In a somber turn of events, Minion, the senior Bichon Frise who made headlines by reuniting with his family after being missing for 12 years, has passed away. Minion, at the age of 15, was already in the twilight years of his life, but the news still brings a mixture of emotions for his family. This comes only weeks after the heartwarming reunion that had captured hearts worldwide.
Owner Skip Crandall expressed, “It was great to get Minion back for the short time we had him. Even though we missed out on much of his life, it was special for us to have him at the beginning and the end.”
Minion’s passing was attributed to complications arising from anesthesia during a necessary dental procedure.
Minion’s story had been nothing short of remarkable. In August, he was discovered by Maricopa County Animal Care & Control, appearing “a little shy and kind of sad,” never wagging his tail. The shelter was astounded to find through a microchip that he had a family and had been missing for over a decade. The family recounted how Minion vanished in 2011 when a maintenance worker inadvertently left their back gate open.
An officer from the shelter facilitated Minion’s return to his long-lost family. Despite the extensive passage of time, it was evident that the 15-year-old dog recognized his family. He rushed toward them, tail wagging vigorously, an act he hadn’t done before. The shelter referred to this heartwarming moment as the “reunion of a lifetime.”
Photographs painted the stark contrast in time. In one image from 2011, the family’s son, a child, held Minion as a puppy. In the reunion photo, the same son, now a grown man, cradled the elderly dog.
Although Minion’s departure arrived swiftly after his homecoming, he had a few weeks to reconnect with his original family and bond with their other dogs. It’s as though Minion held on just long enough to see his family once more. After finally making it back home, he was seemingly content and ready to find peace. The family chose to lay Minion to rest in their backyard, ensuring he would forever remain with them.
Rest in peace, dear Minion. It is heart-wrenching to say goodbye, but we take solace in the fact that you were able to reunite with your family after so many years. 💔❤️
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