In March 2021, the heartbreaking disappearance of Panda and his sister Nala during playtime in their Colorado backyard left their family in anguish. Despite exhaustive efforts, only Nala returned the next morning, leaving Panda nowhere to be found.

Diana Luna Torres, Panda’s mother, shared with The Dodo the family’s relentless search through flyers, social media appeals, and neighborhood canvassing. Despite receiving pictures from well-meaning individuals claiming to have found him, Panda remained elusive.

The passage of two years did not diminish the hope within Panda’s family. Their persistence paid off when Panda was discovered in Kansas by the Helping Hands Humane Society, unaware of his loving family searching for him.

Unfortunately, Panda’s absence had taken a toll, causing him to become extremely fearful upon arriving at the shelter. It took a week for the shelter staff to gain his trust, scan him for a microchip, and contact his family.

The call confirming Panda’s identity was an overwhelming moment for Torres. The family’s initial concern was for his well-being, considering the shelter mentioned he wasn’t being friendly and might be different from their memories.

The journey from Colorado to Kansas was filled with hope and excitement as Panda’s family eagerly anticipated reuniting with their beloved dog. Approaching his kennel, Panda, who had been barking at staff, underwent a remarkable transformation. He whimpered with delight, wagging his tail fervently, and leaped into his family’s arms, showcasing just how much he had missed them during the past two years.

Tears filled everyone’s eyes as Panda’s fear instantly melted away, and he reverted to his joyful self. Back in Colorado, Panda seamlessly settled back into his daily routine, as if the two years of separation had never occurred.

“He’s doing really well now,” Torres expressed. “It feels like he was never gone. Everything is exactly as it was when he left, so I think his readjustment was relatively smooth.”

Panda’s family never gave up hope, and it’s evident that Panda, too, held onto hope, making his emotional reunion with his family a heartwarming testament to resilience and enduring love.