This stray dog’s weary appearance and soiled paws hinted at a challenging time alone
Source: SANTA FE ANIMAL SHELTER
Last month, Santa Fe City Animal Services picked up a wandering puppy who seemed more lost than most other stray dogs. His weary appearance and soiled paws hinted at a challenging time alone.
The dedicated team at Santa Fe Animal Shelter, recognizing his need for care, welcomed him warmly. Despite Hopper's friendly nature, the staff wondered if he’d had a family because of his lack of a microchip or collar.
What the shelter staff didn't know was that a week before his arrival, Hopper had been traveling with his parent, Roughiatou Sotelo, a truck driver from Maryland. Little did they realize that someone far away was anxiously searching for their furry companion.
Hopper loved riding across the country with his favorite human
Source: SANTA FE ANIMAL SHELTER
A week before his unexpected arrival at Santa Fe Animal Shelter, Hopper, originally known as Panfilo, was on a cross-country adventure with his parents.
His father was Roughiatou Sotelo, a truck driver from Maryland. And Panfilo, a 2-year-old dog, loved accompanying his parents on their journeys.
However, during a stop in Santa Fe, New Mexico, this dog ran off without his parents. Sotelo searched for Panfilo for as long as they could, but despite extensive efforts to find him, Sotelo had to continue the journey without their beloved companion.
Source: SANTA FE ANIMAL SHELTER
Back in Maryland, the heartbroken Sotelo scoured the internet for any signs of Panfilo. Meanwhile, at Santa Fe Animal Shelter, Panfilo was adjusting well to his new temporary home, enjoying the care and attention of the staff.
“While in the shelter’s care for 17 days, Panfilo was known as Hopper, and [he] received a full medical workup and enrichment that included pupsicles and frozen KONGs, and volunteers even began doing nose work with him,” SFAS wrote in a press release.
The reunion between Panfilo and Roughiatou Sotelo finally happened
Source: SANTA FE ANIMAL SHELTER
After weeks of uncertainty and relentless searching, the reunion between Panfilo and Roughiatou Sotelo finally happened. The Santa Fe Animal Shelter had featured Panfilo's picture under the "adoptables" section on their website, catching the attention of Sotelo.
Without hesitation, Sotelo boarded the next flight to Santa Fe for the reunion they’d waited weeks for.
The moment Sotelo walked into the shelter, Panfilo, now known as Hopper, couldn't contain his excitement. He bolted to the door, showering Sotelo with kisses. “Today, Panfilo was reunited with Sotelo, [whose] tears of joy were immediately wiped away by his excited kisses,” SFAS wrote.
He’d become great friends with the staff at SFAS, but nothing compared to the joy of being reunited with his favorite person again.
The sheer elation of Panfilo, now happily reunited with Roughiatou Sotelo, was a heartwarming sight. While the Santa Fe Animal Shelter staff may miss Panfilo's presence, they couldn’t be happier that he’s finally back where he belongs.
Pamela Weese Powell, the Director of Philanthropy at SFAS, expressed the sentiment shared by many: "Stories like this make us all smile a little wider and remind us that pets are truly family."
The shelter is grateful to serve as a resource for families and the community, witnessing the joyous reunions that make their efforts all the more worthwhile.
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