OCALA, Fla. — Family Celebrates Dog’s Miraculous Return After 1,000-Mile Journey
A Marion County family is thrilled to have their missing dog, Apollo, back home after an incredible journey that took him over 1,000 miles to Long Island, New York. Apollo, a 13-year-old dog, went missing from his family’s home in April. After months of searching without success, the Joseys were shocked to discover this week that Apollo was found at a police station in Long Island.
On Friday, Apollo’s owner, Nicholas Josey, flew to New York to bring him back home. “I had no doubt the whole time he’d make it back home,” Josey told News 6. “It’s just mind-blowing he was already in New York. He went to New York before any of us.”
Upon his return to Ocala, Apollo wasted no time reintegrating into family life, greeting relatives and checking on his favorite toys. He was especially excited to reunite with the Joseys’ 1-year-old daughter and meet his newborn brother, Nicholas Jr., who was born while Apollo was missing.
“I can’t wait for those two to get acclimated with one another,” said Vera Josey. “We’ll get back to the routine of saying, ‘Come on Apollo, we’ve gotta do this,’ and he’d tap tap tap.”
While Apollo is home, the family is still trying to understand how he made it to New York. They believe a social media post showing a dog that looks like Apollo could help identify the person who took him after he disappeared.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has stated that they did not have evidence of a crime at the time but would investigate if further information arises. The Joseys plan to share their findings with investigators.
For now, the family is focusing on celebrating Apollo’s return, especially with his 14th birthday approaching in August. “He’ll have a party,” Vera Josey said. “We’ll do a party.”
