For more than two years, Steel was missing. 

His family never stopped hoping that one day they would see their beloved pup again. As the months turned into years, that hope became harder to hold onto, but they never forgot about him. 

Then, after 2½ years, everything changed. 

A good Samaritan found Steel running through the City of Reading and brought him to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County. Thankfully, Steel had one thing that would change the course of his story – a microchip. 

When ARL staff scanned Steel, they quickly identified his owner and began trying to make contact. Phone calls went unanswered, likely due to today’s spam call filters and unknown number settings. Fortunately, Steel’s microchip company also sent a text message notifying his owner that his dog had been found and was safe at the ARL. 

The message was almost too good to believe. 

But this reunion came with an incredible full-circle moment. 

Steel’s owner is an employee at Steve Moyer Subaru, a longtime supporter of the ARL through the Subaru Loves Pets initiative. For years, Steve Moyer Subaru has partnered with the ARL to support pet adoptions, vaccine and microchip clinics, and other lifesaving programs that strengthen the bond between people and their pets. 

Because of that relationship, Steel’s owner knew exactly who to contact. 

That morning, he was in touch with an ARL staff member he had come to know through the partnership. After confirming that the dog at the shelter was indeed Steel, plans were made for a reunion just a few hours later. 

The moment Steel saw his dad, there was no hesitation. He jumped, wiggled, and squealed, his excitement was unmistakable, and after 2½ years apart, he recognized the person he had never forgotten. 

Steel was found in good condition and is now safely back where he belongs – home. 

Steel’s story is a powerful reminder that something as simple as a microchip can mean the difference between a pet being lost forever and a family being made whole again. It’s also a testament to the power of community partnerships. Through Steve Moyer Subaru’s ongoing commitment to the ARL and the Subaru Loves Pets initiative, they’ve helped reunite countless families with their pets. This time, that impact came full circle when one of their own experienced the joy of bringing a beloved family member home. 

Sometimes the partnerships we build to help our community end up changing our own lives, too. 

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