SoCal Dog Gone a Long Time Returns

A bulldog named Deuce, missing for eight months, was returned to his San Fernando Valley home after a San Diego animal shelter found his owners listed in an implanted microchip.

Deuce was found on a street in the Clairemont neighborhood, east of Mission Bay, and was taken to the shelter near Old Town, where all strays are scanned for embedded microchip identification, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

Dan DeSousa, a spokesperson for the county Department of Animal Services, told the Union-Tribune that Deuce's owners, Sherman Oaks residents Kevin and Kelly Hill, picked up Deuce the same day.

DeSousa told the Union-Tribune it was unknown if the dog had been stolen in Sherman Oaks or had wandered away. He said the dog was in good health.

"Our staff said the dog reacted immediately to the owners,'' he said. "This dog has been well-cared for and well-fed since he disappeared."

DeSousa said the story is a reminder to pet owners to have their animals implanted with microchip identification.

Microchips are available at all three San Diego County animal shelters every Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. for $20, with proof of a dog license.