Tennessee man gets divorced: 2 years later he finally gets his dog back: ‘What the heck was your ex doing?’

Two years after losing contact with his dog during a divorce, one man finally wrapped his arms around his longtime companion again. TikTok users are reaching for the tissues after watching one man's emotional reunion with the dog he thought he'd lost forever.

A Tennessee man explained how a series of life changes led to his beloved dog being surrendered to a shelter. Luckily, fate intervened in the form of a tiny microchip.

TikTok account @boonesjourney posted a video that received more than 22,300 views. In it, the TikToker explained that he raised Boone, a boxer, from a puppy alongside his three littermates. The dogs stayed together until age four. Then a divorce split custody of the pets, and Boone went to live with the creator's ex-partner.

How long were they separated?

More than two years passed.

Then a few months ago, Boone's owner called and suggested the dog move back in with him because of changes in her life. Unfortunately, he had to decline because his rental property did not allow pets.

At the time, it seemed like the end of the story.

How can microchipping protect pets?

Then came an unexpected twist.

A post by the Humane Society of Chattanooga revealed they contacted the poster after Boone ended up in their care. Thanks to Boone's microchip, shelter staff identified his contact information and helped reunite them.

For those unfamiliar with the process, a microchip is a tiny device implanted under a pet's skin. It contains a unique ID number.

When a shelter or veterinary clinic scans the chip, staff can use that number to access the owner's contact information.

Boone's case is far from unusual. Research shows that microchipped dogs are more than twice as likely to return home. Microchipped cats are more than 20 times as likely to reunite with their owners compared to unchipped pets. However, a microchip only works when owners register it properly and keep their contact information current.

Did the reunion go as expected?

The owner had recently found a living situation where pets were allowed, paving the way for the reunion.

But before the reunion, shelter staff delivered a heartbreaking warning.

“His hip bones are visible. He's emaciated.”

Many commenters said they had become invested in the story and were rooting for the pair to reunite. However, they were unprepared for the condition Boone was in.

Along with happy tears came heartbroken ones.

Boone's frame had shrunk dramatically. Once a sturdy 65 pounds, he weighed 33 pounds. His bones protruded through his thin frame. The weight loss left him far below the average adult male boxer weight of 65 to 80 pounds.

“I audibly gasped. I'm so sorry… grateful he's back in your care,” one user wrote.

Another commenter, @Sullivan01, said, “Oh my gosh I was not prepared for what he looked like. Thank God they were able to get ahold of you and I pray the two of you are never separated again.”

Many users questioned how long Boone had been suffering in that condition.

However, the poster made it clear that he would remove negative comments directed at the dog's previous owner. He said his goal was to focus on Boone's recovery rather than assign blame.

How is Boone doing now?

Since then, multiple follow-up videos have documented Boone's progress. Each update shows him steadily improving on his road to recovery.

He now follows a carefully managed feeding program. Veterinarians also monitor him through scheduled visits to ensure he continues gaining strength and maintaining his health.

Buzz News has reached out to @boonesjourney via TikTok direct message.

@boonesjourney I raised Boone (one of 4 dogs from a previous marriage) from puppy to age 4. He was and is my son, and one of my best buddies. After an unfortunate and heartbreaking separation from him in June 2024 due to my divorce, he is coming home. The reunion with my dog after 2 years is one I'll never forget. I never forgot about him, and it's clear he never forgot me. While naturally there are emotions, thoughts, and questions that want to arise, the bottom line is that a prayer has been answered and him and I will never be apart ever again. **The intention for this account is to document his progress and his journey joining the family we've built since he's been gone. ***This account is not to bash or talk negatively about the previous owners or situations and comments regarding such will be removed. This is the start to Boone's long road to recovery, join along if you're interested!!! #dogsoftiktok #rescuedog #reunification #boxersoftiktok #rehabilitation ♬ original sound – boonesjourney