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Two Years After Being Stolen, Pup Makes 2,000 Mile Journey Home to His Family

Written by: Samantha H
| Published on May 18, 2019

Sometimes miracles, hopes, and prayers really do come true. One Florida family had to suffer through many months of longing, but eventually, their wish became reality. It took two long years, but the Peterson family finally got their German Shepherd back.

https://www.facebook.com/WingsofRescue/photos/pcb.2397019740310205/2192040234222143/?type=3&theater

An immense loss

In late April, a German Shepherd was found abandoned. She was covered with snow in a rural Colorado ditch. According to the Wings of Rescue organization, the dog was malnourished with an injured leg when a police officer found her. Luckily, the dog was quickly identified because she had a microchip.

They learned the dog was named Cedar and a family in Florida was missing her.

Wings of Rescue posted this on their Facebook page, “Miracles do happen – especially when you microchip your pet(s)!”

The long journey home

In May 2017, the Peterson family discovered their fourth, and youngest dog Cedar, missing from their backyard. Apparently, she was stolen from their Southwest Ranches, Florida, home. Cedar’s mom, Tamara Peterson told reporters she thought someone had climbed their fence to take the 4-month-old puppy.

The Peterson family immediately began posting signs around their Miami-suburb, but no one could locate Cedar.

Two years passed with no sign of the pup. Until the family got the phone call that changed everything.

Somehow Cedar was 2,000 miles away in Hugo, Colorado. Deputy Marshal Steve Ryan found Cedar in a ditch. He picked her up and brought her to a vet where she was scanned for a microchip.

Tamara told The Miami Herald, “I immediately cried. I couldn’t believe it. I was in shock. It’s almost two years to the day.”

Before she could go home, Cedar needed to recover from her injuries. She spent three weeks healing. Then, Wings of Rescue helped organize Cedar’s return flight to Florida. The Peterson kids were thrilled to be reunited with their pup. They petted Cedar’s chest and neck on a Fort Lauderdale airport tarmac.

Now that she’s home, Tamara said Cedar has been resting. Once the dog acclimates to her new surroundings, the family plans to take her swimming.

Cedar had a rough go for the first few years of her life, but we’re thrilled she’s back home with the people who love her.

H/T WFTV
Featured Image: Wings Of Rescue/Facebook

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