WATCH: Reunion between man and beloved dog
Rockford, IL. (WTXF) This reunion between man and dog is being called a miracle, and it underlines the importance of something every pet owner should do. In this story, the payoff was priceless.
Jose from Wisconsin fell on hard times. He got divorced and became homeless, according to a post on the Winnebago County Animal Services Facebook page.
As for Chaos, whom he got as a puppy: "Chaos helped me through so much in my life. I took him everywhere with me!"
But Jose had to live in his car, which wasn't good for Chaos, who grew large and gained lots of energy. A friend of a friend was supposed to take Chaos temporarily but three months later, when Jose was back on his feet, that person refused to give the dog back, leaving Jose heartbroken, according to the post.
"I didn't think I would ever see my dog again," Jose told Winnebago County Animal Services.
Fast forward two years. A woman in Illinois found a dog in her driveway. An animal services officer brought it back to the shelter. The dog was wearing a collar with a 2014 National Identification Number.
An hour and a half south, Jose got a microchip renewal notice in his email. It was time to update Chaos' microchip information. The Facebook post goes on to say he became upset and disheartened, and began to reminisce about his lost friend and scroll through old photos.
Suddenly, the phone rang! A shelter staff member had called the number associated with the ID. Luckily, Jose had the same contact information. He was told his dog was at Winnebago County Animal Services and excitedly said, "Choas?!" and began to cry!
"I was speechless and I couldn't stop smiling. I just couldn't believe it," he remembered.
Jose said he couldn't get to the shelter fast enough.
When asked about the importance of microchipping he said, "I did debate getting the microchip for Chaos because at that time, it was all about affordability. I was living paycheck to paycheck and was worried about food and shelter. But I just had this feeling that it was the best thing to do, and it turned out to be the best thing I ever did! Honestly, without that chip, I know in my heart, that I would've never seen him again."
Video of the reunion of Jose and Chaos is a total tear jerker! Chaos was very scared, nervous and timid at first. Check out his reaction!
The drive home was very eventful and heartfelt. Chaos tried to get onto Jose's lap but finally settled down with his head on Jose's shoulder.
Over time, Jose had gotten another dog and he was nervous about how the two would get along. Turns out, his two dogs got along great!
"As soon as they met, they started playing and running around, acting like they have been together since they were puppies!"
Jose also got to surprise his children with Chaos when they got home from school.
"I haven't been happier!" he said. "This has taken a huge weight off of my shoulders and has made my entire week! Thank you so much to all of your staff for all you do. I will always appreciate you!"
Jose's advice to animal owners: "Pay the microchip fee! That fee versus never seeing your dog again is totally worth it!"
From the man who thought he would never see his dog again: "This is just a miracle!"