After 10 years, he finds his missing dog (thanks to the microchip): their embrace warms the heart

After ten years of separation, a man from Chicago found his dog thanks to a microchip. The four-legged friend had ended up about 45 minutes from the city

In Chicago, 51-year-old Edmon Lighthall experienced one of the most intense emotions of his life: after ten years of waiting, he finally found his dog Peter. The puppy, who disappeared in 2015 from his backyard, seemed to have vanished into thin air. Yet, against all odds, at the end of September 2025, the news no one expected arrived: Pete had been found.

The alert came through a call from a microchip registration company for animals, which had received a report from Hammond Animal Control in Indiana. The dog had been spotted wandering the streets of Hammond, about 45 minutes from Chicago. Lighthall didn’t hesitate for a second: he got in his car and drove that distance with his heart pounding.

The moment of recognition

When the two saw each other again, the emotion was overwhelming. Edmon described how incredible it was and how Pete recognized him immediately. The dog, now between 14 and 15 years old, approached his old human friend with his usual greeting ritual: a few spins around himself and then lying down in front of him, just like he did as a puppy.

To celebrate this unexpected return, Edmon organized a welcome-back party at a local park, inviting friends and relatives. Between cuddles, treats, and new encounters with other dogs, Pete showed he still has bursts of puppy energy, despite his age.

The power of a microchip

The story of Lighthall and Pete went viral, not only for its sweetness but also for the message it carries: microchipping animals saves lives. The Hammond Police Department, which oversees animal control services, seized the opportunity to remind citizens of the importance of this small gesture.

The city offers free microchipping to residents, a quick and painless service that can make the difference between a permanent loss and a movie-like happy ending. Edmon, now back with his faithful friend, hopes his story will encourage other owners to never lose hope and to believe in the power of a tiny chip.