The holidays aren’t just about what’s under the tree, its who you spend it with that really matters.

Nobody understands this better than Carter Licata and his dog Piper.

Pup Piper’s relationship with her brother Carter was special, “It was love at first sight for the two of them,” says April Licata, Carter’s mom.

Unfortunately, the Licata family was met with a tragedy, their beloved dog Piper went missing.

April had let Piper out to go ‘potty’ but when she opened the door to let him back in, he was nowhere to be seen.

The family searched everywhere, posted pictures on social media, and reached out to neighbors and community groups.

They prayed for Piper’s safe return. After weeks had gone by without any sign, they feared they would never see their beloved pug again.

“We were all sick,” Licata said. “The older kids wanted nothing to do with decorating the Christmas tree and it was a very sombre Thanksgiving for them.”

Then, Licata received a message on Facebook from the Genesee County Animal Shelter.

A dog matching Piper’s description had been dropped off at a shelter!

“My husband and I were going out to dinner and honestly, there was an outcry of joy in the truck,” April recalled. “We were shocked and elated!”

Cater was out of town when this all happened, so Licata decided to keep it a secret and make their reunion even more special.

She wanted to surprise Carter at school, so she drove to pick him up with Piper riding in the passenger’s seat.

When Carter saw Piper in the front seat of the truck, dressed up in a bow, he immediately broke down in tears.

Piper’s tail went crazy at the sight of her brother and as soon as he stepped in the truck, she jumped in his arms, showering him with kisses.

See the heartwarming video here:

The family couldn’t be happier to have Piper back again — and just in time for Christmas.

“My son loves his dog so much, was sick while she was gone, and tonight she’s sleeping next to him again,” Licata wrote on Facebook.