SAN DIEGO (KUSI/FOX 5) — On Tuesday, a late-night rescue by the San Diego Humane Society’s law enforcement turned out to be a miracle for a local family.
This is what Colby looked like after a late-night rescue on Tuesday.
Abandoned and alone, the SDHS law enforcement found Colby at the Jewish Family Service Safe Sleeping Site.
“That good bath will get that nasty stuff,” said Sheila, a vet assistant, as she combed through Colby’s fur.
The Humane Society treated the maltipoo for a flea infestation and possible skin infection under his matted fur.
“That’s a good boy,” Sheila said.
Vets gave the dog a bath, groomed him, and updated his vaccines.
Meanwhile, they scanned Colby for a microchip, and it came back positive.
“When Colby was missing, we reported it right away to the microchip company,” said Cindy, Colby’s owner.
Turns out, Colby’s family reported him missing nearly three years ago.
“We gave up hope, but thanks to the microchip, I was called right away,” Cindy said.
SDHS called Cindy, the dog’s owner, around 9:30 p.m. to share the news that Colby was coming home.
“We missed him so much. Every day I was thinking about him,” Cindy said.
They spent the night and the following morning gathering supplies to take care of Colby again.
“Who is that? Who are these people?” said one of the handlers as they brought Colby to his owners.
In an emotional reunion, Cindy and Gregory saw their furry friend again for the first time since Sept. 27, 2023.
“I haven’t seen him in years!” Gregory said.
Before they took Colby home, he completed treatment and was neutered.
“We’re just so happy today that we got our Colby back after three years,” Cindy said.
The Humane Society reminds pet owners to microchip their animals because you never know when you might need your own miracle.
“It took a long time to find him, but we got the call, and we came, and we’re happy to get him back,” Cindy said.
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