When you first get a pet, there’s the question of whether you want to get them a microchip for safety purposes. A story out of Maine may sway you… and make you a little teary-eyed.

The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland recently shared a picture of a reunion a decade in the making. The organization says a cat named Stewart was recently brought in by a member of the public, and staff got to work trying to identify him. When they checked for a microchip, they found contact information for Rose Dorian. Dorian hadn’t seen her feline friend for 10 years, but her decision to get that chip allowed her to snuggle him again. She also got to introduce him to someone special.

CAT. PHOTO: PIXABAY / PEXELS

The shelter wrote, “We were grateful to play a part in this special moment where Rose held Stewart for the first time since he went missing and introduced him to her son.”

You can see the trio’s sweet meeting in the picture. The shelter closed out their message with a reminder that getting a chip and keeping your contact information up to date can ensure you and your pet are together again as quickly as possible.

Given the time frame here, it may also be a good reminder that if you find a stray cat, you should get them checked for a chip.

The American Veterinary Medical Association says the microchip insertion procedure is quick, does not require any surgery or anesthesia, and can be done during a routine vet visit. They also note that research has shown microchipped dogs are more than twice as likely be returned to their owners than dogs without chips, and that for cats, it’s even more likely.

However, the chipped pets that weren’t returned often lacked a current phone number, so it’s important to ensure all the information on the chip registry is up to date.