13-Year-Old Florida Dog Turns Up 1,000 Miles Away Near New York City Months After Disappearing

In an extraordinary tale of resilience and luck, a Florida family has been joyfully reunited with their pet dog, Apollo, after he went missing for over two months, only to turn up more than 1,000 miles away in Long Island, New York.

Apollo, a 13-year-old Shih Tzu, was reported missing in April this year. According to his owners, the Josey family from Marion County, he escaped their home after slipping through a gate. Despite extensive searches and ongoing hope from the family, they were initially left in despair about his whereabouts.

Vera Josey, one of Apollo’s owners, expressed their unwavering hope throughout the search. She stated, “We definitely kept the faith, held out hope. We still got his dog food, we still got his toys, we’ve still got all his stuff. So we knew Apollo was gonna come home. It was just a matter of when.” Their commitment to finding Apollo exemplified the bond they shared with their furry companion.

After a lengthy absence, the family received unexpected but thrilling news in June. Staff at an animal shelter in Long Island had found Apollo and scanned his microchip, leading them to contact the Joseys. Vera recalled the moment they learned the surprising news, saying, “The shelter employee goes, ‘Well, the dog came in and has a name tag called Yuri.’ And I said, ‘His name’s not Yuri. His name is Apollo Franklin Josey.’”

This revelation was both a surprise and a relief for the Josey family. Despite filing a report with the Marion County Sheriff’s Office following Apollo’s disappearance, they were informed that no crime had been committed, leaving them puzzled about how their beloved pet had ventured such a long distance. A statement from the sheriff’s office indicated that further investigation would occur should any new evidence arise.

Amidst the emotional whirlwind, a Facebook post from Long Island featuring a dog resembling Apollo sparked hope among the Joseys. They remained hopeful that their beloved pet had been spotted. With his return finally confirmed, Nicholas Josey, one of Apollo’s owners, made arrangements to fly to New York and bring him back home.

On June 26, the long-awaited reunion took place. Nicholas described his feelings ahead of the encounter, admitting, “I’m probably gonna cry.” He highlighted the deep connection they had with Apollo, referring to him as their first child before the arrival of their two sons. Vera shared her excitement about the meeting, stating, “I can’t wait for those two to get acclimated with one another.”

The reunion not only reunited Apollo with his family but also allowed him to meet the couple’s newborn son for the first time—an emotional milestone for the Joseys after such an ordeal. They are now looking forward to celebrating Apollo’s upcoming 14th birthday with a special party, underscoring their appreciation for the time they have together.

The story of Apollo’s remarkable journey has captured the hearts of many, illustrating the bond between pets and their owners. The Josey family’s determination and hope prevailed, demonstrating that love and faith can lead to remarkable outcomes, even when faced with seemingly insurmountable circumstances. As they settle back into family life with Apollo, his return stands as a testament to the enduring affection that pets inspire in their owners.