BURLESON — Paris is back where she belongs.
But for the last 10 years, the golden retriever, named after the Texas city where she was first picked up, has been away.
"We thought we were doing something very admirable," said Brad Galbreath, the dog's original owner.
Brad and his wife Courtney knew that Paris, even as a young puppy more than a decade ago, was special.
They worked with a local trainer to turn her into a therapy dog. After two years of training, Paris was ready to be placed with a family that, at the time, needed her more.
"It was hard to let go," said Brad.
Up until a week ago, the Galbreaths always wondered where she was and how she was doing. Then they got the call from the SPCA of Texas.
"It was a shock," he said. "Having not heard her name in a decade."
They were told Paris was one of 72 animals taken from an Ellis County woman's home.
Twenty other animals were found dead on the property, and the woman now faces a misdemeanor cruelty to animals charge.
Because of Paris' microchip, originally implanted in her as a puppy, officials were able to link her back to the Galbreaths.
The family assumed, all this time, that the golden retriever was helping families across the country.
"She had the same exact face," Brad said. "Just a little grayer."
They've kept her pictures, toys, even her first collars for the last decade.
Despite her hardships, Paris is still a happy dog. She plays well with the entire family, and she won't leave their sides.
"That curiosity is put to bed now," Brad said. "She'll be with us until we ultimately say goodbye forever."
