Eight years after losing his beloved dog Damion, Paul Guilbeault's emotional reunion with his long-lost friend has captivated hearts across the nation. The unexpected turn of events is not just a story of reunion; it’s about love, hope, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their pets.
Guilbeault, a local photographer, fondly remembers the day Damion, his miniature Doberman Pinscher, ran off during their trip from Massachusetts to Arizona. It was back in 2017 when they made a pit stop at a rest area near Oklahoma City. “The dog got spooked, jumped off his leash, and disappeared,” Guilbeault recounted. This moment marked the beginning of his challenging eight-year search.
Although Guilbeault's family stayed at the rest stop for another week, they found no trace of the dog. “It was devastating—that dog got me through a lot of emotional things, family issues and whatnot, just being there for me as a companion,” he told ABC News. Damion had been more than just a pet to Guilbeault; he had been his confidant, his support, and losing him felt like losing part of himself.
Guilbeault never gave up hope. He regularly posted Damion's picture on social media and kept the search alive, but as years went by, the hope began to dwindle. “Eventually it got to the point where just seeing his missing poster hurt too much,” he admitted. He had even prepared for the worst, speculating if his dog had been lost to the wild—perhaps even becoming food for the mountain lion they encountered during the search.
Fast forward to January 2025, as Guilbeault and his husband Julian were on their way to California to donate supplies to wildfire victims, they received the call of a lifetime. An unknown number had been persistent, and after some hesitation, Guilbeault decided to check the message. His heart raced as his Apple Watch previewed the text: "Your dog, Damian, has been found." Initially skeptical, he couldn’t believe the news had finally arrived.
The call turned out to be from Rick Chambers, who had found Damion wandering near his home. The dog, though skinny and older, had survived. Chambers took Damion to find help, and after scanning for a microchip, the veterinary clinic revealed his rightful owner. It was Guilbeault—and the realization immediately ignited endless questions and emotions.
Without wasting any time, Guilbeault and Julian embarked on the grueling 14-hour drive back to Oklahoma City. Upon arrival, the moment they had both longed for was finally at hand. The reunion scene was overflowing with emotion; the now older Damion recognized Guilbeault instantly, tail wagging furiously, manifesting undeniable signs of joy and recognition.
“The whole time he was in my husband’s lap, curled up in a ball, and he would turn his head back, looking at me driving, and just have this giant smile,” Guilbeault reminisced about the emotional reunion. Although noticeably older and less spry, resembling more of a Chihuahua than the Doberman he once was, Damion's spirit remained unbroken.
Days turned to weeks after the reunion, and the duo has since been inseparable. They visit the park daily, where Damion shows his delight by settling comfortably on Guilbeault’s lap. “Every time I get up to leave the room, he’s just like, ‘OK, where are you going now?’” Guilbeault shared, eyes glistening with gratitude.
Expressing his appreciation, Guilbeault also became adamant about advocating for pet microchipping. “Microchip your pets!” he stressed, urging all pet owners to take this preventive measure. His heartfelt plea reflects not only his deep-seated love for Damion but also his desire to spare others the heartache he faced for years.
While the years of anguish are now behind Guillbeault and Damion, their story serves as a reminder of hope. Their reunion embodies the remarkable connection between humans and their furry companions, reassuring us all of the love and loyalty pets hold within their hearts.