SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. (KOVR) – A missing dog from California finally made it home for the holidays on Wednesday five years after he disappeared.

Choco was found tied to a fence outside Detroit, more than 2,000 miles from where he went missing in Sacramento County.

The dog’s return is thanks to a microchip, a rescue group and a few generous strangers who stepped in to help.

“The owner kept searching for him, but could not find him,” Cindy, of Helping Paws and Claws, said.

Choco went missing from his home in Antelope in 2021. He turned up, of all places, in Michigan, tied to a fence near Detroit.

“He was sheltered at the Lincoln Park Animal Shelter,” Cindy said.

No one knows how Choco got there, more than 2,000 miles from home.

Choco’s rescue was possible due to his microchip, the dedicated California group, Helping Paws and Claws, and a stranger who donated her flying miles to fly the dog home.

“This is proof positive that microchipping works and this is why he’s coming home today,” Cindy added.

After a short drive home from the airport, Choco’s new life feels all too familiar.

Choco’s owner in Antelope, Patricia, had nearly given up hope and thought she would never see him again.

“I found out he is an escape artist,” Patricia said.

His family has grown, and with his return, is now complete.

“Extremely shocked,” Patricia said. “I called the number. He’s like, ‘Yes, he’s in Lincoln. You’re talking about Lincoln, California, right? No, Lincoln, Michigan.’”

The question Patricia and everyone else keeps asking the most is how in the world Choco became a nomadic traveler.

“Microchip your dogs, people,” Patricia said. “A story like mine can be your story next.”

It’s the perfect ending to a storybook tale and now Choco is home for the holidays.

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