At a Glance
- A 15-year-old dog named Buttercup was reunited with her owner after more than 10 years missing in Doral, Florida
- Miami-Dade Animal Services found the dog on January 12 and used a microchip to locate the owner
- The owner had believed Buttercup had died after two family dogs disappeared at the same time
- Why it matters: The reunion highlights the critical importance of keeping microchip contact information updated for lost pets
A microchip scan has brought a Florida family back together with their dog after more than a decade apart. Buttercup, now 15 years old, was found wandering in Doral and traced to her original owner through registry information that remained accurate after ten years.
Found After Ten Years
Miami-Dade Animal Services picked up Buttercup on January 12 and scanned for a microchip. The tiny device contained current owner contact details, allowing staff to place a call that would end the dog’s extended absence.
Key details of the discovery:
- Location: Doral, Florida
- Date found: January 12
- Scan revealed registered owner information
- Owner believed Buttercup had died after both family dogs vanished
The Facebook announcement posted on January 20 showed photos of Buttercup nestled beside her owner, captioning the moment: “Last week, Buttercup was reunited with her owner after being missing for more than 10 years. A decade apart, and thanks to a simple scan, this sweet girl finally made her way home.”
Microchip Made the Difference
Staff emphasized that the chip’s success hinged on one factor: accurate, up-to-date contact data. “A microchip is only as good as the information attached to it,” the department wrote. “Keeping your contact details updated can be the difference between a lost pet staying lost and a happy reunion like Buttercup’s.”
| Element | Status |
|---|---|
| Microchip registered | Yes |
| Owner info current | Yes |
| Outcome | Reunion achieved |
Second Senior Dog Reunion in a Week
Buttercup’s story follows a similar tale reported by News Of Los Angeles involving Parker, a 13-year-old dog who returned to his Florida family after five years away. Found roadside on the same date-January 12-Parker was scanned by Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services, leading to another emotional homecoming.
Officers noted Parker appeared “tired, thinner than he once was, and moving more slowly with age,” underscoring the tough conditions senior pets can face while lost.
Takeaways for Pet Owners
- Microchip pets and register the chip immediately
- Update phone numbers, addresses, and email after every move
- Keep registry information current even if a pet has been missing for years
- Report lost pets to local shelters and verify chip data annually
Amanda S. Bennett reported this reunion for News Of Los Angeles, noting that Miami-Dade Animal Services did not provide additional comment when contacted.
