Dog reunited with family 11 years after being stolen from backyard in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — A long-awaited reunion has finally happened after more than ten years.

Back in 2015, a Philadelphia family experienced heartbreak when two of their dogs were taken from their backyard. While one of the dogs was recovered, the other, named Forty-Cal, vanished without a trace.

The family embarked on an extensive search for Forty-Cal, which initially spanned days but soon turned into an exhaustive search lasting weeks and eventually years.

As time passed, the family relocated to Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, a few hours away. Despite the distance and years gone by, Forty-Cal remained in their hearts.

Determined to never give up, they diligently maintained Forty-Cal’s missing pet report and kept his microchip information current, even though hope seemed to fade.

Then, on a Saturday night, ACCT Philly discovered a stray senior dog, reigniting hope for a miraculous reunion.

The shelter scanned his microchip, and because the information was current, they were able to finally contact the family with the happy news.

Forty-Cal was finally able to go home.

“I thought it was a joke. It’s just amazing, and I can’t believe after years that he was brought back to us,” said owner Jourdyn, fighting back tears. “He’s very old, and he’s going to go home with us and just live his best life for the rest of the time that we have with him.”

The family hopes their story encourages people to never give up and make sure to keep your pet’s microchip updated.

Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
FBI, NYPD conduct searches across New York City in corruption investigation of police executives

FBI and NYPD Search NYC Sites in Expanding Police Executive Corruption Probe

NEW YORK — Federal agents and NYPD investigators carried out searches Wednesday…
'Dolton Dictator' Tiffany Henyard notches legal win against ex-landlord

Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard Scores Court Victory in Former Landlord Battle

Tiffany Henyard, the former Illinois official who has referred to herself as…
Minor crash, stolen Buffalo Wild Wings food lead deputies to alleged murder plot against teen's parents

Stolen Buffalo Wild Wings Order and Minor Crash Expose Teen’s Alleged Plot to Kill Parents

A broken road sign and food allegedly taken from a Buffalo Wild…
Mamdani-backed Darializa Avila Chevalier radical anti-Israel group that demanded 'total eradication of Western civilization'

Mamdani-Backed Darializa Avila Chevalier Linked to Anti-Israel Group Demanding Total Eradication of Western Civilization

Darializa Avila Chevalier, a socialist Democrat backed by Mamdani and considered a…
Lincoln Memorial's hidden 15,000-square-foot undercroft opens to the public

Lincoln Memorial’s Hidden 15,000-Square-Foot Undercroft Opens to the Public

A long-hidden space beneath former President Abraham Lincoln’s memorial is set to…
Video shows huge great white shark circling California paddleboarders

Huge Great White Shark Spotted Circling Paddleboarders Off California Coast

Two paddleboarders had a close encounter with an unwelcome visitor Sunday when…
ED Probes Maryland School Districts over Gender Identity Policies

Education Department Investigates Maryland School Districts Over Gender Identity Policies

The U.S. Department of Education announced Tuesday that it has opened civil…
Pennsylvania mother's video captures armed intruder holding her toddler as she begs for child's release

Pennsylvania Mom’s Video Shows Armed Intruder Holding Toddler as She Pleads for Child’s Release

Pennsylvania officials have made public disturbing trial video showing an armed man…
Two NJ women killed in hit-and-run crash as they walked home from World Cup watch party

Two New Jersey Women Killed in Hit-and-Run While Walking Home From World Cup Watch Party

Two New Jersey women were killed Saturday while walking home from a…
Can Slate's $24,950 electric pickup truck win over EV skeptics?

Slate’s $24,950 Electric Pickup Truck Targets EV Skeptics with Budget-Friendly Appeal

Slate Auto is trying to succeed where Ford Motor struggled: convincing pickup…
Officials ask for help identifying person in Reflecting Pool damage investigation

Officials Seek Public Help to Identify Suspect in Reflecting Pool Damage Investigation

The U.S. Park Police is asking for help from the public to…
South Carolina fitness trainer’s autopsy raises more questions about mysterious death

South Carolina Fitness Trainer’s Cryptic Instagram Posts Surface After Her Body Is Found

A South Carolina fitness trainer who was missing for nearly a week…