ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – What started as a desperate call from a retired sailor looking for his missing service dog has taken a positive turn. Samantha Melchor has reunited with her two-year-old service dog, Mars.
He disappeared when an insurance adjuster left the door open to Melchor’s new home. Mars and Melchor’s other dog, Molly, wandered off and while Molly was found hours later, Mars was missing for two days. Two of the most difficult its owner has had to face in a very long time.
“I didn’t do well, I didn’t sleep, I didn’t eat. He’s more than my best friend. I depend on this dog for everything. I can’t leave the room without him following me, I take him to events. This is my baby,” Melchor said before the Mars discovery.
She and her family scoured the streets, shelters and the internet tirelessly. After two days, hope began to fade that she would ever see her best friend again.
“I don’t care if you stole it or anything. A reward and no questions asked. I just want him back,” Melchor said.
On Friday, as she and her sister traveled around Abilene handing out flyers, a woman approached with questions that would lead to their reunion.
“This lovely homeless lady stopped us and said ‘Hey, are you looking for a dog?’ Yes. ‘Is it a German Shepherd?’ Yes. “Does he have a pink collar? Yes.” recalls Melchor.
Each question restores hope and their reunion is one for the book of scraps.
“When I saw it I knew it was him and I was so happy. I really cried a lot,” Melchor said.
Mars had been picked up by a tire shop owner and taken care of. In return, Melchor asked what they wanted and gave the tire shop owner a full tank of gas. She also asked the woman who drove them there what she would like in return for her help.
“She said she needed dog food and bologna, so we got her a bunch of bologna, bread, dog food, snacks and dog treats,” Melchor said.
Melchor joined the Marine Corps in 2018. In 2019, she retired from medical treatment after a two- to three-story fall that required her to undergo surgery. She had Mars as a puppy and trained him as a service dog, to help him navigate life diagnosed with anxiety, depression, insomnia and PTSD.
“Our bond runs very deep. So just having it back is probably the best day I’ve had in years… It takes a huge weight off my chest. I feel like I can breathe again” , Melchor said with relief.
A heartwarming ending to his search, but not the end of the story. While searching for Mars, Melchor found another German Shepherd. A one-year-old puppy she took in is now looking for his owners in hopes of giving them the same happy ending.
“That love is something that can break you if it’s taken away…I wish I could do it back,” Melchor said.
Anyone with information that can help trace the pups’ family can call Melchor at (325) 668-1060 or (325) 672-5084. She estimates he is about a year old and about 100 pounds.
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