Humane Societies Work Together, Cross Six States to Reunite Dog with Family

Through the work of several organizations, nine-year-old Bailey was reunited with his family — six states away. Photo courtesy: Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County.

Submitted by Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County

“Humane Societies always work hard and do good work. When they work together, miracles happen,” Marcie Cornell, Executive Director of the Lenawee Humane Society in Adrian, Michigan, said. 

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Bailey is happy to be back home with his family. Photo courtesy: Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County.

On the morning of August 25, Cornell placed a call to the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County to see if the shelter could help nine-year-old Shepherd mix Bailey make her way across the country to get back home. The dog had been at the Michigan Humane Society, separated from her owner. When Cornell found out that Bailey’s home base was in Tacoma, Wash., she immediately mobilized staff and volunteers to get the dog back home. 

With the help of Paws N Pilots Pet Rescue Services, Bailey was flown to Tacoma Narrows Airport in Gig Harbor. There she was met by the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County’s “Tail Wagon,” and delivered to the doorstep of 80-year-old Joyce Wild.

Wrought with emotion, the Wilds finally had their Bailey back after a 2,247 mile-long journey.