Forgive me, my border collie is watching, I had to include this

Besides, it came out on my birthday.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - Jeanie Flores did a double-take when she glanced out the window of her Wichita home this week. The brindle-colored Lab and chow mix outside looked like Bear, the family pet who disappeared in November 1997. ...

She called the dog's name. When he responded, she started bawling. ...

Frank Flores rushed home and within seconds agreed with his wife's assessment: Bear was home.

The dog's whereabouts for the past six years and his surprise return two days before Thanksgiving remain a mystery.

A veterinarian examined Bear. Though his paws are red and sore in spots, apparently from pounding the pavement, he weighs only one pound less than he did when he disappeared. The vet told the family it appeared someone had taken care of the dog.

Frank Flores brought Bear home as a puppy on Aug. 28, 1990. Bear disappeared one month after the family's October 1997 move to a new neighborhood. ...

Because the family had just moved, the address on Bear's identification collar hadn't been changed. The family put up signs, called the shelter, put an ad in the paper. They drove around their old neighborhood, but they never found Bear. ...

Since returning, Bear has spent his time napping and getting reacquainted with the family, including a son who was not yet born when the dog disappeared.

Frank Flores said he wishes Bear could talk.

"Where was he? He hasn't told us yet," he said. "We don't know how rough a life he's had."

I guess we all need an "Awwwww!" story from time to time. On the other hand, I can't help but wonder if there's a family somewhere that's now sad because the lost dog they adopted six years ago has vanished.

Leave it to me: I can see the down side to everything.