Five years. 1,825 days. 43,800 hours. That’s how long it had been since Will, a golden retriever with a heart of gold, had last seen his owner, Hannah. He remembered the warmth of her hand on his fur, the playful throws of his favorite frisbee, and the comforting sound of her voice. But then, one day, everything changed.
According to Clear the Shelter Clermont County Animal Shelter, located in Sharonville, Ohio, who has called the reunion an “absolute miracle.” Nearly five years ago, in October 2019, Will was spooked by a loud bang of thunder during a storm. He bolted out of the house, his leash trailing behind him like a forgotten dream. He ran and ran; the rain blurring the familiar streets into a watery mess. When the storm finally subsided, Will found himself lost and alone in a strange place.
Days turned into weeks, then months. Will scavenged for food and slept under the cold gaze of unfamiliar stars. He never forgot his human, Hannah though. Her face remained etched in his memory, a beacon of hope in the darkness. Sadly, Hannah and her family had lost hope they would ever see Will again.
It was five years later that Will was picked up as a stray; Hannah spotted Will on the Clermont Animal Shelter Facebook page as available for adoption. The shelter had named him Rome. It had been the next day the shelter received a Facebook message from Hannah saying the senior retriever dog, Rome could have been Will – after all these years.
On Saturday, Hannah arrived at the Sharonville Convention Center where adoptions were being offered, and Hannah rushed to the location, and there he was! The reunion was “nothing short of magical”.
The reunion with Hannah was a whirlwind of fur, tears, and joyous barks. Will, although five years older, remembered his loving companion and leaped into her arms; his wet nose nuzzling her cheek. Hannah clung to him, whispering his name over and over again. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated love that transcended the five years of separation.
News of Will’s return spread like wildfire. People were amazed by the loyal dog who had never given up hope. His story reminds us of the unbreakable bond between humans and their furry companions.
What a happy day – the two are back together!
Follow the National Pet Rescue on Facebook for the latest animal related news.
