Roxy, the day she was found after her incredible journey (L); and now, a month later (R). (Photo Courtesy: Erika Allis and Jaclyn Sivewright)

By Jennifer Jester-Madrigal

Eastvale – Back in July 2014, Roxy was accidentally let out of her home by carpet cleaners. Her family, who adopted her from a shelter after she was abandoned in a garbage can, was devastated and searched everywhere for her. Meanwhile, Roxy – a German Shepherd mix – wandered around Eastvale and was frequently seen hiding in the bushes along Hamner Avenue; however, every attempt to catch her failed.

Finally, on Dec. 30, 2014, a group of kind Eastvale residents:  Keleigh Angelo, Hope Seibert and Ericka Allis, were able to rescue Roxy near Rosa Parks Elementary and put her picture up on the “Eastvale Lost and Found Pets” Facebook page – a page run by Allis, Julie Rogan and Kate Haynes.

When the group rescued the dog, they nicknamed her “Hope” and asked the public for help in identifying her. What they didn’t realize was that “Hope” was really the Sivewright family’s beloved Roxy. Thanks to her microchip and some investigating by these dog lovers, Roxy was reunited with her family.

According to Allis, “As soon as Roxy saw her owner she started crying and wagging her tail uncontrollably.”

Sadly, Roxy was far from healthy and was immediately taken to the vet. During her time as a runaway, Roxy became severely malnourished and was most likely hit by a car. The vet was able to fix her dislocated hip, and after a five day stay, she was able to go home to her family.

Now, a month later, Roxy has gained 23 pounds, her hip is healed and she is walking great. She readjusted immediately, and her family is grateful. Owner, Jaclyn Sivewright, and her family are “so absolutely thrilled to have her home.”

From a shelter dog that survived being left in a trashcan behind a store, to surviving being away from home as an accidental runaway for four months, Roxy’s incredible journey is over.  She is truly a miracle.

The County of Riverside requires that all pet owners microchip their dogs and cats, and as you can see in this incident, it makes all the difference.