For most people, losing a pet is unimaginable. When a pet gets lost, it’s hard to sleep or eat, worrying about whether the dog or cat is even alive. One man lost his beloved dog and then was forced to move. Even two years later, he continued to think about his best friend.
12. Dog Escape
Image: Buzztube
Bill Ballato was living in Rhode Island when his beloved dog Bosco escaped from the yard. Ballato was not in the best of health, but he continued to look for Bosco everywhere he could think. He put up flyers around the neighborhood and asked people to look out for the dog. Sadly, no one saw him.
11. Time to Move
Image: Buzztube
Bosco was a loyal companion and Ballato hated the idea of moving without his dog, but he had no choice. He had to move out of state. This time he had a feeling he would never see Bosco again. That doesn’t mean he stopped thinking about him, though. “There were nights, horrible nights that I wondered, especially after big storms. But something told me that he’d make it.”
10. Two Years Later
Image: Buzztube
Ballato had settled in Colorado and had resumed his life when two years later, he got a most unexpected phone call. He had a friend who was a police officer, and she was calling to tell him that unbelievably, she thought she had seen Bosco. Ballato couldn’t believe it.
9. Could It Be True?
Image: Buzztube
The officer connected with a volunteer named Sheila Graham who volunteers with Missing Dogs of Massachusetts. Together, they decided that they could catch the dog. Graham is an old hand at saving dogs and she knew it would be a challenge, but she bet on herself.
8. A Chess Game
Image: Buzztube
Graham has helped reunite many people with their pets. She had to work at it, but finally Bosco was caught. “Bosco played a good game of chess. But I love chess, so it’s just a matter of narrowing down his playing field.”
7. A Long Trip
Image: Buzztube
To reunite Ballato with ihs dog it would take a 2,000-mile drive from Rhode Island to Colorado. But Ballato was disabled and couldn’t make such a trip. Thankfully, Graham came to the rescue again. She decided to drive the dog to reunite with his owner.
6. Grateful
Image: Buzztube
Ballato simply couldn’t believe that Graham would do such a selfless act. He wanted to give her reward money, but he was on a restricted income. Graham said that didn’t matter; seeing man and dog reunited was the only reward she needed. “That’s the reward. It makes the 36 hours in a car worth it.”
5. Word Spread
Image: Buzztube
Word spread quickly about Bosco and Ballato. Graham’s friends decided to pitch in and make a GoFundMe account to cover the costs of the trip. Graham explained her decision. “Hi, everyone; so happy to have been able to assist … It was the right thing to do all around. Safety first. This was a huge group effort from the start … An amazing group of friends, animal lovers, strangers, etc. all wanting one thing. To get Bosco back home to his dad and 2 fur brothers.”
4. Many Thanks
Image: Buzztube
Bosco also needed some medical help, and many strangers decided to fund his treatment. “Thank you to each and every one of you. Those who assisted behind the scenes, during the transport, and raising the funds to care for Bosco’s surgery (first and foremost) …” Thankfully, Bosco made it through okay.
3. A 2,000-mile Trip
Image: Buzztube
Graham was undaunted by the bad weather on the trip.“It was an amazing trip, weather tried to stop us, and it was nasty. Nothing could stop our determination to bring him home … Thanks again for everything … To keep up to date with Bosco’s continued journey, be sure to visit him on FB – Bosco’s Journey Home.”
2. Bosco’s Journey Home
Image: Buzztube
The Facebook group kept track of Bosco and Graham while they were on the road.Ballato was overjoyed to reunite with his dog. He now is very careful when he lets Bosco go outside, because he never wants to be separated from the dog again.
1. Happily Ever After
Image: Buzztube
Those who love animals can keep up with Bosco’s new life on his Facebook page. Graham and Ballato are now friends, and Ballato enjoys every minute with his beloved pet. If you were moved by Ballato and Bosco’s story, volunteer to help save animals lives!