Years Lost, Melancholic Dog Brightens as She Recognizes Her Dad

When Pakita was initially rescued and brought to a shelter in Argentina, it was clear that she was in a state of distress. Despite the best efforts of the shelter volunteers, Pakita remained closed off and unresponsive. She showed no interest in playing, wagging her tail, or even smiling. It seemed that nothing could bring back her happiness.

The shelter made diligent efforts to find a forever home for this special dog who desperately needed love and care. However, the process was challenging. Pakita’s age, being an adult, posed a significant obstacle as adult dogs are generally more difficult to adopt compared to puppies and young animals.

“People tend to lean towards puppies,” Silvia Ferreyra explained to The Dodo. “So, she stayed with us for two years.”

Adding to the challenge, the shelter struggled to capture a decent photograph of Pakita due to her perpetually gloomy appearance. This made it even harder to generate interest in her.

One of the shelter staff members decided to foster Pakita, hoping that a change in environment would help her open up and feel more at ease. Being away from the busy and noisy shelter, with constant human and animal presence, might alleviate some of her unhappiness. However, this attempt proved unsuccessful, and Pakita remained the unhappy dog she had been all along.

Photo: YouTube/The Dodo

Eventually, Silvia began to believe that Pakita’s immense unhappiness stemmed from missing the people she used to live with. With one last effort, she decided to post a photo of Pakita online, hoping to connect with her previous owners.

To everyone’s surprise, the strategy bore fruit. “We received an immediate message from a woman claiming that the dog belonged to her son and that he had been searching for her!” Silvia exclaimed.

The video captures the emotional reunion between the woman’s son, Ariel Naveira, and his long-lost dog, Pakita. For the past two years, Ariel had been tirelessly searching for his dear companion, and his efforts led him straight to the shelter where she was discovered.

With cameras rolling, the shelter staff documented the heartfelt moment when Ariel and Pakita were brought face to face. At first glance, it appeared that Pakita had no recollection of this man who held such significance in her life. Yet, as her handler guided her closer and Ariel humbly crouched down, allowing her to take in his familiar scent, her recognition was instant.

Reflecting on the experience, Ariel reminisces, “It was a spectacle to behold. The loss of Pakita had left me desolate, but her return was an absolute marvel. Language fails to capture the profundity of that moment.