Woman found her stolen car but not her dog who was inside — a year later, one call from the microchip company left her sobbing hysterically
A woman’s life took a turn for the worse when her car was stolen. Her then 6-year-old pet dog was inside but was never seen again after the unfortunate theft in August 2022. The owner, Julia Salsich, prayed for her pup’s good health and safety while she did everything in her power to find him. It was not until a year later that a random call from a microchip company left her sobbing hysterically when she heard the news she’d been waiting for.
The dog owner from Maryland searched high and low for her beloved pet, Franklin, a Maltese-Yorkie mix who was stolen along with her car in Washington, D.C. While the car was recovered about a week after the theft, Salsich’s dog was not found inside. She did not lose hope and kept searching for him against all odds. Meanwhile, people around her advised her to move on as hopes of reuniting with Franklin dwindled with every passing day. The only ray of hope was that Franklin was microchipped.
One day, a text from the microchip company restored faith in the owner. It stated that her dog had been found, and she was contacted with the information provided on his microchip. Salsich burst into tears, thinking her prayers had finally been answered. Later, an animal control officer with Prince George’s County brought Franklin back to his owner, making for a heartwarming reunion. The precious moment was shared by Fox 5 DC in July 2023. “Somebody was definitely taking care of him. I’m really thankful for that,” she said, explaining that’s all she wished for in Franklin’s absence.
Franklin was not just a dog but an “emotional support” for Salsich right after she gave birth to her baby. During an interview with the news channel, the dog owner revealed that she was both “terrified” and “thankful” that her human baby was not in the car while her “fur baby” was lost. Salsich’s word of advice was to ensure all pets are microchipped, as it is inexpensive and is easily done at any vet clinic. She credits the reunion to the microchip on Franklin’s shoulder, but has no idea what her poor pup went through in the months away from her. However, she was confident he was taken care of and returned unharmed.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the first step to finding a lost pet is the rescue staff scanning for a microchip at a shelter or vet clinic. It increases the chances of reuniting the pet with its owner. A study published in the journal AVMA Publications surveyed 7,704 stray animals at shelters in 23 states and found that the microchipped animals were far more likely to be returned home to their original owners than the non-microchipped ones. The only reason for microchipped animals not being returned to their owners was incorrect information or disconnected contact numbers in the registry database. For those unversed, a microchip implant does not require surgery or anesthesia and can be done during a routine vet checkup visit.