Missing dog found, but already adopted out.

[Catherine]

This is definitely a case where micro chipping would have made a difference. They are in a fairly rural area so micro chipping might not have been available or necessary. It would have solved the whole problem. I think the shelter would have checked for a micro chip.

Even a tattoo  would have made a difference. I found a Siamese cat in the woods, a long way from home. His ear tattoo was registered and I had his people's phone number in minutes. Zeke has been missing for weeks,  but they came and got him that same day. This story predates micro chips of course.

I wonder if he had a collar with his information? It probably didn't seen necessary living in a rural area.

The dog should still go back to them. At his age he belongs with his people. 
Sadly if he was micro chipped he would be home now.