A heartwarming reunion in New York has brought joy to a woman and her long-lost dog, Snuggles, who vanished over a decade ago.
Melanie Epperson’s sweet puppy, Snuggles, ran off while Epperson was helping her grandson move into a new home. As the months passed without any sign of the light brown pup, Epperson grew increasingly concerned, especially when the cold winter months arrived, as Snuggles was known to dislike the cold. Sadly, after several months, Epperson had to come to terms with the fact that her dog may never return.
Fast forward to March 2025, when Epperson received an unexpected call from the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter—news that would change her life. Someone had dropped off Snuggles at the shelter, and after scanning the dog for a microchip, the shelter found contact information linked to Epperson’s daughter, Chantel Stroud. The shelter contacted Stroud, who then passed on the incredible news to her mother.
At first, Epperson thought it was a joke. “When I got that call, at first, I thought my daughter was joking,” she said. Stroud shared similar disbelief, saying, “When they asked if I knew Snuggles, I said, ‘Yeah, that was a long time ago.’”
The phone call set the stage for a long-awaited reunion between Epperson and Snuggles. Epperson, overwhelmed with emotion, is looking forward to the years she still has with her furry friend. “I just never thought I would ever see him again,” she said. “I Googled it, and he can live up to 18 years old. So, I have another 4 to 5 good years to snuggle Snuggles.”
Thanks to a microchip, which was crucial in reuniting the pair, Snuggles was able to be identified and safely returned. The American Animal Hospital Association emphasizes that microchips provide pets with lifelong identification and are much more reliable than collars or ID tags. According to studies, lost pets with microchips are significantly more likely to be reunited with their owners.
This heartwarming story highlights the importance of microchipping pets and serves as a reminder of the deep bond between animals and their owners.