PHOENIX — A service dog is back with his owner after they were separated for more than two weeks.
12News was there for the heartwarming reunion as Angelo ran back into Robert Panzarella's arms Wednesday night.
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"I feel like a nightmare has just ended," Panzarella said. "I'm just so happy right now."
Panzarella was separated from his service dog while being transported to the hospital on March 5. He said the paramedics would not let Angelo go with him and asked a nearby man to look after the dog.
Panzarella said that man initially told him Angelo ran away, but he gave the dog to a friend instead.
Will Bauers told 12New he'd been looking after Angelo at his home in Sierra Vista.
"He was fun to take care of. He's really a good little guy," Bauers said. "We walk all the time. He plays. He gets his little zoomies."
Bauers said he didn't know Panzarella was searching for Angelo until 12News reported the missing service dog on Monday.
Bauers said he was sad to say goodbye to the dog.
"I'll miss everything about him," Bauers said.
Panzarella thanked Bauers for taking care of his dog while he was missing.
However, Panzarella is holding Angelo extra tight tonight, hoping they're never separated again.
“I mean I really feared I would never see him again," Panzarella said. "Now I’ll never let him go again.”
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