When Becky and Matthew Carr’s two Shih Tzus went missing six months ago, they thought they would never see them again.

That all changed on Friday, March 22, when Becky received a call from Hope Bourdeau, the kennel manager at the Concord-Merrimack County SPCA in Penacook. Their dogs had been found.

“I just started bawling,” said Becky. “I threw some clothes on and went right to the SPCA.”

According to Bourdeau, a Concord man brought the dogs to the shelter March 21, after Annabelle allegedly bit the family’s 2-year-old daughter. The dogs had been living in the couple’s home for six months, after they were found wandering in Bow.

“He drove up (to the SPCA) in a Mercedes, and he refused to pay a surrender fee,” said Bourdeau.

The Bow family’s dogs, Annabelle and Oliver, got out of the house Sept. 4, 2006, when the family’s cat opened a sliding door.

“They hadn’t been gone 10 minutes before my husband took off on the four-wheeler looking for them,” said Becky.

According to Becky, the dogs were not wearing any identification when they got out, as they had just been to the groomer that day.

“I don’t know how somebody could think we just left them when they’d just been groomed,” said Becky.

The Carrs posted missing dog fliers in towns within a 50- mile radius – at police stations, veterinarian offices and animal shelters, offering a $500 reward if found.

“My husband and I spent weekends for two months putting up fliers,” said Becky.

Thinking they would never see their dogs again, the Carrs got a new dog – a pomeranian and shih tzu mix named Milo.

“He was a Valentine’s Day gift to our son,” said Becky.

“(Our son) Matty was heartbroken when (the dogs) left,” said Becky. “His first word was doggie. Not mommy or daddy. Doggie.

“I feel like I’ve been living in a dream world since they returned.”

“We’re just glad to have them back,” said Matthew. “They’re in pretty good spirits – better than we were for six months. We can’t think the SPCA enough.” According to Concord police, there is an ongoing investigation, and no additional information is being released.