This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

EATONTOWN, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey family whose terrier-pitbull mix escaped from their backyard during Superstorm Sandy went to an animal shelter this week to adopt a new pet and came home with their old dog.

Chuck James tells The Asbury Park Press that his family searched for their brown-and-white dog named Reckless for months after the October 2012 storm before finally giving up hope.

The family of five went to the Monmouth County SPCA on Thursday to adopt a new animal. James says he and his wife got teary-eyed when they approached the first cage and saw Reckless inside.

SPCA officials say Reckless was picked up as a stray and has now been microchipped.

The family is living in a hotel while their storm-damaged Keansburg home is repaired.

___

Information from: Asbury Park (N.J.) Press, http://www.app.com

 

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.