A heartwarming holiday reunion has left one man deeply grateful after being reunited with his dog, Goyo, 11 years and two months after the pair were separated.
Tito Barocio, who was reunited with Goyo, described the emotional moment as a dream come true. “I never thought I’d see this day,” he said, as he gazed at his beloved dog being brought down the hallway of the SEAACA Animal Care and Control Center.
The dog, now 14 years old, had been missing since a troubling incident when he was stolen from a pub patio in 2013. Barocio had been at the pub with Goyo, who was tied up outside, when two women played with the dog before taking him and disappearing into the night. Despite extensive searches, Goyo was never found—until recently.
Goyo was spotted wandering the streets of Norwalk, California, by a concerned citizen who reported the sighting to local authorities. Animal control officer Adrian Lopez responded, retrieved the dog, and confirmed his identity using a microchip.
“I never thought I’d see this day,” Barocio said. “I’m just so thankful to the woman who called in. If she’s out there, I’d like to thank her personally.”
When Barocio saw Goyo again, he immediately noticed the toll the years had taken on his pet. The once-active dog now limps, possibly due to arthritis, and was initially reluctant to recognize Barocio, even snapping at him. The reunion was emotional, yet bittersweet, as Barocio reflected on the lost years. “Poor guy,” he said, noting that he had once taken Goyo with him to work sites every day.
Although Goyo may not recognize him at first, Barocio remains hopeful about his dog’s health. He plans to take Goyo to the vet for a thorough check-up in the coming days.
As for the women who took Goyo all those years ago, Barocio still wonders about their motivations. “Why would you take my dog?” he asked. “But I’ve got him back now.”
For Barocio, this reunion is the ultimate Christmas gift. “Best Christmas of my life,” he said.
This remarkable story of reunion highlights the power of microchipping and the kindness of strangers, ensuring that lost pets can find their way home, no matter how much time has passed.
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