ANIMAL CONNECTION: A rare reunion returns a found dog to his owner.

Teddy, a dog found near South Boundary and York Street on Feb. 11, was brought to the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare and reunited with his owner; last year the shelter reunited about 11.5% of stray animals with their original families.

Teddy, a young dog found near South Boundary and York Street on Feb. 11, was brought into the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare and reunited with his owner. Two women who found him brought him to the shelter, and at the same time the owner arrived looking for Teddy. The shelter describes this immediate reunion as uncommon. The article notes shelter intake and microchip resources as part of the broader context. Known details: - The dog was found a little after noon on Feb. 11 near South Boundary and York Street and had no collar, name tag or microchip. - Two women brought the dog to the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare and, while they spoke with front desk staff, the dog's owner arrived looking for Teddy. - Last year the shelter took in 1,748 animals; 1,253 came in as strays and 144 (about 11.5%) were reunited with their original families. - The SPCA Albrecht Center maintains a 24-hour public microchip scanner station outside the shelter for immediate scanning. - The SPCA Veterinary Care Center offers microchipping at its walk-in clinic for $25. - Local community networks, including the Facebook page Aiken Pets Reunited, are noted as playing a major role in helping lost animals get back home. Summary: Teddy's quick reunion highlights how rare immediate returns can be and underscores the roles of community networks and shelter resources in reconnecting lost pets with their owners. Undetermined at this time.