It was a reunion that almost didn’t happen. In the two and a half months Bones was at the shelter, she had been briefly adopted.

The family brought her back when she and their other dog didn’t bond, Carotenuto said.

“It’s just a meant-to-be that she was still here,” she said.

In the week since she’s been home, Russo said she’s settled into a routine of walks on the beach and sprawling on his bed. However she got to the shelter, he said he’s just happy to have her back.

“That’s all I really care about,” said Russo, who is training to become an EMT and firefighter. “I’m happy if she’s happy.”