despite their sorrow, the family did not give up hope. They poured all their energy into finding Mishka, determined to reunite with her no matter what it took.
The Happiest Call
According to the Associated Press, the Houman family lost sight of their dog at Mehrad’s auto body shop in San Diego. Elizabeth and Mehrad Houman immediately took action. They notified the Humane Society, shared Mishka’s microchip number, and started posting “missing dog” flyers all around town. They also took to social media, writing a dramatic Facebook post with her picture and the word “MISSING!!”
For six long months, there was no sign of Mishka. The family continued their search but started to fear the worst. Then, in March 2024, they received a life-changing call from the Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society (GPAAS) in Harper Woods, Michigan.
Source: Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society (GPAAS)
It was the happiest call they could have imagined. The staff at GPAAS had found Mishka and were reaching out to let them know she was safe and sound in Harper Woods.
The Unexpected Journey
A concerned resident in Harper Woods had noticed a stray dog in her neighborhood and contacted the local police. The officers handed the dog over to GPAAS, who then scanned her microchip and discovered she was Mishka. The news was nothing short of miraculous.
On the day of the call, the Houman family was preparing to visit relatives in Minneapolis. Despite their travel plans, Mehrad immediately made the 10-hour trip from Minneapolis to Harper Woods to pick up Mishka. The long drive didn’t matter; reuniting with their beloved dog was all that mattered.
Sweetest Reunion and a New Skill
Source: Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society (GPAAS)
As soon as Mehrad arrived at GPAAS, Mishka was back in his arms. The reunion was a beautiful and emotional moment, worth every difficult month of separation. Michigan veterinarian Nancy Pillsbury examined Mishka before the trip home and found her to be in perfect health, indicating that someone had taken good care of her during her absence.
After the 10-hour drive, Mishka was finally reunited with the rest of her family in Minneapolis. When they saw her peeking out of the car, their joy was indescribable. The moment she stepped out and ran into their arms was pure happiness.
A Surprising Discovery
The most surprising part of Mishka’s return was her new skill. During her time away, someone had taught her how to sit. “She sits now,” Elizabeth said in an interview with FOX 2 Detroit. This new skill, while unexpected, was a testament to the care someone had shown Mishka during her absence.
Although the family suspected that Mishka might have been stolen and taken to Michigan, they didn’t dwell on it. The mystery of her journey was less important than the joy of having her back. They focused on enjoying every precious moment with her, thankful for the miracle of her return.
A Happy Ending
Elizabeth reflected on the ordeal with gratitude and relief. “It’s a 100% miracle, and we never gave up hope. I knew we were going to get her back,” she concluded.
The Houman family’s story is a testament to the enduring bond between pets and their owners. Despite the challenges and uncertainties, their unwavering hope and determination led to a joyful reunion. Mishka’s return brought indescribable happiness and reaffirmed the special connection they shared. The journey might have been long and filled with heartache, but the end result was a beautiful reminder of the power of hope and love.
