This heartwarming story is proof that we must never lose hope. Although it begins with a devastating loss, it has a happy ending.
It all started in 2012 when Stevie Rodger’s two dogs, Kavik and Konan, were left outside his home in Scotland to go to the bathroom, but escaped from the gate. He searched the area and discovered that they had ventured into a farmer’s sheep field.
The farmer brutally shot the two dogs, instantly killing Konan. Kavik was injured but started running.
The family searched the area for months, displaying signs and offering a reward, but to no avail. They even published an article on Dog Lost, listing its last seen location and two phone numbers to call for any information.
«Kavik is his father’s son and may not come when called by another person. If you see it, please call one of these numbers immediately with the place where you saw it. He will be scared and may need veterinary attention. Thank you very much.»
They mourned the loss of their two dogs, thinking they would never see Kavik again.
But eight years later, they received a call about a possible sighting of their long-lost dog in Birmingham, 300 miles away.
An emaciated German Shepherd mix was brought in and matched Kavik’s description on Dog Lost, so staff contacted Stevie.
He couldn’t believe what he was hearing and the next day drove more than four hours to find his beloved dog. All it took was a look at the skinny puppy to let him know it was Kavik. The now 10-year-old dog immediately recognized his father, and tears began to flow.
«He came running towards me and started licking me as if he had seen me yesterday. It was a very moving meeting. I can’t believe it’s been more than eight years since he left, but he’s resettled well,» Stevie told Metro.
The two slept together on the couch the first night. Kavik was taken to the vet the next day for blood tests and to be examined. In addition to being dehydrated and underweight, the veterinarian found a growth on his back that will be removed.
The goal right now is to give him many small meals to help him gain weight. Although their road to recovery is long, the family said, «We are ready to do it and we do it with a happy heart.»
Stevie calls the incredible meeting a «Christmas miracle.» The whole family is thrilled to be reunited with their beloved dog and plans to «pay it forward.»
