For nearly 12 years, Flor was the missing piece in Vanessa Antonino’s life. Antonino describes Flor, her 15-year-old chihuahua, as her constant companion, referring to her as a shadow always by her side. Flor went missing on the North Side of Chicago years ago, and despite Antonino’s dedicated search efforts, she was unable to find her beloved dog.
Antonino explained that although she never really accepted Flor’s disappearance, she hoped that perhaps someone else had taken Flor in and provided her with a good home. Her years of concern about Flor’s fate ended unexpectedly when she received a call from the Evanston Animal Shelter. A volunteer informed her, “We have Flor.” Antonino was overwhelmed and emotional, expressing disbelief and joy upon hearing the news.
Flor was found in Gary, Indiana, following severe storms that caused power outages, property damage, and flooding. Antonino, now residing in Evanston, was reunited tearfully with Flor, who was brought back from Gary to Evanston on August 26.
Maddie Ratkowski, a veterinary student intern at Evanston Animal Shelter, shared with Pioneer Press how the chihuahua was discovered roaming the streets of Gary. A construction worker from Louisiana, involved in storm damage cleanup, found Flor and took her to Griffith Animal Control and Shelter. There, they discovered a small microchip in Flor’s ear.
Although the chip was outdated and lacked a current phone number, Griffith Animal Control reached out to Microchip Hunters. This group of volunteers specializes in investigating dead-end microchips to reunite pets with their owners. Ratkowski emphasized the importance of microchips, noting the wealth of background information they provide, including details of the implant facility and the chip’s sale.
Microchip Hunters informed Evanston shelter’s canine director on Tuesday about Flor’s discovery in Gary and her owner’s current residence in Evanston. Evanston Animal Shelter promptly took action. Volunteer Gillian Primavera offered to drive to Gary to retrieve Flor, and another employee contacted Antonino with the extraordinary news.
Antonino initially struggled to believe Flor’s survival but became convinced only when she saw Flor. Vanessa and her four children, who were born after Flor went missing, gathered to pick up the dog in a long-anticipated reunion. Antonino described Flor as a ‘big sister’ now, with her children understanding Flor’s importance and excitedly anticipating her return.
Flor is reported to be in good health despite her long absence. Griffith Animal Shelter had conducted necessary treatments including flea, tick, and deworming care. The journey Flor took from Chicago to Gary is unknown, but Ratkowski highlighted the importance of microchipping pets. In Evanston, every found stray is scanned for a microchip. A chip significantly increases the chances of reuniting an animal with its rightful owner.
Leave a Reply