AUMSVILLE, OR (KPTV) -
Since she was just 6 months old, Sara was a part of the Riccitti family. Along for every hike, the border collie mix even carried supplies.
"She was an awesome dog," said owner Kaitlyn Holkenbrink. "I loved her so much.
Sara played tug-of-war with all of the kids.
"She was one of the best dogs I've ever seen," said 7-year-old owner Conner Riccitti.
Conner says ‘was' because the dog ran away about three years ago while staying with some family friends in Aumsville.
"We put up fliers and contacted humane societies and vet clinics, but never found her after that," Kristin Riccitti said.
That is until this month, when Kristin Riccitti got a call from a small animal hospital in Kearns, UT - 830 miles away from Aumsville.
Sara had been found wandering in the base of a canyon.
"It was so unbelievable," Kristin Riccitti said. "I was in incredible shock. I didn't ask if the dog was healthy or anything. I just got her name and number and said, ‘Let me call my husband and see what we can work out.'"
The hospital was able to match Sara to her owners because the dog was microchipped. The new problem became getting Sara home. The Riccittis went to Facebook to try and organize a relay-caravan. Finally, some friends-of-friends agreed to bring Sara to Oregon.
She was reunited Sunday afternoon.
"She looks very healthy and well-loved and taken care of and I couldn't ask for more than that," Kristin Riccitti said.
Sara didn't just act like she remembered – she seemed eager to get back to all those tummy rubs, walks and tug-of-war.
As for how she got from Oregon to Utah in the first place, only Sara knows; and she isn't telling.
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