Lost dog found in Port Orange, Fla. reunited with family after 7 years

The dog is now back home with her family in Alabama, where she is receiving treatment for years of neglect. (WESH)

PORT ORANGE, Florida (WESH) -- Seven years after they thought they had lost her forever, one phone call changed everything.

The Jones family adopted Copper when she was just 4 weeks old. A few months later, they believe the dog was stolen along with one of her puppies.

“We drove around every day for about a week looking for her,” the family said. “As time went along, we just kind of gave up hope.”

What they didn’t know was that Copper was still alive, hundreds of miles away.

Jennifer Baker found the dog wandering alone in Port Orange, right off Commonwealth Boulevard, and took her in.

“She was in god-awful condition,” Baker said. “Her nails had grown into the pads of her feet, and she had infections all across her back.”

Baker spent two weeks caring for Copper before taking her to a veterinarian to check for a microchip.

The scan identified Copper’s owners and led to an emotional reunion.

“She and I just broke down crying,” the family said. “Her first words were, ‘I want my baby.’”

When Copper was reunited with her family, Baker said the dog recognized them immediately.

“He called her name, and I watched her ears perk up,” Baker said. “She wagged her tail and slowly walked over.”

Copper is now back home with her family in Alabama, where she is receiving treatment for years of neglect.

Her owners say the veterinary care has been expensive, but they are grateful to have her back.

“It’s been pretty extensive and kind of expensive,” they said. “But it’s well worth it to have her back.”

While Copper is still recovering, her family says she is finally where she belongs, safe, loved and getting her spark back.

By Pamela Comme (WESH)