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