New Bedford Toddler Reunited With Missing Dog ‘Whaler’

There are happy endings, and then there are the ones that hit you right in the chest.

After days of uncertainty and all eyes in New Bedford peeled, Whaler the missing dog is home, and the reunion was exactly what you’d hope it would be.

Whaler went missing Sunday afternoon near Lincoln School in New Bedford’s North End, leaving a two-year-old little girl asking where her best friend went. The story spread quickly, and so did the prayers.

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“She Couldn’t Stop Giggling”

According to dad Steven Lamontagne, the moment Whaler was back in their arms was pure magic.

“Kori Marie (his older daughter) was just all smiles for her little sister getting her dog back, and AJ couldn’t stop giggling and saying his name as she was holding him and getting her Whaler kisses,” he said.

READ MORE: New Bedford Toddler Waiting For Missing Pet to Come Home

Picture that for a second: a toddler squeezing her tiny dog, laughing uncontrollably, repeating his name like it’s the best word she knows.

A Community That Showed Up

“It was pure love and happiness out of myself and my girls,” Lamontagne shared.

He also made it clear this reunion wasn’t just luck.

“Couldn’t have done it without the love from my community," he said. "I feel truly blessed for the support and love we were shown.”

READ MORE: Lakeville Family Continues Search for Missing Rottweiler ‘Wilbur’

That’s what this is really about: a missing dog, a worried family, a toddler waiting patiently at the door, and a community that rallied and delivered.

Whaler is back where he belongs, and somewhere in New Bedford tonight, a two-year-old is going to bed with her best friend home again.