An animal rescue charity has ignited hope in everyone with missing pets as they announced they had reunited a family with their cat two years after he vanished.
The Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA) works non-stop to care for animals in need in Ireland’s capital.
And, like all animal shelters, some stories are utterly heartbreaking—while others can make your day.
One such story was shared by the charity on July 17, when the DSPCA announced they had reunited a missing cat with his family after he had been missing for two years.
And a spokesperson for the charity told Newsweek: “Thanks to microchipping, shelters like the DSPCA have a better chance of helping to reunite a loving pet like Liam with their family.”
In a post to their Facebook page, they explained they responded to reports of an injured cat in the northside of Dublin.
After rescuing the fluffy black cat and bringing him back to the shelter, he was checked out by veterinarians and found to have a microchip, registered to his owners.
Pet microchips are inserted into an animal’s skin and can be scanned by a veterinarian to check information on the pet, including its address and owner’s details. Once inserted, they can last for 25 years, according to the Humane Society of the United States.
And in this case, it was found the cat’s name was Liam, and his owners had been searching for him for two years.
“We were thrilled to let his owner know that he had been found,” the DSPCA wrote, adding that he was picked up not too far away from his original home.
“Today he headed back home with his family which also consists of 6 other cats who we’re sure will be delighted to see him too,” they wrote.
Animal lovers were blown away by the story, with one writing it was a “miraculous call to get after 2 years, the poor little pet.”
“Love a good reunited story,” another said, with one calling it “great news” and another saying it was “wonderful to hear of this reunion after such a long time.”
“What a miracle,” another said. “That’s brilliant news.”
Others shared stories of their own missing cats on the post, which has over 600 likes, admitting Liam’s reunion gave them “hope.”
And it’s clear Liam’s owners felt serious gratitude to the DSPCA, as they thanked them with a handmade card.
The illustration shows two cartoon people, holding Liam and surrounded by six other cats, with the words: “Thank you DSPCA!”
The DSPCA went on to reiterate the importance of microchipping your pets, announcing they regularly pick up strays with no chips or information.
They wrote: “Please MICROCHIP & REGISTER your pets – you owe it to them!”
A spokesperson told Newsweek: “Every year, beloved pets can get lost or stolen causing hurt and distress for the animals and their humans.”
Reminding everyone that microchipping is a legal requirement for pets in Ireland, they reiterated it “also gives you the best chance to be reunited should this happen to you.”