When Coco, a 15-year-old teacup Yorkie, went missing near a busy street and river, her guardian feared the worst. Weighing just five pounds and struggling with poor eyesight and fading hearing, Coco was especially vulnerable to the dangers of traffic, wildlife, and the surrounding area. What followed was a whirlwind 24 hours of fear, heartbreak, and ultimately — a miracle reunion made possible by a compassionate stranger and the BC Pet Registry.
A Lifelong Bond
Coco’s guardian first adopted her from the SPCA at the age of 21. “There were several people who wanted to take her home, and I was so lucky to have been chosen,” she shared. “From the moment I held her, I knew she was family.”
That bond only grew stronger over the next decade. “She’s my best friend and my heart. We’ve been through everything together.”
The Day Everything Changed
The incident happened during a brief visit to a friend’s home. “I left Coco with a friend for just 20 minutes — that’s all it took,” her guardian explained. “They lived close to a busy road and a river. It was the worst possible place for a small, elderly dog to go missing.”
The moment Coco’s absence was discovered, panic set in. “I was beside myself. I couldn’t eat, sleep, or even function. I ran up and down the street crying hysterically, searching through bushes and near the water, calling her name even though I knew she probably couldn’t hear me.”
An Unexpected Hero
As the search continued with no signs of Coco, her guardian turned to local shelters. “I thought I’d never see her again. But I kept calling around, hoping someone had found her.”
Then came the call that changed everything: a shelter located 10 kilometers away had just received a teacup Yorkie. “They asked me to come in to confirm if it was her,” she said. “I rushed there, and when they brought her out, I knew immediately — it was Coco.”
A truck driver had spotted Coco walking through some bushes dangerously close to the river and the highway. “He stopped traffic to rescue her,” the guardian shared. “Then, he drove her directly to the shelter. I’ll never forget his kindness.”
How the Microchip and Tattoo Helped
Coco was quickly reunited with her guardian, thanks in large part to her BC Pet Registry microchip and tattoo.
“The microchip and tattoo allowed the shelter to verify that I was her rightful owner,” said the guardian. “Without that, it could have taken much longer, or worse — she might not have come home at all.”
The Reunion
“The moment I saw her, I felt the happiest I’ve ever felt,” she recalled. “I was relieved, overjoyed — it felt like a miracle. Coco couldn’t stop wiggling and jumped straight into my arms. She’s the youngest 17-year-old dog I’ve ever known.”
Lessons Learned
Reflecting on the experience, Coco’s guardian urges fellow pet owners to be cautious about who they trust with their pets.
“Unfortunately, I wouldn’t leave my pet with anyone I’m not absolutely sure is reliable — even for a short time,” she advised. “Now I’d create a checklist and have clear communication before ever leaving her with someone again.”
A Message to Other Pet Guardians
Coco’s guardian hopes her story reminds others of the deep responsibility that comes with pet guardianship.
“Animals are amazing, innocent creatures,” she said. “They love us unconditionally, and we owe it to them to protect and cherish them as part of our family. Never take that for granted. When you adopt a pet, it’s for life. Be there for them like they are for you — always.”
Stories can teach. Stories can inspire. Yours can help a pet guardian take action.
If your pet has gone missing and found their way back to you thanks to their tattoo or microchip, help us raise awareness about the importance of permanent pet ID by submitting your story.
Submit your story here: https://spca.bc.ca/celebrating-bc-pet-registrys-10-year-anniversary/
