‘It’s like a dream’: Denver man reunites with missing emotional support dog

DENVER (KDVR) — A happy update to the story of a missing support animal gone for nearly three months.

After posting on social media and passing out countless flyers throughout Five Points, CJ Ortega has finally been reunited with his two-year-old Boston terrier.

Ortega couldn’t believe his ears when he first got the call.

“I thought it was another scam if I’m being completely honest,” he said.

He told FOX31 that the Denver Animal Shelter called him on Feb 13. He was told Twyla had been found at the intersection of Colfax Avenue and Pearl Street while he was out of town for work.

“What I was told by animal services was, whoever had Twyla, they were arrested,” Ortega said. “They were arrested for an unrelated charge and they were claiming Twyla as their own and calling her honey.”

Thanks to her microchip, they learned it was in fact Twyla who had been missing for nearly three months.

“I’m thankful they kept her well-fed, and she’s in good spirits,” Ortega said.

Sunday afternoon, the duo was reunited for the first time. Ortega shared those moments with FOX31.

“It’s like a dream to me, she is my absolute world,” he said.

Twyla had been his companion for the last two years and helped him navigate the difficulties of a bad car wreck.

“As long as I have her life is okay, life is more than,” said Ortega said. “Life is great.”

The pair now back together looking forward to the next chapter.

“She’s my ride or die, my best friend,” said Ortega. “I never gave up hope. I never did. I felt like if I gave up hope I would be giving up on myself and I would never give up on Twyla I couldn’t.”

Both are happier than ever.

“She’s getting all the puppuccinos from Starbucks that she wants. She’s getting a nice little steak. She deserves it,” Ortega said.

He has this advice for anyone who has a missing pet.

“Don’t ever give up. You’ve got to keep going because they will come back to you. You both will find your way to each other,” he said.

Ortega says he is thankful for all the support he received in Denver and from people who reached out as far as the Midwest.

He encourages all pet owners to make sure their pet is microchipped. He says it’s also important to make sure they have a collar with tags and a phone number.