PHOENIX -- A family's beloved pet dog missing for more than a year is back home again thanks to the actions of a Good Samaritan and a high-tech microchip.

Jennifer Gray of Buckeye said she could hardly believe the sudden turn of events.

"I'm so excited," Gray said. "I'm picking up my dog."

Gray said she never gave up hope that Buster would someday be found. The family had kept up a vigil, posting signs across the Valley, hoping an alert resident might read the poster and find the Boston Terrier mix.

On Sunday, the family's dreams were realized. A Good Samaritan brought a stray dog to the Arizona Humane Society after the animal was found wandering near 24th Street and McDowell Road, miles from the Gray's home.

Veterinarians crossed their fingers, grabbed a hand-held scanner and passed it over the dog's shoulder.

Within seconds, a number they were hoping to see flashed on the screen from a microchip embedded in the skin of the dog.

The microchip company was then called and the number was checked in a database for information about the animal's owner.

Microchips are designed to last the lifetime of a pet, according to veterinarians. A chip typically lasts at least 25 years.

Gray said if there was ever a doubt about the effectiveness of the chip, those questions have been laid to rest now that Buster is back in her arms.

SLIDESHOW: Cost Of 12 Days Of Christmas Gifts

SLIDESHOW: Rare Look At Santa Schooling In London

SLIDESHOW: How Well Do You Know Your Celebrities?

SLIDESHOW: Red-Hot Redheaded Celebrity Women

SLIDESHOW: Biggest, Baddest Fast-Food Burgers

SLIDESHOW: Celebrities Commit Fashion Faux Pas

SLIDESHOW: Celebrities Show Up At Hollywood Picket Lines

ELSEWHERE ON KPHO.COM: A 17-year-old boy tried to smuggle 30 pounds of marijuana hidden in holiday candles across the U.S.-Mexico border, customs officials said. CLICK HERE for details.

MORE SLIDESHOWS: From the bizarre to the tragic to late-breaking news, visit the KPHO.com slideshow section and click away! CLICK HERE for images.