Unexpected Reunion

For nearly 12 years, Flor was a missing part of Vanessa Antonino’s life. Describing the relationship with her 15-year-old chihuahua, Antonino said, “Wherever we went, we were always together. It was me and her; she was my shadow.” Flor went missing on the North Side of Chicago all those years ago, prompting Antonino to spend months searching for her beloved companion, ultimately without success. Though she did not accept the loss, Antonino held hope, thinking someone might have provided Flor a better life.

A Shocking Discovery

The years of wondering about Flor’s fate ended on Tuesday when Antonino received an unexpected call from the Evanston Animal Shelter. “We have Flor,” a shelter volunteer informed her over the phone. Antonino recalled, “I just went crazy. I started crying, shaking …it had been so many years, but she made it back.”

Flor’s Journey

Flor was found in Gary, Indiana, after severe storms caused power outages and flooding. A construction worker from Louisiana, assisting with storm damage cleanup, discovered Flor “roaming the streets of Gary.” The worker brought her to Griffith Animal Control and Shelter, where they found a microchip in her ear. Despite the outdated chip lacking a current phone number, Microchip Hunters, a group dedicated to researching “dead-end microchips,” managed to find Flor’s connection.

A microchip can often capture detailed information behind the scenes.

Microchip Hunters contacted Evanston shelter’s canine director on Tuesday, revealing that Flor’s owner resided in Evanston. Volunteer Gillian Primavera drove to Gary the following evening to retrieve Flor, while another employee called Antonino with the extraordinary news.

Reunion With Family

Antonino expressed shock upon hearing Flor was still alive. “I could not believe it, and in a way, I kind of didn’t believe it until I saw her,” she said. Antonino and her four children, who were born after Flor went missing, drove together to retrieve her. Antonino described the reunion as tearful and long-awaited, noting, “She’s a big sister now.”

Flor’s Health Status

Flor appears to be in good health. Maddie Ratkowski, a veterinary student intern at Evanston Animal Shelter, remarked, “She looks remarkably well” for her age. Treatment for fleas, ticks, and deworming was conducted by Griffith Animal Shelter.

The Importance of Microchipping

While how Flor traveled from Chicago to Gary remains a mystery, her story highlights the importance of microchipping pets. Ratkowski emphasized that any stray found in Evanston is scanned for a microchip immediately. If found, the chances of reuniting with the owner increase significantly.