Typically, the most harrowing part of an animal’s journey happens long before they reach our doors. And when they’re adopted, we say our bittersweet goodbyes, comforted by the belief that their hardest days are behind them. But for Alex the Great, there was still one more chapter to write. Luckily, it ends with a community coming together.

Just days after Alex went home with his new family, they were in a serious car accident. His adopters rushed to the hospital and, in the confusion and fear following the accident, Alex slipped out of the car and fled into the nearby woods.

Even after an exhausting day in the hospital, his adopters didn’t hesitate. They began searching immediately—posting to lost pet groups and canvassing the area near the accident. Community members spotted wandering dogs around town similar to Alex, sparking a flicker of hope, but it wasn’t him.

Our Community Solutions team stayed on high alert, keeping an eye on our lost pet reports and social media for any sightings of him. And then finally, something promising: a black-and-white spotted dog was seen in the Oakley area, just about a mile from where the accident happened.

Our team stayed in constant contact with Alex’s adopters, guiding them in real time as they walked the neighborhood, dropping pins in Google Maps to direct them to the most recent known location. And then, miraculously, they found him! Alex was safe—back in the arms of the family that already loved him. Together, his adopters, our team, and compassionate neighbors brought him home within 48 hours.

We don’t just help pets and people find each other—we help keep them together. From lost-and-found support, to affordable veterinary care, to training classes and essential pet-retention services, we’re here for families when they need us most.

But we can only do this work together. This holiday season, help us keep pets and the people who love them safe, supported, and together.