Happy ending for family who never gave up looking for dog who vanished three years ago

After three long years of tireless searching and unwavering hope, a North Carolina couples journey to finding their missing dog ended in a heartwarming reunion.

Jonathan Shearin and his wife had been searching for their beloved canine companion, Kaz, for about three years, after he broke loose and escaped their home in Louisburg. 

Though heartbroken, the distraught couple never gave up hope while searching for their lost pet, even turning to social media to share his story, hoping to bring him back home. 

About three months ago, the long-haired, tan-and-black Husky was spotted near the town of Spring Hope - 18 miles from the Shearin family home - but was unable to be corralled.

Still on the run, the elusive dog was spotted once again on March 19, as a worried passer-by notified Rocky Mount officials about a pup they believed to be injured. 

The canine, later identified as Kaz, was eventually brought into a nearby shelter where staff determined he was dirty but otherwise OK, according to officials.

While at the shelter, Kaz quickly became a shelter favorite, Derek Barnhill, City of Rocky Mount Animal Control Supervisor, told McClatchy News. 

Jonathan Shearin and his wife (pictured) had been searching for their beloved canine companion, Kaz, for about three years, after he broke loose and escaped their home in Louisburg

About three months ago, the long-haired, tan-and-black Husky was spotted near the town of Spring Hope - 18 miles from the Shearin family home - but was unable to be corralled

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, Barnhill added.

However, Kazs shelter stay was short-lived as the Shearins unrelenting online search finally led them to their long-lost furred-friend. 

For all this time, his family never stopped searching, the Rocky Mount Police Department wrote on Tuesday in a celebratory Facebook post.

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, the post continued.

It was finally time for Kaz to be reunited with his loved ones.

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.

Barnhill suspects it was Kazs Husky-like instincts that allowed him to escape three years ago, however it is unclear how the animal truly broke loose.

Huskies are well known for their intelligence, high energy levels, and independent nature, often earning the reputation of being "escape artists," Barnhill said.

Kaz is now settling back into his home in Louisburg, a roughly 30-mile drive northeast from Raleigh and about 35 miles from where their he eventually ended up in Rocky Mount. Pictured: The Shearins alongside members of the Rocky Mount Police and staff at the Rocky Mount Animal Shelter

For all this time, his family never stopped searching, the Rocky Mount Police Department wrote on Tuesday in a celebratory Facebook post

These traits can lead them to find creative ways to leave their homes and wander. In Kazs case, this is exactly what happened.

The animal control specialist added that it is rare to see reunions like this after so much time has passed.

My team and I were overwhelmed with joy, he said, adding, while we reunite animals with their owners daily, it is rare to see a reunion after such a long period.

Kaz is now settling back into his home in Louisburg, a roughly 30-mile drive northeast from Raleigh and about 35 miles from where their he eventually ended up in Rocky Mount.