He’s a prodigal puppy.
A Florida family’s beloved pooch was found after going missing for two months – over a thousand miles away on Long Island.
The Josey family was reunited with their Shih Zhu, 13-year-old Apollo, after the runaway dog was discovered under a different name at a New York animal shelter.
The errant pup disappeared back in April when he slipped through a gate on the family’s property and was whisked away by a motorist who saw the pet on the side of the road, but couldn’t locate his owner, the family told Fox 35 Orlando.
Despite the pet’s nearly two month disappearance, the Josey family never doubted that he’d return safely to their home, buying food and toys for his inevitable return.
“I had no doubt that he’d make it back home. It’s just mind-blowing that he’s all the way in New York!” shocked pup parent Nicholas Josey told WKMG.
Though the Joseys are still unsure what odyssey brought Apollo to New York, they said that the search ended after they were contacted by a pet shelter on the Island.
Staff at the shelter called the family after scanning the dog’s microchip, identifying him as Apollo, even though he wore a tag with the name “Yuri.”
“She goes, ‘Well, the dog came in and has a name tag called Yuri.’ And I said, ‘His name’s not Yuri. His name is Apollo Franklin Josey,’” Vera Josey told the outlet.
The prodigal pup is now back with his family in Ocala, who couldn’t be more excited to have him back and introduce him to a new member of the family – a newborn son who was born while he was missing.
“I can’t wait for him to meet his baby brother,” Vera Josey told WKMG.