An Israeli family’s beloved pet dog, taken during Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attacks, has been found and returned after nearly 18 months in Gaza.
Billy, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, was taken from Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel during the brutal raid in which Hamas militants killed dozens of civilians and kidnapped others.
The dog belonged to Rachel Dancyg, whose ex-husband, Alex Dancyg, was among the Israeli hostages later confirmed to have died in captivity.
Rachel had believed Billy had perished during the attack—until last week, when the three-and-a-half-year-old spaniel was discovered alive in Gaza.
Israeli reservist Aviad Shapira, who was operating in southern Gaza near Rafah, said the dog unexpectedly ran up to him while his unit was clearing buildings.
Shapira and his unit cared for the dog for four days before returning to Israel. Once back, he took Billy to a veterinarian, where a microchip scan identified the dog as belonging to the Dancyg family.
The emotional reunion took place today, as Billy joyfully ran toward a visibly emotional Rachel and her children.
Rachel later tearfully embraced Shapira, thanking him for bringing their dog home.
