A dog which vanished without a trace SEVEN months ago has been reunited with its owner thanks to a microchip.
The pit bull named Bruno ran away from his home in Maitland in February and was never seen again.
At first the family believed the dog had been stolen but last week, Bruno was brought to the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa in Philippi after he was found wandering in Pinelands.
REUNION: Bruno with owner
AWS spokesman, Allan Perrins, says their staff examined the animal, found the microchip and discovered it belonged to an owner in Maitland.
“In February, Bruno, an exuberant, two year old, neutered, male pit bull bolted out the front gate of his owners Maitland residence, ran down the road and disappeared.
“(Last Thursday) Bruno, after being on the run for almost seven months, and having caused his family a lot of angst, was handed in as a stray.
“Besides being slightly underweight and clearly overwhelmed by his new surroundings, Bruno appeared to be an owned pet.
“He was scanned for a microchip and to everyone’s delight the machine beeped and registered a microchip number.”
‘HAPPY ENDING’: Alan Perrins
Kennel Manager Christine Leonard immediately called the number and reunited Bruno with his surprised but delighted family.
Allan adds that it is the best investment for pet owners: “It is thanks to the determination and experience of an exceptional team and the fact that Bruno was microchipped that this story has a happy ending and we encourage everyone to please have their pets microchipped.”
The AWS charges only R100 to have the chip implanted.
Watch the reunion here: