by TAMPA, FLORIDA — A Florida woman has been reunited with her beloved dog seven years after he went missing during a home burglary, thanks to a microchip scan and a compassionate police officer.
Gabrielle Hartley said she was devastated when she returned to her Tampa apartment in 2018 and discovered that her home had been broken into — and her dog, Luca, was gone.
Missing for Seven Years
Hartley recalled coming home from work around 4 a.m. to find her front door kicked in and her loyal companion nowhere to be found.
For years, she held onto hope but feared the worst. “I always prayed that somehow he’d find his way back,” Hartley said in an interview with local station Tampa Bay 28.
That hope finally paid off earlier this month when Hartley received a life-changing call from microchip company PetKey, informing her that Luca had been found alive.
Officer Finds Stray Wandering Alone
The Tampa Police Department said Officer Bishop spotted a dog wandering alone on a local road and immediately pulled over to help.
“Officer Bishop spotted this friendly pup wandering alone, and as soon as he opened his patrol car door, Luca jumped in knowing he was saved,” the department wrote in a Facebook post.
Luca was brought to Animal Doctors of South Tampa, where veterinarians scanned his microchip and confirmed Hartley as his rightful owner.
Years of Hardship and Neglect
When reunited, Hartley was heartbroken to see the condition Luca was in after years apart. She believes he was taken by someone who used him for breeding and later abandoned him when his health began to decline.
“He had a UTI, blood infection, broken teeth from probably trying to escape a cage, broken claws, and defensive marks all over his body,” Hartley said. “He’s only like 38 pounds for a full-grown male dog — that’s not even close to healthy.”
Veterinarians at Harmony Vet Care are now providing Luca with the medical treatment he needs to fully recover.
Read Also: California Police Rush to Save Baby Who Stopped Breathing After Choking
A Joyful Reunion
Despite everything he endured, Luca’s spirit hasn’t changed. Hartley said her dog still loves his favorite snacks — strawberries and peanut butter — and has quickly adjusted back to home life.
“That moment he crawled up on my bed and he’s licking my hand, looking at me… I could tell he feels comfortable and safe,” she said. “It’s so worth it.”
The heartwarming reunion has touched many in the Tampa community, serving as a reminder of the power of microchipping and never giving up hope.
A Reminder for Pet Owners
Police and veterinarians alike emphasized the importance of microchips, which can reconnect lost pets with their families even years later.
“This story shows why every pet should be microchipped,” the Tampa Police Department said. “It’s often the only link back home.”
Hartley said she’s just thankful to have her best friend back after nearly a decade apart. “He’s home now,” she said, “and that’s all that matters.”
For more uplifting animal and community stories from across the country, visit race-day-live.com.
