In a heartwarming tale of reunion, a pampered pooch named Princess has been returned to her family in Arizona after vanishing five and a half years ago. The Gonzales family had all but given up hope of ever seeing their beloved pomeranian again, until they received a surprise call from a local vet clinic last week.

The story of Princess' disappearance dates back to May 2018, when the Gonzales family went out for brunch in downtown Phoenix to celebrate Mother's Day. Princess, a four-pound pomeranian who was known for her extravagant fashion choices and bedazzled collars, accompanied them wherever they went. However, while the family was inside a bar getting drinks, Princess disappeared, causing panic among the family members.

Daisy Gonzales, who was inside the bar at the time, recalls her mother rushing in, frantic, as they couldn't locate Princess. The family suspected that the adorable little dog had been stolen, and they immediately started their search efforts. They put up posters around town, reached out on social media platforms, visited every animal shelter, and even offered a reward. They believed that Princess had been targeted because of her good looks, as small dogs are highly sought after.

Despite their relentless search, as time went on, the family began to lose hope of ever finding Princess. Daisy Gonzales confessed that she thought her furry friend was gone forever, stating, "She was part of the family. She went with us everywhere. My parents took her to the casino. I took her to the movies and dinner. We were all devastated."

However, on the 7th of November, the Gonzales family received an unexpected call from a local vet clinic in Suprise. The clinic had scanned Princess' microchip and discovered her true identity. Overwhelmed with joy, Daisy Gonzales immediately called her mother to share the incredible news. She admitted to having lost hope after a few years, but her mother always held on to the belief that they would be reunited with Princess one day. The reunion left Daisy at a loss for words.

Apart from some dental problems, Princess is said to be doing well and is now a happy dog. The Gonzales family credits Princess' microchip for her safe return. The circumstances surrounding how Princess ended up at the clinic remain uncertain, although a good samaritan is said to have brought her in. The family is overjoyed to have their now nine-year-old pomeranian back, and they have wasted no time in dressing her up in her favorite clothes and custom collar, which they had kept all this time.

Sadly, the theft of dogs is a common occurrence, with approximately two million dogs stolen each year in the US, according to the World Animal Foundation. These stolen pets are often trafficked for profit, with more desirable breeds fetching higher prices. Some dogs are sold to puppy mills for breeding purposes, while others are trained as fighting dogs or even sold to animal testing laboratories.

The heartwarming story of Princess' return serves as a reminder of the importance of microchipping pets, as it can greatly increase the chances of reuniting lost or stolen animals with their families. The Gonzales family hopes that their story will inspire others to take precautions and ensure the safety of their beloved pets.