Charlotte Family Reunites with Beloved Dog After Year-Long Search
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — It was a heartwarming scene when the Calteaux family gathered around their webcam from New York to share updates on their cherished golden retriever, Lucy. The joy in their voices was undeniable as they outlined their journey of despair and hope. Dana, Glenn, their two boys, and their two furry friends all jumped into the camera frame, revealing a family joyfully reunited. At one point, one of the boys wrapped his arms around Lucy, who had a goofy grin, her tongue lolling out, and looked much healthier than the last time they saw her.
“The whole situation — it was a blessing in disguise,” Glenn Calteaux said, reflecting on Lucy’s months-long disappearance last year and the frantic search that followed. Initially, Lucy, who is now full of spirit and an added layer of fluff, had returned home in August 2023 in a weakened state, emaciated, and in need of care and love.
“I didn’t realize how depressed I was that she was gone until she came back,” Dana shared. “It was just becoming my new normal, that I was just sad every day. Then, when she was back, it was just happy. You don’t think they’re ever going to come back, and it can happen.”
A Tail of Disappearance
Lucy’s story took an unexpected turn last year. While the family was camping at Carowinds Wilderness Resort in April, she darted away, leaving Dana, Glenn, and the boys in a panic. The family, visiting from New York, had to eventually leave Charlotte without her, transferring the search efforts to local volunteers and the Tucker K-9 Search and Rescue teams. “She wouldn’t be back here if they didn’t do it, if they didn’t care,” Dana expressed, her voice full of gratitude. “
“Total strangers cared enough to give us time.”
Through social media and a network of dedicated animal lovers, Lucy’s photo circulated rapidly across the country, creating a wave of awareness not just about her, but also helping to reunite other lost pets. “Hundreds of pets were saved because of Lucy’s story,” Kelly Chatman from Tucker K-9 Search and Rescue noted. “Her story kept alive the entire year, and we were still getting calls about golden retrievers that were being found.”
The Joyful Reunion
Then, one sunny day in August 2023, the search finally bore fruit. Lucy was found at a nearby complex, looking sickly and underweight. But now, more than a year later, Lucy has transitioned from a frightened stray to a happy and healthy member of the family. “We will be lifelong friends with the Calteauxs,” said Teresa Tucker with Tucker K-9, as they reflected on their shared journey.
The bond between the families has become deeper as they advocate together for animal welfare. “They’ve helped reunite pets up there because of this story. It’s been phenomenal,” Chatman stated enthusiastically.
A Community United
Not only has Lucy brought the Calteauxs back to their former joy, but she has also spurred a movement of compassion and assistance within the community. “We’re cemented to Charlotte forever, with new friends and a renewed passion for helping others,” Dana concluded, her face radiating warmth and gratitude.
Now, the Calteaux family remains dedicated to giving back, inspired by the overwhelming support they received during the search for Lucy. After a challenging year that tested their resolve, love has triumphantly returned home once more.
And so, Lucy not only found her way back to her loving family but also helped rally a whole community together, teaching everyone about the power of hope and kindness.
