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Downey, CA… Mirna Jauregui of Bellflower has
had quite an emotional Spring and Summer 2006. First, she lost her
49 year-old husband to cancer in July, then lost her newly adopted
dog when the roofers working on her house left the yard gate open
two weeks ago, in late August. Mrs. Jauregui has three children; 2
sons (eight and five years-old) and a daughter who is 22 years-old.
The journey to SEAACA began in April of 2006
when her boys begged her for a dog. Her husband, although very ill,
insisted that they begin their search for a family dog to make their
kids happy. After several trips to find just the right dog, “Max”, a
four-month old male, Cocker Spaniel Mix, caught their eye so they
put their name on his impound card as interested adopters. After the
mandatory five-day holding period the Jauregui’s arrived at SEAACA
and were given the good news that “Max” was going home with them.
Part of the cost of adoption was the AVID microchip implanted by
SEAACA between the dog’s shoulder blades. It was this tiny microchip
that brought “Max” back home from a trip to Northern California last
weekend.
According to Jauregui, roofers were working at
her house roughly two weeks ago. She noticed that “Max” was missing
and she searched the neighborhood and the SEAACA shelter. No
luck…”Max” was nowhere to be found. Her young boys, who recently
lost their father, had grown very attached to “Max” and were
distraught.
Last Saturday, September 2nd 2006, SEAACA’s
Licensing Department was buzzing away as usual when the phone rang
with a woman from Sacramento who told the clerk that she had a sweet
black dog registered to SEAACA. The woman, who identified herself as
Joy, stated the dog was found running loose and had a microchip.
SEAACA’s clerk took the information and checked the agency database.
Mrs. Jauregui’s information was retrieved and she was called right
away. After a few standard questions it was determined that Jauregui
was the legal owner, and had adopted the dog recently from SEAACA.
Jauregui was elated and made plans to drive up to Sacramento on
Sunday morning to pick up “Max.” She made the drive and was
re-united with her four-legged friend who immediately recognized
her, her boys, grandson, daughter and son-in-law, who all made the
journey up North together to bring “Max” home.
Mrs. Jauregui shared with SEAACA staff a story
about how “Max” had already scared off a potential burglar recently
that was in her backyard one night. She said that she knows that
“Max” was meant to protect the family and help heal the grief from
the loss of her husband.
SEAACA staff is elated that “Max” is home, yet
still confused at how he made the over 400 mile trek to the State’s
Capitol. “We’re fairly certain he was driven up there since the pads
on his paws are in great shape”, said Aaron Reyes, director of
operation for SEAACA. “Max is a real sweetheart and we’re so glad
(for all involved) that he’s back home now,” stated Reyes. “We
encourage everyone to microchip their cats and dogs, as it is the
best way home should they become lost…and the $25.00 fee is quite
the bargain,” exclaimed Reyes. “Max” is another fine example that
micro chipping works!
Contact Information:
Mirna Jauregui – 562.964.3957
Joy – 916.531.4499
Jpeg photos available by contacting
aaron@seaaca.org
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Animal
Law Enforcement & Rescue
