In a heartwarming reunion, Judith Monarrez was reconnected with her dog, Gizmo, nine years after he went missing, thanks to the identification provided by his microchip, AP News reported.
In 2015, Judith Monarrez lived with her parents in Las Vegas and enjoyed the company of her 2-year-old dog, Gizmo. One day, Gizmo slipped past a faulty gate at her parents' home and disappeared, starting a long and uncertain separation.
Despite losing Gizmo suddenly, Monarrez never gave up hope of finding her beloved pet. She kept Gizmo's memory close even as she moved into her own home, earned a master's degree in English, and started a teaching career in higher education.
On July 17, 2024, the long-awaited miracle occurred. A woman found an older, ailing Gizmo and took him to an animal hospital. At the hospital, the staff scanned his microchip, which sent an immediate notification to Monarrez about Gizmo’s whereabouts.
Monarrez rushed to the animal hospital the same day she received the email. "Even though he looked so different, I knew immediately it was Gizmo when I looked in his eyes," Monarrez recalled. As soon as she called his name, Gizmo responded with a familiar head tilt, solidifying the reunion.
Reunited, Monarrez noticed the toll the years had taken on Gizmo. He was now wary of shadows, heights, and birds, showed a limp, had severe infections in both eyes, and was missing several teeth. Despite these challenges, the joy of their reunion overshadowed the evident signs of his difficult past.
Monarrez's experience with Gizmo's disappearance and subsequent reunion came at a pivotal time. A new ordinance requiring microchips for all pet cats and dogs in Las Vegas is set to take effect on August 1, 2024. This ordinance underscores the crucial role microchips play in reuniting lost pets with their owners.
Monarrez openly shared her relief and joy at the recovery of her pet. "Hindsight is 2020," she said, emphasizing the importance of registering a pet's microchip. "I’m so glad I registered his microchip," she added, calling Gizmo's return "a miracle."
Now back at home with Monarrez and her parents, the focus is on restoring Gizmo's health and comfort. The family is committed to providing him with all the love and care needed to recover from his ordeal.
The timing of Gizmo's return has sparked local interest in the new microchipping ordinance. The law aims to prevent stories like Gizmo's, ensuring that lost pets have a better chance of being returned to their owners swiftly and safely.
In light of this story, the community and pet owners are encouraged to reflect on the essential measures for pet safety and welfare. Microchipping, as demonstrated by Gizmo's story, offers a reliable method to aid in the speedy recovery of lost pets.
Throughout her ordeal and subsequent reunion with Gizmo, Monarrez has become a poignant reminder of the bonds between pets and their owners. Her story highlights the small steps, like microchipping, that can lead to joyful reunions after seemingly endless separations.
In conclusion, the story of Judith Monarrez and Gizmo underscores the emotional and practical advantages of microchipping pets. The reunion after nine long years has not only brought them together but has also highlighted the imminent importance of Las Vegas's new pet microchip ordinance. This narrative serves as a compelling testament to the unbreakable bond between a pet and its owner, and the profound impact of microchip technology in safeguarding our beloved animals.
