Essex County Family Reunited With Pet Dog Stolen 5 Years Ago

NEWARK, NJ — A reunion five years in the making recently took place at an animal shelter in Newark.

According to the Associated Humane Society (AHS) Newark, a senior Shih Tzu named Bandit was stolen in 2017. But thanks to a microchip, Bandit has finally made it back to his loved ones … more than five years later.

The shelter released details of the tail-wagging story on social media:

“When this skinny, matted senior dog came to our shelter we had no idea the impact he would leave. Little senior Shih Tzu Bandit was in need of some major help when he first came to us. He was matted, emaciated, his eyes were in terrible shape, the list could go on. But what made us do a double take was that Bandit had a registered microchip, and an alert that he had been missing since 2017!”

“Bandit's family had him for several years as a family pet, and unfortunately, he was stolen in 2017,” a spokesperson with AHS-Newark told Patch. “They filed him as missing through the microchip company, but never had any leads due to his whereabouts.”

“When we scanned him to check for a chip, we found all the information on his previous owners and were able to make contact,” she said.

When staff members got in touch with the pooch’s owners, they were overjoyed to hear the news that their dog – who had been stolen from them more than five years ago – had finally been found.

Bandit needed lots of medical attention during his stay at the shelter, including a visit to a cardiologist. But his ecstatic owners came to visit him every day, until they were able to take him home.

“This reunion would have never happened if Bandit's family had neglected to have him microchipped,” the shelter emphasized. “Please microchip your pets – it could be the difference between missing your furry friend their whole life or a beautiful reunion.”

PET WELLNESS EVENT

Are you a Newark resident who needs to get your own pet microchipped? The Associated Humane Societies-Newark animal shelter will hold its first-ever "Newark Pet Wellness Day" on Saturday, March 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The shelter will be offering "first-come, first-serve wellness services," including free microchips and vaccines, thanks to the help of People for Animals. The event will take place at the Newark shelter at 124 Evergreen Avenue. The event is open to Newark residents only; proof of residence/identification is required.

Cats should be brought inside a carrier, and all dogs should be leashed, organizers said.

• See related article: Newark Shelter To Hold 'Pet Wellness Day' For Local Residents

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