Pomeranian from California ends up along highway in Tampa! “Really glad we microchipped her"
TAMPA, Florida -- A California dog owner has been reunited with her pup who went missing -- and was found on the opposite side of the country! Somehow, the 11-year-old Pomeranian named "Tessie" ended up on the side of a highway in Tampa, Florida.
We may never know how Tessie ended up in Florida -- but Lauren Johnson is glad she did. Tessie has been Johnson's best friend for years.
21-year-old Johnson says when she was in middle school, she saved up her babysitting money in order to adopt Tessie.
“She’s been my best friend since I was in the seventh grade," Johnson told Bay News 9.
Tessie
When Johnson moved into a different home that didn’t allow pets, a family friend agreed to take care of Tessie. Johnson, though, was still very involved in the dog’s life. She would visit Tessie frequently and help with pet bills.
Eventually, that friend moved to Florida.
It wasn't long before Johnson’s mother got a call that the dog had been found on the side of a highway in Tampa. Johnson was shocked and still isn’t quite sure what happened.
Tessie
“I tried to get in contact with them to see what happened but the number was different so I couldn’t talk to them," Johnson told Bay News 9.
The person who found Tessie took her to the Hillsborough County Pet Resources Center. A quick scan of Tessie’s microchip brought up Johnson’s mother’s name and number.
Tessie was cared for at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay while Johnson made arrangements to go pick her up.
“I’m really glad we microchipped her. If we didn’t, then I would’ve never gotten reconnected with her," Johnson said.
Tessie
According to Bay News 9, Johnson arrived at the Humane Society Saturday, May 28th, and was reunited with Tessie. Bay News 9 reports that Tessie recognized Johnson right away and started licking the tears off her face. She stayed on Johnson’s lap, rolling over for belly rubs.
Tessie
The Humane Society of Tampa Bay offers microchips for just $15. Here in Wisconsin, it is $25 to microchip a dog or cat at the Wisconsin Humane Society.