A month-long search for an escapee in Holly Hill ended Thursday with a police chase, a bath and groom, and finally pets and tail wags as he was reunited with his owner.
Yes, the escapee was a dog named Poupee (pronounced like the hair piece).
Holly Hill Police say Kevin Young needed surgery and left Poupee in the care of his nurse. But Poupee, a poodle cocker spaniel mix, escaped her home and disappeared.
Young posted a picture of his dog on a Facebook page operated by Volusia County Lost & Found Pets. The operator of the page emailed Holly Hill Police.
Original Facebook post on Volusia County Lost & Found Pets, showing Kevin Young and Poupee.
On Thursday, a city employee spotted Poupee on Daytona Avenue. A team of police officers conducted a search of the area. They spotted Poupee, who fled on paw. After a 30-minute chase, police cornered the dog.
Lt. Christopher Yates and his team got Poupee, who seemed relatively healthy despite being on the streets for a month, to Bark, Bath and Beyond grooming service.
Poupee got a complimentary cleanup before he was taken to Young, who is a quadriplegic.
Police said the reunion brought them to tears.
Poupee is reunited with Kevin Young. (Holly Hill Police)