This Woman Found Her Lost Dog Outside Only to Realize That Her Dog Was Already Inside
All pet owners believe that their animals are unique, and, to be fair, all animals are unique. Appearances aside, all animals have distinctive personalities; from how well-trained they are, to how energetic, how much they enjoy being petted, how trusting and friendly they are to strangers, and, of course, how they behave when they get the zoomies!
Additionally, and naturally, all pet owners think that their pets are the cutest. We spend so much time staring at them, taking in their beauty from all angles, that we are sure we would recognize them no matter what.
Whether your pet has cute little socks, void-like eyes, a wonky tail, distinctive markings, beautiful coloring, or a funny mustache, you are pretty confident you know what they look like, right?
Especially when you consider that your camera roll is pretty much just full of hundreds of pictures of them from all different angles, capturing their unique beauty. But, okay, hypothetically, what if you saw an animal that you thought was your pet, but it turned out to be just a very similar-looking creature?
This is the story of the mistaken identity of a dog that results in an accidental kidnapping—but don’t worry, it has a happily ever after.
Tia Belton is a huge dog lover, and one of the highlights of her day is returning from work to see her dog, Reese. As she pulled up to her apartment, she saw something suspicious; her dog was outside all alone, sniffing around a dumpster.
Belton, while confused, was also really worried about how Reese managed to escape.
Belton told The Dodo:
“I was distressed — my Reese never wanders off and doesn’t particularly enjoy running outside. Our apartment complex dumpster is not near my apartment at all. She normally just lays in the sun, so for her to be sniffing around the dumpster was too much for me.”
An anxious Belton called for Reese, and she came running over and jumped in the car. Belton drove around and parked the car.
She felt a little annoyed at her trickster dog for managing to escape, but she carried her up to the apartment. She opened the door and saw Reese sitting there patiently waiting for her.
Belton did a double-take, contrasting the dog in her arms, whom she had thought was Reese, with the dog sitting at her feet, who was her actual Reese.
Belton later learned the second dog's name was Bella.
“I was shocked and embarrassed. How dare I not recognize my own baby? Bella just hopped on my couch with Reese like it was the Parent Trap or something.”
Poor Reese was super confused as to why her mom had brought home a dog who may as well be her twin, and the little dog was definitely not impressed. Meanwhile, Bella made herself right at home!
Belton realized that Bella was probably lost and that she had accidentally dog-napped her by mistaking her for her own dog! She set to work trying to find Bella's real family.
Belton put up "lost dog" posters and tried to locate Bella's family. After having twin dogs for three days, Bella's family reached out, and she was reunited with her real family.
Reese said goodbye to her twin, and the mystery of the lookalike dog was solved!
Belton reflected on the crazy experience:
“Having Bella and Reese made me think Reese may need a sibling soon.”
Belton and Reese create entertaining content that resonates with many pet lovers. As Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, notes, "Pets can bring immense joy and companionship, often becoming integral parts of our families." Check out their videos to see if Reese ever gets a sibling—or if Belton accidentally dognaps another doggy twin!
I cannot imagine how bizarre it must be to pick up a pet outside, thinking that it is yours, and then return to your home only to see that an identical pet is already waiting for you! Your first thought has to be, “omg, how could I not recognize my own beloved creature!” and your second would be, “oh my gosh, I have just kidnapped someone else’s beloved animal!”
There is something very funny about the whole experience, but you have to hope that both of the families manage to have a sense of humor about it; however, the relief they must feel to have their pets back in the right place would overpower that.
Have you ever kidnapped a look-alike for your pet? Tell us in the comments.
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