Have you ever felt lost? Maybe you were in a new city, or you couldn't find your way home. It’s a scary feeling, isn’t it? Imagine being a tiny dog, far from your family, with no idea where to go. This is the incredible true story of a little dog named **Buddy** and his amazing journey home.
Buddy wasn't always lost. He was a happy, playful dachshund living with his family in **New Mexico, USA**. One beautiful afternoon, Buddy was playing in his yard when something **startled** him. Maybe it was a loud noise, or perhaps he just got a little too curious. Whatever happened, Buddy **squeezed** under the fence and ran off. His family searched everywhere, calling his name, but Buddy was gone. Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. His family was **heartbroken**. They never stopped thinking about him, but they started to lose hope.
**Meanwhile**, Buddy was on an **incredible** adventure. We don't know all the details, but somehow, this small dog traveled a very long way. He must have walked for miles, probably **hitched rides**, and faced many **perils**. He might have been hungry, thirsty, and scared. But Buddy was a **survivor**.
After nearly two years, Buddy's journey brought him to a small town called **Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin**. This is a long, long way from New Mexico – over 1,500 miles! How did he get there? We can only guess. Maybe someone found him and took him along for part of the trip, or perhaps he snuck onto a truck or a train. It's truly a **mystery**.
In Sturgeon Bay, Buddy was found by a kind woman. He looked a little rough, but he was friendly. She took him to an animal shelter, hoping someone would **claim** him. At the shelter, they did something important: they scanned him for a **microchip**. Many pets have these tiny chips implanted under their skin, and they contain their owner's contact information.
And guess what? Buddy had a microchip! The shelter called the number, and soon, Buddy's family in New Mexico got **the most shocking and wonderful phone call of their lives**. After almost two years, their **beloved** Buddy had been found!
His family was **overjoyed**. They immediately arranged for a flight to bring Buddy home. Imagine the reunion! When Buddy saw his family again, his tail wagged furiously. He barked with excitement and licked their faces. It was a moment full of tears and happiness.
Buddy’s story reminds us of a few things. First, how important microchips are for pets. They truly can bring lost animals home. Second, it shows the incredible **resilience** of animals. Buddy faced so much on his journey but kept going. And finally, it's a heartwarming example of how much our pets mean to us. Even after two years, Buddy was still part of his family, and they never gave up hope of finding him.
So, the next time you see a lost animal, remember Buddy. A little kindness and a microchip can make all the difference in a stray's amazing journey home.
Vocabulary List
Here are 15 important words from the article that can help you understand it better. Try to guess their meaning from the story first, then check the definitions.
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Disoriented
Confused about where you are or what direction to go.Example: After spinning around for too long, she felt completely **disoriented**.
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Startled
Suddenly surprised or frightened.Example: The loud thunder **startled** the baby, and she cried.
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Squeezed
To fit or force something into a small space.Example: He **squeezed** through the crowded train doors.
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Heartbroken
Very sad and disappointed.Example: She was **heartbroken** when her favorite plant died.
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Meanwhile
At the same time.Example: He was studying for his exam; ** meanwhile**, his friends were playing outside.
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Incredible
Very difficult to believe; amazing.Example: The sunset over the ocean was an **incredible** sight.
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Hitch rides
To get free rides in other people's vehicles.Example: In college, he used to **hitch rides** to save money.
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Perils
Serious and immediate dangers.Example: Explorers often face many **perils** when venturing into unknown territories.
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Survivor
A person or animal who continues to live after an accident, illness, or difficult experience.Example: After the car crash, she was grateful to be a **survivor**.
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Mystery
Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain.Example: How the ancient pyramids were built is still a **mystery**.
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Claim
To say that something belongs to you.Example: No one came to **claim** the lost umbrella.
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Microchip
A tiny electronic device implanted under an animal's skin containing identification information.Example: The vet scanned the dog for a **microchip** to find its owner.
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Beloved
Much loved; dear.Example: She spent the day with her **beloved** grandparents.
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Overjoyed
Extremely happy.Example: They were **overjoyed** to hear the good news.
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Resilience
The ability to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.Example: Children often show amazing **resilience** after challenging times.
Comprehension Questions
Answer these questions about the article "From Lost to Found: A Stray Dog's Amazing Journey."
- Where did Buddy live with his family before he got **disoriented**, and what kind of dog was he?
- How long was Buddy lost before he was found, and in which state was he found?
- What important device did the animal shelter use to find Buddy's family?
- Why was Buddy's family described as "heartbroken" and then "overjoyed"?
- What are two things Buddy's story reminds us about, according to the article?
- How do you think Buddy survived all the **perils** of his long journey of over 1,500 miles? (This answer is not directly in the text; use your imagination based on the hints!)