A small brown dog named Choco has become the center of an unbelievable real-life mystery, one that spans nearly five years and stretches across the entire country. Lost in California in 2021 and suddenly discovered in Detroit in 2025, Choco’s story is a powerful reminder of why microchipping pets truly matters.
When Choco first met the family
Choco first found his forever family in Antelope, California, when he was adopted in 2016. For years, he lived a normal, love-filled life, until May 2021, when he suddenly disappeared. His owner, Patricia, never stopped searching.
She clung to one hope: Choco had been microchipped. If he was ever found, she could be contacted.
A shocking discovery
Nearly 1,645 days after he went missing, Choco resurfaced, but nowhere near California.
In late November 2025, staff at a small shelter in Lincoln Park, Michigan, discovered the dog tied to their fence. He was scared, confused, and 2,289 miles from home.
A routine microchip scan revealed the surprise of a lifetime: this wasn’t a Detroit dog. He belonged to someone in California. When the shelter reached out, Patricia could hardly believe what she heard. Her missing dog had been found, just not in the right Lincoln.
How Choco got back home
Unsure how to get Choco back, Patricia posted on social media asking for advice. That’s when Helping Paws and Claws, a California-based animal welfare nonprofit, jumped in. The rescue community rallied behind Choco:
-A donor gifted airline miles so Choco could fly home for free
-Volunteers transported him from the Michigan shelter to the airport
-Others accompanied him during his flight
-Local Michigan businesses ensured he was healthy, groomed, and comfortable while waiting
After a long trip delayed by weather and flight issues, Choco finally landed in California on December 3, 2025.
A tearful reunion
Choco returned to a home that had grown while he was gone. Patricia now had two children, and the once-young pup, now sporting some grey fur, gently eased back into family life. He quickly made up for five years’ worth of missed cuddles.
