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When Stephanie Swire and her family went on vacation four years ago, they had to leave their six-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever, Jax, at home with a pet sitter. While they were away, Swire got a call from the pet sitter that made her heart sink. Jax escaped and was nowhere to be found.
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Jax was missing for days, then months, then years. Swire’s family mourned Jax, believing they would never see him again. But years later, someone spotted a dog that matched Jax’s description. A photo of the dog was shown to Tracey Morgan-Chopick of Luzerne County Pet Recovery Services, who is being described as an Ace Ventura-like pet detective. She knew right away that it was Jax. The next step was to reunite Jax with his family.
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So Morgan-Chopick set up a trap in the wooded area where Jax was spotted, and soon she captured the pup. After wandering the woods for four years, Jax was sent back to his family a few pounds lighter, but in good shape. When the now ten-year-old pup got home, he went straight to his favorite spot on the couch and lied down just like old times. Hopefully he’ll be getting some tags and a microchip, now. Swire’s family is thrilled to have their furry family member back and to introduce him to the new baby that was born while he was away. As for Morgan-Chopick, she’s a pet detective still on a mission to reunited pets with their loved ones.
Are you happy to see Jax back with his family? Would you ask a pet detective for help finding a lost dog? Let us know in the comments below!
A wag of the tail to NBC 4 for sharing the story!
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