Missing dog found, one year after disappearance

MESA, Ariz. (KSAZ) - A dog that has been missing for a year has been found, and he is reunited with his owner, thanks to a microchip.

It started with an act of kindness.

"She told me that she had been feeding a dog in this field for about six months," said Elli Smith with Sky Sanctuary Rescue.

"I will help any dog!" said Liz.

Liz, however, knew it was time for Mickey to go, so she reached out to Smith. Smith and her daughter spent eight hours in a stakeout to try and trip Mickey.

"Microchips are even better now," said RJ Gonzalez, whose family owns the dog. "This is 13 years ago."

The emotional reunion of Mickey and Gonzalez's family happened a week ago. Gonzalez said his mother didn't really believe that it was happening.

"She thought that it was a prank," Smith recounted. "And then I was sending her pictures while I was on the phone with her, and in that moment, she was like 'oh my god, it's really him!'"

"It's definitely an eye-opener," said Gonzalez. "A happy moment."