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California Dog Reunited With Family After 2,000-Mile Odyssey

April 5, 2024

Today's good news story comes from Detroit, Michigan.

In a heartwarming tale that seems straight out of a Hollywood script, a lost dog from California found herself on an unexpected adventure, only to be reunited with her family more than 2,000 miles away in suburban Detroit.

Mehrad and Mishka | Credit: Corinne Martin via AP

Mishka, a spirited terrier mix, had been missing since the summer, leaving her family in San Diego devastated. But last week, police in Harper Woods, Michigan, responded to a call about a stray dog and discovered Mishka wandering the streets. Thanks to her implanted chip, the Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society (GPAAS) was able to trace her back to her owners in California.

The reunion was nothing short of magical. Mehrad and Elizabeth Houman had been tirelessly searching for Mishka since her disappearance. When the call finally came, Mehrad wasted no time. Despite being in Minnesota at the time, he embarked on a 10-hour drive to Michigan for an emotional reunion with his beloved pet.

"I never gave up," said Elizabeth, reflecting on the long months of uncertainty. "I put up over a thousand flyers. I had a flyer on my back windshield. I wore her leash whenever I would look for her. ... Now I just want to find out how she got to Michigan."

The mystery of Mishka's journey only adds to the intrigue of this remarkable story. Veterinarian Nancy Pillsbury, who examined Mishka upon her arrival, noted that she was clean, well-fed, and appeared to have been well taken care of during her time away from home.

"How she got here — that's a story only Mishka knows," Pillsbury mused.