An elderly West Hills man and his beloved dog, Sunny, were reunited Thursday night after nearly two weeks of search efforts.
NBC Los Angeles was the only station to witness and film the emotional reunion exclusively between Norm and Sunny.
“It was very painful… I missed her greatly,” said Norm as NBCLA crews exclusively filmed the heartfelt reunion.
Norm, 93, had been searching throughout the San Fernando Valley after Sunny escaped from his home while he was out getting groceries.
Leading the search efforts was the nonprofit Dog Days Search & Rescue, which received a tip from a neighbor who spotted the pooch near the Chatsworth Reservoir.
The nonprofit rushed to the area and set up traps to lure the 7-year-old dog, who was visibly shaken up.
“It was cold and rainy. We had some difficulties getting access in here, so we were not able to rescue her sooner,” said Jenn Weak with Dog Days Search & Rescue. “It’s a true miracle with the amount of coyotes that are in here every night.”
Sunny was rescued after she was lured into a cage with food.
Sunny was brought back to West Hills and immediately began wagging her tail after being reunited with her owner, who welcomed her with pets and head scratches.
“It was very painful… I missed her greatly,” said Norm. “I’m just astounded that these fantastic people work so hard and so dedicated and got her home. I’m forever in their debt, and so is she.”