“There wasn’t a dry eye in that lobby.”
Chase was the type of dog that the City of Denton Animal Shelter was concerned would never be adopted.
In April, he was seen running loose with two other dogs, and an animal control officer was able to capture him. Chase’s past remained a mystery without a chip or identifying collar.
Had the pittie ever experienced family love? He’d been alone for how long? Workers at the shelter attempted to persuade Chase to open up, but he was hesitant.
Misha Gonzales, an animal care worker at the City of Denton Animal Shelter, told The Dodo that when Chase initially arrived at the shelter, he was terrified and didn’t want anything to do with anyone. “He was extremely bashful, timid, and reserved.”
“When we took him on a leash walk, he seemed afraid. He’d have his tail tucked and be shaking and trembling,” she added. “Whenever we tried to pet him, he would back away. We felt it would be difficult to adopt him based on his behavior.”
Chase was vetted and brought to the adoption floor after a five-day stray hold. Gonzales was concerned that the anxious puppy would never be adopted. However, his family unexpectedly discovered him.
Chase disappeared from his home in November of last year, leaving his owners heartbroken. His family put up fliers and drove around seeking for him for months without success.
“Because we have some fantastic folks out there who [keep] track of all the missing animals,” City of Denton Animal Shelter stated on Facebook, “the owners were contacted last night and, after almost six months, they came to the shelter first thing this morning.”
Chase changed dramatically as he saw his family walk through the shelter’s front door. Gonzalez was fortunate enough to have her camera out at at the perfect time to film the emotional reunion.
“Chase was with us for a week and he was virtually shut down,” Gonzalez explained. “When Chase’s father, Hubert, entered through the front door, he quickly transformed into a happy, excited puppy, wagging his tail and jumping on and loving his father. We’d all had enough. There wasn’t a dry eye in the lobby, and it was impossible to describe Hubert’s pure, real love for his dog in that moment.”
Chase is now at home, surrounded by his family’s affection. And it’s moments like this that keep shelter workers like Gonzalez motivated.
“There are no words to convey the joy I had when I saw Chase with his family,” Gonzales added. “Everyone enjoys a good feel-good narrative, and this delivers on both counts.”