Maya, golden shepherd mix

Lost Dog Reunited With Family After 4 Months
By Lauren Lloyd
March 7, 2013

A family in Mission Viejo has been reunited with its dog after months of search and sorrow.

When the family moved from Arizona to Mission Viejo in late 2012, their golden retriever-German shepherd mix, Maya, went missing. The family reported the dog missing to the city's animal shelter on October 17, and searched relentlessly for their skittish pet for two months. The family eventually gave up hope, but Maya did not.

A neighbor spotted Maya along a creek trail, and judging by her healthy appearance, assumed she had just escaped from her owner's yard and would find her way home. However, the neighbor noticed frequent visits to the area from Maya, and when the canine began to noticeably lose weight, the neighbor called Mission Viejo Animal Services.

After assessing the situation, an animal services officer devised a plan to place food in a humane trap for the dog, which had been deemed a stray. The plan worked, and Maya was transported to the shelter and nursed back to health.

A shelter worker combed through missing pets records and found Maya's entry: "a skittish golden retriever-mix with black marks." The worker realized the family lived across from the Oso Creek Trail, close to the spot where Maya was rescued. Apparently, Maya was unfamiliar with the area because of the family's move.

The reunion took place last month, and both Maya and the family were overwhelmed with excitement at the sight of one another.

Gail DeYoung, the city's animal services manager, told City News Service, "The dog took one look at her long-lost family and started dancing around the kennel, jumping up and down with her tail wagging uncontrollably."

She added, "The family was equally excited to see their dog -- skinny but safe -- both children hugging Maya around her neck unwilling to let go. After several months surviving along Oso Creek Trail lost, confused and eating who knows what to survive, Maya was finally heading home."

Commence the waterworks. Go on, let it out.

Source: http://laist.com/2013/03/07/lost_dog_reunited_with_family_after_4_months.php

Another version of the story is at: http://missionviejo.patch.com/articles/rescue-dog-lost-5-months-returned-to-owners