New Mexico
Dog missing for four years found 500 miles away in different state
A beloved dog that went missing in Colorado in 2020 was recently found on the streets of New Mexico some 500 miles away.
Patches the pup and her owner Benjamin Baxter were reconnected over the weekend in a heartfelt reunion four years after she went missing from a friend’s home, local news station KRQE reported.
The pooch was staying at Baxter’s friends’ home in Calahan, Colorado after he relocated to Nebraska for work and moved into a home that didn’t permit residents to have pets.
Baxter was looking for a new place where he could bring Patches home but the free-willed canine disappeared before he could bring her to Nebraska, according to the outlet.
“She’s kind of been a Houdini her whole life. And we had ventured all over the country together. So, for her to, you know, run away, you know, chasing butterflies or rabbits, like it wasn’t uncommon, but she always came home,” Baxter told the station.
But this time was different.
“By day seven, I was like, there’s just no way, I’m never going to find this dog again,” Baxter said.
It may have taken a bit longer than expected, but Baxter finally got the call that his dog was found.
His wife called to let him know that Patches was at the Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She had been found living as a stray on the streets of the city of Anthony by local animal control and brought to the shelter.
The shelter checked for a microchip and found Baxter’s info.
“I’m looking through these pictures. I’m like, ‘this is my dog,’” he said. “I haven’t seen this dog. I have thought this dog has been probably dead for the last four years. And just seeing her was, I mean, mind-boggling. I cannot explain to you how crazy that was.”
Patches, who is now 10 years old, made the long journey from New Mexico to Nebraska with the help of friends like the one in Colorado who was caring for the pup when she went missing.
She finally made it back to her owner — four years and many miles later — on Sunday.
“I’m not a big crier. But you know, I definitely was getting some teary eyes just seeing my dog back in front of me again,” Baxter told KRQE.
The shelter that helped reunite the pair reminded pet owners to get their beloved family members microchipped — using Baxter and Patches’ story as a testament to the technology.
“This reunion serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love and the remarkable role technology plays in reuniting lost companions,” Animal Services Center of the Mesilla Valley Executive Director Clint Thacker wrote in an email to KRQE. “Please remember to microchip your pets and keep the owner information current.”
Southeastern New Mexico will see some snow while other places will generally see cooler, more winter-like temperatures. See the latest conditions at KOB.com/Weather.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Some notable cities in New Mexico could see multiple inches of snow, along with possible wind and cooler temperatures Sunday into Monday.
There is going to be snow across the southeast. A winter storm advisory is in effect all throughout areas like Ruidoso and out toward the Texas state line. A winter storm warning for Carlsbad and even a blizzard warning for the Guadalupe Mountains. These advisories and warnings indicate it’s going to continue until Monday at 6 p.m.
How much snow might there be? Ruidoso could see a few inches, along with other higher-elevation areas. Carlsbad might even see as much as two inches and Roswell has a very good chance of snow.
Wind gusts ranged from 23 mph for Hobbs and Clovis, 25 in Santa Rosa and similar readings in other places. Temperatures could hit sub-freezing temperatures in places like Ruidoso, Roswell, Carlsbad and Hobbs. Meanwhile, Gallup and Grants could get into the single-digits. Plus, places like Albuquerque and Santa Fe will be in the 20s but the big “winner” is Alamosa, Colorado, with 2 degrees.
Chief Meteorologist Eddie Garcia shares all the details in his full forecast in the video above.
MORE:
The New Mexico Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 27, 2025, results for each game:
Powerball
05-20-34-39-62, Powerball: 01, Power Play: 2
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 3
Day: 4-1-4
Evening: 3-8-4
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Lotto America
08-10-20-47-50, Star Ball: 04, ASB: 05
Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 4
Evening: 6-9-5-0
Day: 4-9-4-3
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Roadrunner Cash
03-21-24-33-37
Check Roadrunner Cash payouts and previous drawings here.
Powerball Double Play
13-22-33-61-62, Powerball: 20
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Las Cruces Sun-News editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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