Just seeing this, what a story!! Is it possible that at the time, a vet suggested Armani be PTS because of the injuries, and someone decided not to do this and just took Armani home with him? I mean it sounds like he definitely had some serious injuries, broken leg and throat injury. Anyways, I’m so happy he has been reunited with you, and I hope they can get to the bottom of this. Yahoo for microchips!

It happened to me and Harley...my first shar-pei. This was before microchips, 1993. A so called "vet tech" sold Harley for 1000.00 to a couple after he rehabilitated him. I was given his ashes in a vase! Fortunately they brought Harley to my vet, as they lived in the same town. Because there was no actual proof( my vet knew), as i did not have dna on record with the akc, and no microchip, i paid the family the 1000.00 they paid for him, and he came home. It was horrible for them also, as they lived with him for almost a year. I was one of the few, very lucky ones. They visited once a month until his passing last year...
I hunted that guy down for a year to no avail. i still do a check once and a while to see if something comes up. he pretty much disappeared. How many shelters do back ground checks on their volunteers anyway?
This stuff happens all the time. We focus on puppy mills... what about the greedy folks who infiltrate good hearted operations and prey on the naive and unknowing?
Wont happen to me again.

It so shocking because it so easy to get a rehomed dog for so much less. Sure puppies are still expensive, but there are so many dogs in need of homes. I guess this is another reason to check out who you are buying the dog from. So glad you got your baby back.

Its not my desire to take away from this happy ending at all. Im really happy. Just food for thought. That was a long time ago, and ive learned a great deal since them...well, ive learned to be skeptical anyway(ha); skeptical for good or bad im not sure

Sickening, totally and completely sickening!! What the heck is wrong with people???

The chip only contains a chip number. When the number is scanned, the vet (or animal shelter) can then get in touch with the company that produced the chip and maintains the registry to find out the owner's information.

Depends on your chip.. and there are many. Do your research.
My chip has my contact info, my vets contact info, and if i choose, any other pertinent info.
Some chips require you to subscribe to a service in which the service keeps your babies info on file, and cross referenced by a number. Either way, if the system is used, the chip helps make things more complicated for those who are not so honest.

Normal chipping procedure
" An enrollment form is completed with the chip number, the pet owner's contact information, the name and description of the pet, the shelter's and/or veterinarian's contact information, and an alternate emergency contact designated by the pet owner. (Some shelters or vets, however, choose to designate themselves as the primary contact, and take the responsibility of contacting the owner directly. This allows them to be kept informed about possible problems with the animals they place.) The form is then sent to a registry keeper to be entered into its database. Depending on regional custom, selected chip brand, and the pet owner's preference, this registry keeper might be the chip's manufacturer or distributor, or an independent provider. In some countries a single official national database may be used. After receiving a registration fee, the registry keeper typically provides a 24-hour, toll-free telephone service for pet recovery, good for the life of the pet. Some veterinarians do not complete the registration on the owner's behalf. In these situations, the owner must register the animal, usually through an online application. A failure to complete this step will lead to a pet whose chip can be read but whose owner cannot be contacted due to the lack of information associated to the chip's unique ID."

Gracie's chip has the phone number of the chip company and Gracie's chip ID info. The company is to be called and given the ID info and they contact me. They have a 24 hour call line. Obviously Armani had all his info available or they would not have been able to contact his owner.

I almost didn't get Gracie chipped since I have never lost a dog but after she started bolting out the front door at 5 months of age I decided to have it done when she was spayed. After reading this story I am so glad I did.

Im so happy for you, IM crying as I type, a miracle

[QUOTE=bodisat;3788843]Depends on your chip.. and there are many. Do your research.
My chip has my contact info, my vets contact info, and if i choose, any other pertinent info.
Some chips require you to subscribe to a service in which the service keeps your babies info on file, and cross referenced by a number. Either way, if the system is used, the chip helps make things more complicated for those who are not so honest.

Normal chipping procedure
" An enrollment form is completed with the chip number, the pet owner's contact information, the name and description of the pet, the shelter's and/or veterinarian's contact information, and an alternate emergency contact designated by the pet owner. (Some shelters or vets, however, choose to designate themselves as the primary contact, and take the responsibility of contacting the owner directly. This allows them to be kept informed about possible problems with the animals they place.) The form is then sent to a registry keeper to be entered into its database. Depending on regional custom, selected chip brand, and the pet owner's preference, this registry keeper might be the chip's manufacturer or distributor, or an independent provider. In some countries a single official national database may be used. After receiving a registration fee, the registry keeper typically provides a 24-hour, toll-free telephone service for pet recovery, good for the life of the pet. Some veterinarians do not complete the registration on the owner's behalf. In these situations, the owner must register the animal, usually through an online application. A failure to complete this step will lead to a pet whose chip can be read but whose owner cannot be contacted due to the lack of information associated to the chip's unique ID."[/QUOTE

My DH did not believe that we needed a microchip for our Brandy Girl because we live most of the year in a small town in Mexico. I know I could offer a $100 reward and we would get her back right away. However, in the U.S. we would not be so lucky. We spend 3 to 4 months of the year there so for Christmas I asked my DH to have her microchipped for my present and he obliged. Best Christmas present I have ever received and I pray I never have to use it.

My chip has all my info and any vet or Animal Services can scan and contact me. :) He is doing great I have another vet Appt for 2nd Opinion. :)

Thank you for the update! I am so happy for you and Armani. It thrills my heart that he has found his way home to you and your family.

Because of this thread I had Mina's chip checked Thursday when she was in for baby teeth extraction. I was standing there when she was scanned and they were able to tell me the number and all information connected to it.

Last year after the attempt on my Cali and reading all of the stuff about dogs being stolen, I sent a brief note to all of the vets in my area requesting that they scan every dog that comes into their offices/ clinics in an effort to address this issue. I got some interesting responses -- some good, some not so good, but at least I did it. May be time for another round of reminder cards....ummm

Thanks for the update! I think your wise to get a 2nd opinion

I will now be getting both of mine micro chipped because of this.thanks so much for sharing all of this ,the good and the bad.. How old is armani by the way?:aimeeyork:aimeeyork

Help me out here! I am trying to research this as you suggest, but I can't find any chip manufacturer that actually has anything on the chip other than the chip number and contact info for the registry service. One of my pups is not microchipped, and I would like to get it done at his next vet appointment, and if there is on that makes a chip that could contain my info, I would like to use that chip.

Who makes the chip that can hold this extra information? I can't find them anywhere online. The ones I find all rely on a registry to get the owner's info. Also, would this require a vet with special equipment? Because when they get the chips, they would only contain the basic info (chip #), since it isn't known what owner will end up with each chip. Once the chip is in a pet, there would be no way to add data to the chip. Or do you special order it from the manufacturer and have them put your info on the chip, then you have your vet insert the chip?

BTW, the information you quote on "normal chipping procedure" does not contradict what I said and does not indicate that owner info is located on a chip, it just says that the chip gets put into a database, or registry, with the owners info.

Any information you have on a chip with expanded info would be much appreciated, because I have done as you said (Do you research) and I simply cannot find a chip like you describe. I would like one, so if anyone can give me the brand name of theirs, I would be grateful.

Wikipedia does not even describe such a chip, they say when the chip is detected, one still has to call the registry to determine the owner: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microchip_implant_(animal) If you know of a chip where more information can be added to the basic chip data, you should go add this to the wikipedia article, it would be valuable information.

Thanks for the update Jeanette, glad to hear he's doing well, hope the next vet appointment for the second opinion goes well, would love to know how it goes.

Thank you for continuing to share this experience with us. Many prayers that your 2nd opinion will answer your remaining questions. Dogs (shhh, don't let on that I called our furbabies that ;) ) can be so resilient... they don't hold grudges, they let go and live life to the fullest. SO, SO, SO HAPPY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY :)

Wow, I am just now reading this thread and I'm just blown away! What a roller- coaster of emotion you've been through. It is indeed a miracle that your baby is home. Makes me enjoy every minute with my two just that much more! I hope your story gets the word out about things like this happening.

Welcome home Armani!

Thx so much for all you wonderful comments and wishes. I'll keep you all updated. He is doing great this weekend when my hubby came home he was in tears when he jumped on his lap he could not stop looking at him and hugging him. We are so blessed to have him back. We love u all!!

:heart to....

You have proved to me that 'Miracles' can and do happen :wub::hug:

That is so wonderful! I am so happy for you your hubby and your Yorkie babies! :D

I'm glad he is doing so well. I'll bet he didn't forget your hubby, either.:)

Such a happy reunion :-) I love happy endings :-)

Wow! What an amazing story. Congratulations to you and your family, together as it should be!

Praise God I am glad this story has a happy ending. Miracle for sure!! Hugs to you and your family! :D

Oh, I love hearing that! Little Armani can feel all that love and he knows he's back where he belongs now.

Hugs,
Bonny

Wow, what an amazing story.
I am so very happy for you and your family
and most of all Armani.
I guess we will never know what he went
through during that year he was missing but
he sure had a tiny little angel sitting on his shoulder
watching over him.
What a true miracle this is !

Sounds like lil Armani is a very happy lil boy!