Tyson the pug goes home after 5 years away
Dog reunited with owner after being taken from a Calgary supermarket in 2010
It took Tyson the pug five years to get home, but he's finally been reunited with his rightful owner.
"I'm still in shock right now," said Justine Holmlund from her home in Thunder Bay, Ont.
She was reunited with the pooch on Saturday, marking the end of many years of searching for her stolen companion.
Someone took Tyson in 2010 from in front of a Calgary supermarket, where he was tied up. Holmlund says she put up posters, offered a reward and contacted shelters. She would later move out of the province, and says she almost gave up hope.
"It's been tough," she said of her fight to find Tyson over the last five years.
Pug found near Crossfield
He was found by a resident in the Crossfield area, and was later taken in by Giovanna Carabella.
The dog lover, who rescues pugs, found Tyson and took him to a veterinarian clinic. The dog's ear tattoo helped Carabella track down Holmlund, who then travelled to Alberta.
"He was kind of squeaking and squealing and finally I gave Tyson to her," she said of the reunion at the Calgary airport. "He was kissing her and licking her face, and she was crying. It was such an amazing reunion."
Holmlund said she was overwhelmed, but happy to see the pug.
"Last time I had him he was three, so he was an energetic little puppy," she said. "He's exactly the same, but an old man pug now — so a lot more calmer."
Investigation underway
A criminal investigation into the matter is still underway. Holmlund says while she would like to see justice, but she is just glad to have Tyson back home.
Airdrie RCMP are working with Calgary police to find out what happened.
"Tyson was reported to be in good health and wiggling his tail when re-united with its owner," said Staff Sgt. Chad Fournier in a press release.
"It is always heartwarming to hear that kind of story."
