Family’s Reaction Is Pure Joy When Their Dog Returns Home 13 Months Later
For over a year, a family in San Francisco thought they had lost their beloved Chihuahua, Peach, forever. She had gone missing when she escaped her home in June 2024. After countless searches and heartbreak, they eventually lost hope of ever seeing her again. (Watch Video Below)
@marinhumane REUNITED THANKS TO A MICROCHIP! 🎉 When sweet little Peach escaped their home in San Francisco more than 13 months ago, Jim Chow and his family were devastated. They looked everywhere for their sweet girl, checked San Francisco Animal Care and Control, and put up "Lost Dog" signs, but couldn't find her. After several months, they assumed she had passed away and even held a memorial service for their beloved Peach. 🙁 A few days ago, a San Rafael Police Officer spotted a dog who appeared in distress. The people with her claimed ownership, but, concerned about the dog's safety, the officer removed the dog from their care and handed her over to Marin Humane Animal Services officers, who brought her to the shelter, where it was discovered she had a microchip! The person who had found Peach in San Francisco didn't notify any shelters or take her to a veterinarian to be scanned for a chip. Lots of tears witnessing this heartfelt reunion! 😭❤️ It serves as a poignant reminder of two important lessons: 1. Make sure your pets are microchipped and their info is up to date, and 2. If you find an animal you believe is lost, please contact your local animal shelter (pro tip: you can also bring the pet to a veterinarian to be scanned for a chip). Marin Humane offers microchipping by appointment. It's just $25 for dogs and free for cats! #reunion #microchip #reunitedanditfeelssogood #microchipyourpets #homesweethome ♬ original sound – Marin Humane
But then, something incredible happened. A call came from Marin Humane saying Peach had been found alive. The family was overjoyed to learn the news, and soon after, she was safely reunited with her family. Their emotional reunion is a beautiful reminder that hope isn’t lost, even when it feels like goodbye.
When All Seemed Lost, a Miracle Appeared
Jim Chow and his family were devastated when their beloved dog, Peach, went missing. The little Chihuahua was more than just a pet. She was family. For months, they searched tirelessly, putting up fliers, visiting local shelters, and asking neighbors for any sign of her.
But as time passed and no leads came, the painful reality began to sink in. Eventually, the family held a small memorial service to say goodbye, believing Peach was gone forever.
Then, more than a year later, during an animal abuse investigation, an officer from the San Rafael Police Department (SRPD) spotted a small Chihuahua in distress. That little dog was Peach, alive after 13 long months.
A Tearful Reunion
In a TikTok post, Marin Humane, an animal shelter in Novato, California, shared how the officer took the dog and placed her under their care. Their staff scanned the little dog for a microchip to learn more about her background.
The scan showed she was indeed microchipped, and the chip confirmed the pup was Peach, the Chihuahua who had been missing from her San Francisco home since June 2024.
The shelter immediately called the Chow family to confirm Peach’s identity. When Jim Chow and his family heard the news, they quickly arranged to bring Peach home. Shortly after Peach arrived at the rescue, staff recorded an emotional reunion.
Footage of that moment shows Peach running down a hallway and leaping into her family’s outstretched arms. The tiny dog accepted hugs and belly rubs as her owners smiled and cried with relief.
According to People, the SRPD arrested and took into custody the individual who was caring for Peach on felony animal abuse charges.
Marin Humane emphasizes that this case highlights the importance of microchipping pets and encourages anyone who finds a lost animal to contact their local shelter.
