Husky Missing for 7 Years Reunited with Owners

Microchip helps shelter locate long-lost dog's family

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A husky named Bentley who had been missing for seven years was recently reunited with his owners in New Mexico, thanks to the microchip implanted in him. The heartwarming reunion was captured on video, showing Bentley instantly recognizing and running into the arms of his overjoyed owners.

Why it matters

This story highlights the importance of microchipping pets, as it can help reunite lost animals with their families even after many years. It also showcases the dedication of animal shelters and good Samaritans in caring for stray pets and going the extra mile to find their rightful owners.

The details

Bentley, a husky, went missing seven years ago from his home in New Mexico. Recently, a good Samaritan named Lawrence found Bentley and brought him to the Española Humane shelter. The staff scanned Bentley for a microchip and were able to locate his owners, Erica and her family, who had been searching for him all this time. When Bentley saw his owners, he immediately recognized them and ran straight into their arms, covering Erica's face in kisses as she cried tears of joy.

  • Bentley went missing 7 years ago.
  • Bentley was recently brought to the Española Humane shelter by a good Samaritan.

The players

Bentley

A husky dog who had been missing for 7 years before being reunited with his owners.

Erica

Bentley's owner who had been searching for him for 7 years.

Lawrence

A good Samaritan who found Bentley and brought him to the Española Humane shelter.

Española Humane

An animal shelter in New Mexico that reunited Bentley with his owners.

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What they’re saying

“As we understand it, Bentley's road home began with a Good Samaritan named Lawrence who quietly looks out for the dogs no one else does. A very senior veteran, he's spent years feeding the roaming street dogs in his neighborhood.”

— Mattie Allen, Director of Communications, Española Humane (Newsweek)

“When his own health took a turn—resulting in an amputation—his biggest concern wasn't himself, but Bentley. He'd grown fond of the big, gentle floof and wanted to be sure he was safe.”

— Mattie Allen, Director of Communications, Española Humane (Newsweek)

“Unfortunately, microchips often lead to silence—old numbers, disconnected lines, dead ends. Bentley's didn't. His family had kept his information updated for seven years. When Erica answered, she could hardly believe it and she came straight to the shelter.”

— Mattie Allen, Director of Communications, Española Humane (Newsweek)

What’s next

The Española Humane shelter is opening a new free spay/neuter clinic at the end of February that will serve the entire state of New Mexico, further emphasizing their commitment to pet welfare.

The takeaway

This heartwarming story underscores the importance of microchipping pets and keeping contact information up-to-date, as it can make the difference in reuniting lost animals with their loving families, even after many years. It also highlights the compassion of animal shelters and good Samaritans who go above and beyond to care for stray pets.