A German Shepherd missing for over a year will be reunited with his family for Christmas after being found 1,600 miles away.
Zeppelin, a three-year-old German shepherd mix, went missing in California, US, from his home in West Sacramento in October 2021.
Owner Sandra O’Neill was left distraught and believed the friendly dog, who is named after one of her favourite bands, Led Zeppelin, went over to some nearby construction workers to say hello.
Sandra believed one of the builders decided to take Zeppelin home, she told NPR : "He's a very outgoing, loving dog. So every day he'd go down there and either he'd come home on his own or I would go out to get him.
"I have no proof but I think somebody down there fell in love with him and took him home."
The family put out flyers and tried to raise awareness on social media but after 14 months there had been no sign of Zeppelin as the worse was feared for him.
However, thanks to a sudden call from an unnamed woman in Louisburg, Kansas, Sandra was told Zeppelin was in fact still alive.
The woman said she found him in her garden and had taken him to a nearby vet who used a microchip to see where he was from.
The microchip was able to trace him back 1,600 miles to California where he went missing over a year ago.
Sandra revealed she was stunned to receive the phone call, she said: “I was floored. Just shocked when they told me.”
Zeppelin is now on his way back to California for Christmas with his family and will be travelling by car, which he loves, according to his owner.
Sandra said: "I'm sure he's going to love every minute of it. He loves car ride. I am just so grateful for all of the good folks along the way who have helped in trying to get this puppy home to us."
There is also press conference lined-up for his return as he celebrates becoming a celebrity.
His owner added: "I can't wait to see him. We've missed him so much He was the best doggy daddy. He’s going to be so happy.”
