Family ‘never stopped searching’ for lost dog. 3 years later, a ‘heartwarming’ reunion
A “beloved” dog was lost for three years — until a North Carolina family saw a familiar face online.
“For all this time, his family never stopped searching,” the Rocky Mount Police Department wrote March 25 on Facebook. “Just last Friday, a miracle happened — Mr. Jonathan Shearin and his wife recognized Kaz on our Petfinder page and reached out to us right away.”
Then, it was time for Kaz to finally see his loved ones again. Photos shared on social media show the family back together after so much time apart.
“My team and I were overwhelmed with joy,” Derek Barnhill, animal control supervisor, told McClatchy News in an email. “While we reunite animals with their owners daily, it is rare to see a reunion after such a long period.”
Kaz is settling back into his home after he went missing about three years ago. His family lives in Louisburg, a roughly 30-mile drive northeast from Raleigh and about 35 miles from where their dog eventually ended up in Rocky Mount.
“Huskies are well known for their intelligence, high energy levels, and independent nature, often earning the reputation of being ‘escape artists,”’ Barnhill wrote. “These traits can lead them to find creative ways to leave their homes and wander. In Kaz’s case, this is exactly what happened.”
After Kaz disappeared, “the Shearin family never gave up hope,” according to Barnhill. They searched for their dog and shared his story on social media as they tried to bring him back home.
Then about three months ago, the elusive dog finally was spotted near the town of Spring Hope. And on March 19, someone called Rocky Mount officials about a pup believed to be injured. The pup, later identified as Kaz, was dirty but otherwise OK.
“Kaz quickly became a shelter favorite upon his arrival at the Rocky Mount Animal Services Unit,” Barnhill wrote. “He is affectionate yet curious and always made his presence known. His energetic and friendly demeanor earned him plenty of attention from staff, which he eagerly welcomed.”
But Kaz’s stay at the shelter didn’t last long. Soon, the Shearins saw his picture online, leading to the “emotional” reunion.
“For us at the Rocky Mount Animal Services Unit, this experience served as a powerful reminder of why we do this job,” Barnhill said. “Witnessing the reunion of a pet and their family, especially after years apart, is a truly heartwarming moment.”
McClatchy News reached out to one of Kaz’s owners on March 27 and is awaiting a response.
This story was originally published March 28, 2025 at 11:48 AM with the headline "Family ‘never stopped searching’ for lost dog. 3 years later, a ‘heartwarming’ reunion."
