Overview
- Briana Rideout found the Chihuahua mix, Penny, wandering in DeLand, posted flyers, knocked on doors and then brought her to the county shelter when no owner surfaced.
- Shelter staff scanned a microchip and contacted the Taylors, who drove about 10 hours from Mississippi to retrieve their dog.
- Penny appeared healthy and heavier than before, leading the county’s animal services director to say she was likely cared for during her absence.
- Officials say Penny’s whereabouts over the past five years remain unknown, with the possibility she lived in one or more homes.
- The family had searched early on through Facebook missing-pet groups without results, highlighting how up-to-date microchips help reunite lost pets.