Dog found in southeast France after going missing for 10 years

A 12-year-old dog has been reunited with his original owners in southeast France after having gone missing more than 10 years ago.

The Český Fousek (a Czech breed of hunting dog) was found by municipal police in Saint-Chély-d’Apcher (Lozère, Occitanie) on June 27.

He was taken to an animal shelter, before being identified by his microchip. This showed that he originally belonged to a family living in Le Barroux, Vaucluse (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur), more than 300km away.

On July 2, the dog – whose name is Fitou – was reunited with his original owners after they travelled the 500km to pick him up.

Born in 2010, Fitou had been adopted at the age of three months. He went missing in 2012 during a walk with his owner. Attempts to find him had always been in vain.

Now, the owners say that Fitou appears to be in good health and looks to have been well-treated over the past 10 years, but they do not know who or with whom he has been living.

Yet, the dog appeared to recognise his original owners when the group was finally reunited.

Related articles

Dog thefts more brazen in France as prices rise for rare breeds

Language notes: It's a dog's life

Meet the French dog who is 'learning to speak' through a sound mat

Nice is named the friendliest French city for dogs second year running