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85-Year-Old Man Reunited With His Best Friend A Month After He Disappeared

Written by: Molly Weinfurter
Molly Weinfurter is a writer for iHeartDogs, and she’s passionate about helping animals in need. She volunteers for Bailing Out Benji and a local dog rescue.Read more
| Published on August 11, 2020

85-year-old Sean Garrigan feared that his Springer Spaniel named Brandy had been stolen. The 12-year-old pup had never tried to run away before, so Sean suspected that something was very wrong when the loyal dog vanished. Sean and his son, Aidan, searched long and hard to find Brandy. Yet, all hope seemed lost as weeks went by.

Sean was heartbroken without Brandy, and he tried not to get his hopes up. But while he was fearing the worst, Brandy was out there trying to find his way home.

Springer Spaniel Outside
Image: Aidan Garrigan Facebook

Brandy’s Journey Home

Sean and Aidan suspected that Brandy was snatched from Sean’s farm in Ireland. They searched every place nearby and even turned to Facebook for help. As time went on, everyone feared the worst for poor Brandy. After all, there was an increase in stolen dogs in the area.

Officers kept an eye out for Brandy throughout the search. Eventually, about a month later, they located the lost dog at a property about 30 miles from Sean’s home. When Sean received the call, he was hesitant at first. But once they scanned the Spaniel for a microchip, they confirmed that the dog was Brandy. Sean couldn’t believe it!

“Brandy is more to me than just a dog,” said Sean. “He is my reason to get up in the morning and the reason I feel safe at night. I’m over the moon to get my best friend back.”

Man Petting Dog
Image: Aidan Garrigan Facebook

It’s unclear who stole Brandy and where Brandy has been all this time. However, none of that matters to Sean now. All he cares about is that his beloved dog is safe and healthy.

Reunited at Last

Brandy couldn’t contain his excitement after being reunited with his dad again. The pup ran around and gave his dad lots of love. But Sean was still so shocked that he was at a loss for words. All this time he feared that Brandy was gone forever, but now life could go back to normal.

“Brandy saw him and the tail started wagging immediately and he ran to him,” said Aidan. “When we got home he just ran around and around the garden. You could see the joy in the dog’s face and Dad was, I think initially, just overwhelmed.”

Dog Running Forward
Image: Aidan Garrigan Facebook

Aidan shared the good news on Facebook. He has also been using social media to help other families find their lost dogs again. Not knowing your dog’s location is a scary feeling, and Aidan and Sean want to make sure no one else has to experience this. Oftentimes, support is the best way to help a dog come home.

Sean and Brandy have had many interviews following this event. If anything, Sean encourages others to never give up hope, no matter how scary it can be. There’s always a chance that a lost dog will find their way home, especially if they have a microchip.

Man and His Dog
Image: Aidan Garrigan Facebook

H/T: irishpost.com
Featured Image: Aidan Garrigan Facebook

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