Senior Chihuahua, similar to the dog who went missing for nine years and recently returned home in Las Vegas, Nevada, sitting on a white, fluffy pillow with blanket over them.
(Photo Credit: Claudia Totir | Getty Images)

Missing Dog Safely Returns Home After 9 Years in Nevada

On July 18, a missing dog finally reunited with his family, returning home after nine years. The Chihuahua mix had escaped the house’s backyard while playing with some other dogs. Thanks to his microchip, the canine found his way back home. However, the pup needs quite a bit of medical assistance, and the treatment costs are adding up, so his humans are looking for public help to support his recovery.

Dog goes missing from family home in 2015, finally returns home after 9 years

On Thursday, a pet microchip company notified Chihuahua mix Gizmo’s family that their lost pet had been found. The dog had gone missing from their Las Vegas, Nevada, house in February 2015, finally returning home over nine years later.

The family pets were playing in the backyard when they managed to break out of the side gate. While two of the dogs were stopped by one of their neighbors, Gizmo was picked up by a stranger who took him away. The woman refused to hand the pup to the neighbor. She insisted that she scan him to check if he was microchipped. Unfortunately, the stranger never returned, and Judy Monarrez and her family lost a beloved canine companion until years later.

The Nevada family tried their best to find the dog that had gone missing, hoping he would return home safely. While they stopped searching extensively after several months of putting in their best efforts, the Monarrez family never gave up hope and occasionally posted about their missing dog in public forums.

Finally, on July 18, they received an email notifying them that Gizmo had been found. He was at the Animal Emergency Center of Las Vegas and Henderson. The Chihuahua mix was as pleasantly surprised as his humans as Judy Monarrez told KLAS that he couldn’t stop staring at her on their drive back home.

However, the canine was matted and missing several teeth. His nails were also overgrown, and he seemed to have a crooked posture. The medical costs have been quite hefty for the family. Thus, they have set up a GoFundMe for Gizmo to ensure he receives the love and care he deserves.

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