They say Christmas is a time of miracles. The story of Julia Nemeth and her family is proof!
The Nemeth family thought they would never see their family dog Junior again when they lost him in a home invasion in Barberton, Ohio.
A stolen pit bull terrier mix spent eight years separated from his family under mysterious circumstances before the Christmas magic worked. Here’s the full story!
It disappeared in 2012
beautiful dog sitting on the grass
Junior was stolen from the Nemeth family in a home invasion in 2012, according to the Summit County Humane Society in Twinsburg, Ohio. This beautiful Pittie Terrier mix was bred from a puppy and trained for companionship and protection. The pair spent two wonderful years together and formed a strong and nurturing bond together. She even taught the baby hand commands so he could talk while he slept. They were inseparable and bonded until one day Junior disappeared.
“Buddy” worked at HSSC for two years.
The dog paws the man in the garden
Julia spent countless hours searching for her long lost friend. Days turned into months, months turned into years, but he never gave up hope! She searched the Internet endlessly for photos of shelters and groups of pets, but had no luck.
In 2018, Junior was moved from the streets to HSSC in good health. Despite having tapeworms, Junior (later known as “Friend”) was an enthusiastic and playful dog. He quickly adapted to the volunteers and formed strong bonds with them. The dog is playing with a ball at home
But this Pitty mix is always about foreigners. He was adopted by different families three times in two years, but none of them were the right choice for him!
Julia and her family discovered Buddy’s photo on the official HSSC website a few weeks before Christmas. When he called and explained the situation, the volunteers compared photos of Buddy and Junior when they were puppies. The similarities are amazing!
The date of the meeting is approaching
Woman raising dog after reunion
Julia immediately rushed to the facility, hoping that Junior would remember her even after all these years. And indeed: it was done!
Junior was a little nervous and shy at first, but after a few minutes he seemed to remember Julia very well! He responded to his old hand signal commands just like before!
“She tried some of the hand signal commands she taught Junior years ago and he obeyed them perfectly,” wrote the HSSC team.
This was an emotional reunion both for Julia and her dog, proving that these four-legged companions never forget those who love them!
Nobody exactly knew what the history behind Junior’s missing was, but it didn’t matter anymore! All that mattered was that he was finally with his long-lost family, safe in the arms of those who truly love him!
Julia spent some time preparing Junior for life in a crowded home, with four other children and another family dog. Turns out – Junior had no problem adapting to the newest family members, as he embraced them all!
“He warmed up to the children and the family’s other dog quickly,” wrote the HSSC team on their Facebook.
After all those years, the Nemeth family was finally together in their lovely Ohio home. And, Christmas couldn’t be better!
