A Las Vegas woman, Judith Monarrez, has been reunited with her dog nearly a decade after he first disappeared. Gizmo, her 2-year-old Chihuahua mix, went missing on February 3, 2015, after slipping out of her backyard and being spotted being put into a car. Despite efforts to find him, Gizmo remained missing until July 17, 2024, when he was recovered in Henderson, Nevada, and dropped off at an emergency veterinarian’s office. Gizmo’s microchip was scanned at the vet, alerting Monarrez that her beloved pet had been found.
When Gizmo was brought to the vet, he was in poor condition, with severely matted fur and overgrown, curled nails. He was having difficulty standing and walking, and possibly had neck fractures. Despite his physical state, Monarrez recognized Gizmo immediately by looking into his eyes and speaking his name. She described his return as “a miracle” and expressed gratitude for registering his microchip. A GoFundMe page was started to help cover the costs of Gizmo’s medical treatment, as he was found in rough shape with multiple infections and dental disease.
After being reunited with Monarrez, Gizmo is on the road to recovery and doing well. He is adjusting to being back home, finding his voice, and even barking at the doorbell for the first time since his return. His eye infection is responding well to treatment, and he is scheduled for a follow-up appointment to monitor his progress. Monarrez and her family are showering Gizmo with love and support, helping him heal after his long absence. The community has rallied around Gizmo, with the GoFundMe page raising more than double its initial goal in support of his recovery.
Microchipping pets is mandatory for all cats and dogs over 4 months old in Las Vegas, as of August 1. The microchip contains information about the pet’s owner and serves as a permanent form of identification. Failure to comply with microchipping regulations in Las Vegas may result in a misdemeanor charge and potential fines or imprisonment. Monarrez’s experience with Gizmo highlights the importance of microchipping pets, as it played a crucial role in reuniting them after nearly a decade apart. Fox News Digital reached out to Monarrez for updates on Gizmo’s recovery, and she expressed gratitude for the support and love they have received during this time.
