Losing a dog is perhaps one of the most heartbreaking moments for a dog owner. Every loving owner would undoubtedly do anything to find their beloved pup. But even when someone does everything possible to find their missing dog, sometimes it just doesn’t happen. As heartbreaking as it is, some dogs unfortunately never return home. That’s precisely why this story about a little dog named Maya is so special.

Maya Goes Missing

In August 2011, in the town of Latina, Italy, Maya disappeared without a trace. Silvia and her husband had gone to the beach, leaving Maya with Silvia’s mother. But when her mother returned from the market, Maya was gone. Silvia was devastated and the search for Maya began. Silvia put up posters, talked to neighbors, and searched for months, but Maya was nowhere to be found. Silvia even thought that Maya might have been taken by someone. “I searched for her everywhere,” said Silvia, “but I couldn’t find her. I was so sad.”

Eight Long Years

For eight long years, Silvia missed her beloved Maya. She had lost hope of ever seeing her little pup again. But sometimes miracles happen when you least expect them.

The Phone Call

In August 2019, after eight years of silence, Silvia received a surprising phone call. The organization Guardie Zoofile Ambientali Norsaa Latina had found Maya. Maya was discovered thanks to her microchip and a report from a kind lady who saw her wandering the streets. “When I heard the news, I thought it was a joke,” said Silvia, “but it was really true. I started crying because I was so happy.”

A Joyful Reunion

When Silvia saw Maya again, it was a moment of pure joy. Maya was initially a bit scared, but soon realized that Silvia was her owner. “When I reached out my hand to her, Maya jumped towards me. I sobbed and she licked my face. She recognized me and her home.” They embraced, and Maya’s long journey back home was complete.

Maya’s Return

Maya had changed a bit over the years. She was eight years older and had some white hairs on her muzzle, but she was still the same Maya that Silvia had missed. “Now that she’s back, Maya follows me everywhere,” said Silvia. “She’s happy and playful and even steals my shoes.” Maya needed surgery for a hernia, likely due to a failed sterilization and many births. Silvia suspected that someone had used Maya to make money and then abandoned her.

Maya’s story reminds us never to lose hope, even in the darkest times. And for Silvia and Maya, their love and bond remained unbroken, no matter how much time had passed.