A missing support dog was reunited with his family in Merced nearly two weeks after disappearing, police said.

The Queensland heeler went missing from his Merced home Aug. 14, according to the Merced Police Department. His family reported him missing to Animal Control and continued searching for him.

On Wednesday, a family member spotted a dog resembling the missing animal with a man and contacted police.

Officer Taijeron responded, but the man had left the area by the time the officer arrived. Taijeron recognized the description and later located the man near Devonwood Drive, police said.

The 63-year-old man told police he had found the dog roaming the streets four days earlier and had been caring for him.

During those four days, the man returned each day to the area where he found the dog and stayed in highly visible locations in hopes that someone would recognize the animal and help reunite him with his family, according to police.

The effort ultimately led to the dog being identified and safely returned home.

Police said the reunion was especially meaningful because the dog serves as a support animal for a juvenile family member.

The department credited the stranger who cared for the dog, the responding officer, and the family’s continued search with helping bring the dog home.

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