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Microchip Helps Family Get Back Lost Dog 5 Years Later

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Nearly six years after losing their dog – and moving to a new town – a Homewood family has been reunited with their pet, thanks to its microchip ID tag.

Five-and-a-half years after their German Shepherd, Sherah, disappeared from Gerald and Jennifer Smith's back yard, she was back with her owners.

Recently, Sherah was found running loose in Kankakee, and taken to Kankakee Animal Control. Director Julie Boudreau said staffers discovered an implanted microchip.

Officials traced the microchip to the Smiths, who had moved from Chicago to Homewood. After a weeklong wait, they were able to reclaim Sherah.

"They didn't know how she would react to them, and she was very happy to see them. You know, we always wonder that; if I was separated from my pet, would they remember me? I mean, she was a happy dog, but I kind of think she did," Boudreau said.

She said Sherah's story is an example of the importance of getting microchip IDs for pets.

"It gives these animals a voice to get back to their rightful owners," she said.

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