If you've ever thought for one MINUTE your dog has gotten loose and may be missing, you know how heartbreaking that 60 seconds is.

Imagine three years...and having moved across the country without your pal.

Meet Smoke, a pit bull mix who's owner reported him missing -- in California -- three years ago. When Smoke somehow arrived at the shelter -- in Florida -- they found he had a microchip, and through some volunteer work by non-profit organization called Kindred Hearts Transport, Smoke's original owner was tracked down and they were reunited.

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What a handsome boy...and oh what stories he could probably tell!

If you haven't already....PLEASE microchip your pet.  And as Eric Hough says, NEVER give up hope!

If you've read this far, you're obviously a dog-lover....upload a pic of your pup for a shot at $500 in our Dog Days of Summer contest!

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