California Dog Missing More Than 4 Years Found In Michigan, Thousands Of Miles From Home

LINCOLN PARK, MI — A small dog is back home with his family in California after a four-year journey brought him to metro Detroit, according to Helping Paws and Claws.

Choco, a dachshund mix, was adopted in 2016 and lived with his family in Antelope, California before he went missing in 2021, the non-profit said.

Four years and seven months later, Choco was found tied to the fence at the Lincoln Park Animal Shelter on Nov. 24. Officials did not know how Choco ended up outside the shelter, but learned the dog was microchipped and somehow traveled 2,289 miles across the country.

Officials with the animal shelter reached out to the owner, who was then contacted by Helping Paws and Claws. The non-profit offered to help bring Choco back home.

A team of Michigan volunteers helped Choco get his necessary vet care and safe travel to the airport, while the Lincoln Park Animal Shelter agreed to continue his care until transport. A helping hand also donated her SkyMiles for the flight.

After a weather delay through Chicago on Dec. 2, Choco was finally reunited with his family the next day, according to the non-profit.

Choco's owners told CBS News they had nearly given up hope they'd ever see him again.

"The reason why he would get out a lot is because he would get out a lot with his previous family," Choco's owner, Patricia, told the news outlet. "As soon as he arrived, I found out he is an escape artist and after five years of having him, he finally got out and disappeared."

Patricia went on to say she was dumbfounded at how far away Choco ended up, and encouraged dog owners to microchip their dogs.

"Microchip your dogs," she said. "With the holidays and the extreme cold, a story like mine can be your story next."

Helping Paws and Claws also stressed the importance of microchipping and be sure it is registered with the correct information.