BREAKING: A small corgi shepherd mix named Opie has been found nearly 2,000 miles away from his home in Bieber, California, two months after he went missing during a storm. This remarkable journey concluded on September 28, when Opie was discovered in Illinois and taken to local authorities as a lost pet.
Officials from the Itasca Police Department confirmed that they located Opie after scanning for his microchip. Laura Flamion, an administrator at DuPage County Animal Services, explained that they quickly contacted Opie’s owner, who initially couldn’t believe her dog was safe after being missing since July. “It wasn’t until she got the phone number directly to the police department she realized this was really happening,” Flamion stated.
After the police transported Opie to DuPage County Animal Services, his owner booked the earliest flight from California to Illinois. She wasted no time, driving as far as South Dakota before finally reuniting with her beloved pet on October 4, just days after hearing the news. Flamion remarked, “She made it as far as South Dakota; she’s driving back.”
Opie’s extraordinary journey began when he escaped during a storm in early July, a time when he is known to be particularly anxious. The owner had searched for him extensively, tracking sightings to a nearby gas station before losing the trail completely. Flamion suspects that someone may have taken Opie, leading him to Illinois where he was later found.
Flamion emphasized the importance of microchips in reunifying lost pets with their owners, highlighting that Opie had a collar with a different name. She urged pet owners to ensure their microchip information is up to date, as it can be a lifeline for lost pets.
This heartwarming story adds to a growing list of pets that have defied the odds to reunite with their families. Last year, a cat named Rayne Beau went missing near Yellowstone National Park, only to be found weeks later in Northern California.
As news of Opie’s safe return spreads, pet owners are reminded of the crucial role that microchips play in ensuring their furry friends can be swiftly identified and returned home.
Stay tuned for more updates on similar incredible pet reunions and the ongoing importance of pet safety measures.
