While social media is often criticized, it can sometimes lead to heartwarming outcomes. In a recent case, a TikTok video helped reunite a stolen dog with his owner, days after the pup was found tied to a park bench in the pouring rain.
Will Zurier and Margaret Molloy were walking their own Pit Bull, Banks, at AIDS Memorial Park in the West Village when they stumbled upon a lone dog, drenched in the rain. Concerned, they waited for his owner to return, but after an hour with no sign of anyone, they decided to take action.
“We have a soft spot for dogs in general,” Zurier shared with People. “Pit Bulls especially often get overlooked, so we just felt like this dog deserved another shot.”
Taking Action to Find the Owner
The couple brought the dog, later named Bishop, to Small Door Vet for a free check-up, ensuring the dog was healthy before bringing him into their home. They then set off to locate Bishop’s owner, contacting the police, hospitals, and local businesses, but found no leads. They even created a digital flyer, posted at local vets, and asked restaurants to help spread the word.
As a last resort, Molloy posted a video on TikTok. Though she had just a small following, the video gained thousands of views and quickly went viral. One commenter recognized the dog from a Nextdoor post, which detailed a stolen Pit Bull that had been taken from a subway ride at Chambers Street.
The Emotional Reunion
After 36 hours, Zurier and Molloy returned to the vet with Bishop, where he was joyously reunited with his guardian. “The dog ran straight up to him, and he was so happy…He was bawling,” Zurier recalled. “It was so tough, and I definitely teared up.”
Though they were prepared to foster Bishop if they couldn’t find his owner, the couple was overjoyed with the outcome. “It was the best possible outcome we could have asked for,” Zurier said.
A Crucial Reminder: Update Your Dog’s Microchip
In their TikTok post, Zurier and Molloy shared a valuable lesson: always update your dog’s microchip. When the microchip company was contacted, they discovered that the number listed for Bishop had been disconnected, making it harder for his guardian to be reached.
The emotional journey ended on a high note, thanks to the power of social media and the couple’s determination. It’s a story of compassion, persistence, and the unexpected ways the internet can bring about positive change.