San Diego, California – The San Diego Humane Society found a little dog named Colby late last Tuesday on a street in San Diego, California. A much-needed bath and exam later, rescuers made an exciting discovery!

When Colby the Maltipoo was brought in, he seemed to be in bad shape.

The San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) didn’t stop at routine cleaning for this filthy pup.

Little Colby got treated for fleas and had an intense combing.

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When rescuers realized the dog was microchipped, they excitedly scanned it.

What appeared on the monitor had everyone amazed.

Per FOX 5, Colby had been reported missing by his family almost three years earlier!

The SDHS called Colby’s owner Cindy that same evening to tell her that her pet had finally been found.

Cindy was both shocked and thrilled.

"We gave up hope, but thanks to the microchip, I was called right away," Colby's owner explained.

"We missed him so much. Every day I was thinking about him," Cindy said of her beloved dog.

Colby's owner showed up at the shelter with her son Gregory first thing the next morning.

"I haven’t seen him in years!” Gregory gushed.

After three long years, this family was thrilled to be reunited with their dog.

"We’re just so happy today that we got our Colby back after three years," Cindy said. "It took a long time to find him, but we got the call, and we came, and we’re happy to get him back."

The Humane Society took the opportunity to remind pet owners that microchips make all the difference!