The emotional bond between pets and their owners is profound, and losing a pet can feel like losing a family member. For Judith Monarrez, a resident of Las Vegas, this reality hit hard when her beloved Chihuahua mix, Gizmo, disappeared nine years ago. Gizmo, then a puppy, vanished from her backyard along with two other dogs. While the other two returned, Gizmo was nowhere to be found, leaving Monarrez devastated. Despite her relentless search efforts, including creating a Facebook group, Gizmo remained missing, and it was revealed that someone had taken him.
After nearly a decade of uncertainty, Monarrez recently received an unexpected email that changed everything. According to UPI news, an emergency veterinarian found Gizmo wandering the streets and identified him through his microchip. The Animal Emergency Centre of Las Vegas confirmed his identity and informed Monarrez of his condition. Gizmo had suffered from multiple infections and dental disease, raising concerns about how he survived for so long.
Monarrez expressed her disbelief and relief at the reunion, sharing how a good Samaritan had spent two months trying to catch Gizmo. This kind person initially wanted to keep him but, upon discovering his microchip, returned him to Monarrez, who had been actively searching for him. “It’s something I thought would have happened years ago,” Monarrez said, reflecting on the long journey to this moment.
To cover Gizmo’s extensive medical treatment, Monarrez started a GoFundMe campaign, aiming to raise $4,000. The response was overwhelming, with 207 generous donors contributing $6,805. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Monarrez shared updates on Gizmo’s recovery, including his adjustment to being back home, bonding with his new “big brother” Benji, and even barking at the doorbell—a small but significant sign of his recovery.
This heartwarming reunion coincides with a new Las Vegas city ordinance requiring all pet owners to microchip their pets, effective August 1. Monarrez’s experience highlights the importance of microchipping pets, as it played a crucial role in reuniting her with Gizmo after all these years.