Paola Perez lost her Chihuahua two years ago, but thanks to a microchip, she was reunited with her little pup this week.
Perez took Papi to the County animal care center in Bonita years ago for vaccinations. While there the veterinarian suggested she consider a microchip for Papi. Perez had the chip put in just in case for a cost of $10.
A few years later in 2013, the 7-pound Papi squeezed through a hole in her back fence. Perez posted fliers, knocked on doors, and checked with the local animal shelter – but Papi was nowhere to be found.
Two years later, on Tuesday, Perez got a call from County Animal Services saying they had found Papi.
“Oh, my God, that’s him! I started crying, I couldn’t believe it,” Perez said after reuniting with Papi. “He knew me. He was jumping on me.”
Papi had been brought into the facility 90 minutes earlier, and after scanning the chip, workers made a match.
“I’m very thankful to the lady who recommended the microchip,” Perez said in a statement. “I think every dog needs to get it. It’s just amazing how it can work after two years, just amazing how they can track me down.”
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County Animal Services offers microchipping from 1 to 3 p.m. every Thursday at all three of its facilities in Bonita, San Diego and Carlsbad. There is the one-time fee of $10, which includes the registration.
“I’m so happy that they (County Animal Services) helped me gain my little companion back,” Perez said in a statement. “I just never thought it was going to happen: being reunited after two years.”
