FWACC officers reunite missing dog with owner after nearly four years

Tasked with the care and protection of both people and animals, Animal Care & Control officers often spend their days patrolling the streets of Fort Worth, ensuring neighborhoods remain safe for everyone.

In early April, Officers Caroline Parker and Reid Koenig were driving through a neighborhood on the south side of the city. They slowed to a roll after spotting a small cream-colored terrier named Sunnie. She was roaming alone — shaggy, hungry and frightened. The officers scanned the trembling pup for a microchip. The scanner beeped and sparked hope in their hearts: Sunnie had a microchip. It was registered to an owner nearly 30 miles away in Irving.

Officers Parker and Koenig called the number that came up, and Carly answered. She explained that Sunnie had been missing for nearly four years. She had no idea how the small dog had made it all the way to Fort Worth. Almost instantly, delight and relief replaced her initial shock and bewilderment. Sunnie had been lost but not forgotten.

In rush hour traffic, the two Fort Worth officers made the trip to the neighboring city to reunite the pair. They met Carly at her place of work, where even colleagues recognized the small dog coming from afar. Without hesitation, Sunnie scurried into Carly’s arms, instantly recognizing the woman who had cared for her many years ago.

“In a job that’s normally thankless, we felt like we did good that day,” said Officer Parker.

“We encourage people to keep their microchips updated. You never know when it could be the thing that brings your lost pet home.”

Microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are implanted just beneath your pet’s skin near the shoulder. Unlike collars or tags, they cannot be easily lost or removed. Each microchip is linked to a registration database, giving Animal Care & Control officers a simple but powerful way to reunite lost pets with the people who love them.

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