Local Woman Reunites with Beloved Husky After Seven-Year Separation
A heartwarming tale of devotion and perseverance has unfolded in Tampa, Florida, as a woman was reunited with her stolen Siberian husky, Luca, after seven long years. The incredible reunion took place when Officer Bishop, of the Tampa Police Department, spotted a stray husky wandering the streets without any identification.
As luck would have it, the dog hopped into Bishop's cruiser, where he received immediate attention from a veterinarian who ran a quick microchip scan, revealing Luca had an owner waiting anxiously for his return. Gabrielle Hartley, the distraught woman whose home was burglarized in 2018, reported Luca missing after the break-in. Despite losing hope, she never gave up on her beloved pet.
When asked if Luca still remembered his owner, Hartley replied that he did and even responded to his nickname "Blue." Her quick thinking had kept Luca's microchip registration active all these years, providing a lifeline for their reunion. The news of Luca's discovery came as a welcome call, with Hartley being contacted multiple times before finally learning the good news.
Upon Luca's return, it became clear that he was in rough shape and required immediate veterinary attention. A surgical mass needed to be removed, while he also suffered from urinary tract infections, blood infection, and broken teeth likely due to his desperate attempts to escape captivity. Vets have estimated it will take about three months for Luca to make a full recovery.
The reunion was nothing short of miraculous, as Hartley reported feeling Luca's comfort and safety upon seeing him return home. "Then, like that one moment where he crawled up on my bed, and he's just licking my hand, he's like looking at me," she said. Their bond remains strong, with Hartley affectionately referring to him as "Cone Head" due to the cone of shame he now sports.
It is clear that Luca still cherishes his favorite snacks – strawberries and peanut butter – and has been through a lot since being stolen from his loving owner seven years ago. As for Hartley, she remains grateful for this second chance with her loyal companion. "I'm like, 'Oh, this is so worth it,'" she said.
A heartwarming tale of devotion and perseverance has unfolded in Tampa, Florida, as a woman was reunited with her stolen Siberian husky, Luca, after seven long years. The incredible reunion took place when Officer Bishop, of the Tampa Police Department, spotted a stray husky wandering the streets without any identification.
As luck would have it, the dog hopped into Bishop's cruiser, where he received immediate attention from a veterinarian who ran a quick microchip scan, revealing Luca had an owner waiting anxiously for his return. Gabrielle Hartley, the distraught woman whose home was burglarized in 2018, reported Luca missing after the break-in. Despite losing hope, she never gave up on her beloved pet.
When asked if Luca still remembered his owner, Hartley replied that he did and even responded to his nickname "Blue." Her quick thinking had kept Luca's microchip registration active all these years, providing a lifeline for their reunion. The news of Luca's discovery came as a welcome call, with Hartley being contacted multiple times before finally learning the good news.
Upon Luca's return, it became clear that he was in rough shape and required immediate veterinary attention. A surgical mass needed to be removed, while he also suffered from urinary tract infections, blood infection, and broken teeth likely due to his desperate attempts to escape captivity. Vets have estimated it will take about three months for Luca to make a full recovery.
The reunion was nothing short of miraculous, as Hartley reported feeling Luca's comfort and safety upon seeing him return home. "Then, like that one moment where he crawled up on my bed, and he's just licking my hand, he's like looking at me," she said. Their bond remains strong, with Hartley affectionately referring to him as "Cone Head" due to the cone of shame he now sports.
It is clear that Luca still cherishes his favorite snacks – strawberries and peanut butter – and has been through a lot since being stolen from his loving owner seven years ago. As for Hartley, she remains grateful for this second chance with her loyal companion. "I'm like, 'Oh, this is so worth it,'" she said.
oh my goodness, this is just the best thing ever! I mean, can you even believe that Luca just showed up out of nowhere and was recognized by his microchip? 
It's like he was just waiting for that perfect moment to come back home. And poor guy, he looks like he's been through so much - all those surgeries and infections... 
but it's amazing how strong their bond is still. I'm getting all teary-eyed just thinking about it! 
The fact that Gabrielle never gave up on him, even after seven years of waiting... she must be the ultimate dog mom 
! gabrielle hartley's devotion to luca is truly inspiring 
and i mean who can resist those big brown eyes looking up at ya? 
i'm glad he's getting the help he needs now, though - it sounds like he's been through some stuff, poor guy 
. the fact that his microchip was still active all these years is just incredible 
and gabrielle's nickname "cone head" for luca is literally the cutest thing ever 
. i'm so happy they're reunited at last - it's a reminder that with patience, love, and a little bit of luck, miracles can happen 
. can't wait to see luca all healed up and snuggled back into his favorite spot 
anyway i'm just so happy 4 these 2 n u should be 2 
. I mean, seven years in the wild and he still managed to sniff out his owner? That's dedication 
. Broken teeth and urinary tract infections are no joke 
. Glad Gabrielle was able to get him help ASAP 
. And I gotta say, strawberries and peanut butter for life 
– that's the snack of champions! 
The fact that his bond with Gabby is still strong after all this is truly heartwarming... I'm so glad everything worked out for them!
I feel so bad for Gabrielle Hartley and Luca's ordeal. It's amazing that Gabby kept his microchip active all these years, like a superhero 
! And poor Luca, he went through so much - broken teeth, UTIs, blood infection... 
... i'm sure it's been a tough road for him with all those health issues 
She never gave up on him and her love & devotion paid off 
They're going to get through this vet stuff together 
their bond is pure magic 
his recovery will take time tho, but it's so worth it to see him back with his girl 
! i mean, can u blame her tho? he's a husky 4eva 
. now he's all fixed up & back wif his bff gabrielle 
. i'm sure it was super tough on both of them but i'm just glad it ended so positively