Watch: Heartwarming reunion between dog and his person

Just like the character in The Lion King, Pumba the dog is a lovable and goofy guy with a larger-than-life presence. He is also a loyal friend who would recognize his person anywhere, even after spending time apart.

Pumba came to the Best Friends Pet Resource Center in Bentonville, Arkansas, from a local shelter. Veterinary staff examined the 9-year-old “house hippo” and discovered that he had an ear infection and a skin infection. Vets started a course of antibiotics and medicated baths, and he was soon on the road to recovery. Best Friends’ goal is for all shelters to reach no-kill in 2025, and that means giving each pet what they need to move out of the shelter and into a healthy, happy life.

But Pumba also had a secret: He was missing his Timon (aka his best friend). He’d been separated from his person who never intended for him to end up in a shelter. No one knew it yet, but fate — and social media — would work its magic to bring them back together.

Several days after Pumba’s arrival, Best Friends staff posted a video of this “handsome meatball” on Instagram to help find him a home. Turns out, it did even more than that. The post caught the attention of just the right person: the man Pumba used to live with. He immediately contacted Best Friends and came to get his beloved companion.

[Long-lost dog reunited with family after six years]

The moment Pumba saw his person, he recognized him instantly. He strode right up to him, tail wagging wildly, and showered him with kisses and nuzzles. The room was full of happy tears as everyone witnessed their special bond. You could feel the love.

Today, Pumba is back to living the “hakuna matata” life with his best friend by his side.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill in 2025. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.