After a five-day, 3,000-mile journey, Zeus, the dog believed to be dead by his family, has returned home.

In 2012, when Zeus’ parents learned that their pup had passed away, they were devastated. They had left Zeus in the care of a friend while they were stationed overseas for military service. However, last month, the family received word that Zeus had been found in the woods near their old home in North Carolina. They were so excited to hear the news about their pup, they couldn’t wait for him to be back in their arms. There was only one problem, they now live in Washington State, nearly 3,000 miles away.

Zeus was brought to the Banfield Pet Hospital in North Carolina. He was diagnosed with heart worm, making him unable to fly across the country to be reunited with his parents. The family, too, couldn’t drop everything and head east to pick up Zeus. But Rachel Overby, an employee at Banfield, volunteered to make the cross-country drive. Banfield also started a campaign #GetZeusHome to help raise awareness. Thanks to Rachel and many Banfield employees across the country, Zeus arrived safely in Washington and into the loving arms of his parents.

We’re happy to share their emotional reunion in the video below. Have tissues handy!