What are the chances of spotting a dog that looks exactly like your own furry friend? Would you adopt it if you did?
Danielle Geffel found herself in this rare situation when she received a message about a dog up for adoption in Maryland that looked strikingly like her own pooch.
The moment she saw the photo, Geffel knew she had to bring that little dog home immediately.
Twins Born At Different Times
Danielle Geffel and her partner, living in Baltimore, Maryland, were overjoyed with their Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, Barkley. They had no intention of adopting another dog, until Geffel got an intriguing message.
One of her TikTok followers sent her a story about a dog that was nearly identical to Barkley, hoping she would consider adopting him.
The dog was currently at Maryland SPCA, a shelter running at full capacity and actively encouraging people to adopt adult dogs as well.
This only made Geffel’s decision easier. She immediately informed her husband, Mike, about the possibility of adopting Barkley’s “twin.”
Charlie, the new dog, shared so many physical traits with Barkley that it seemed impossible for them not to be related somehow.
Of course, there was no chance they were literal twins; Barkley was 13 years old, while Charlie was estimated between two and three.
Still, Geffel was certain there was some kind of connection between the two dogs, not only in appearance but in mannerisms. She told The Dodo:
“Apart from them being the exact same weight, they both have shaggy coats of lemon and white, a long body and snout, turned-out front feet, and are constantly grinning and wagging their tails.”
Twins Born At Different Times
Barkley enjoys a wonderful life with his loving owners. He was originally a stray from Atlanta. Geffel recalled:
“He wasn’t microchipped or neutered, knew no commands, and wasn’t house trained, but he was the happiest dog we’d ever met.”
With lots of patience and care, Barkley became playful yet obedient.
Charlie, however, did not have such a fortunate start. He was surrendered to the Maryland SPCA by his previous owners, who had gone through a divorce.
He arrived in poor condition. The shelter reported multiple infections and scabs over his body. Charlie was confined almost sixteen hours per day and suffered severe neglect.
Geffel confirmed this in one of her TikTok videos as well:
“Our vet described his ear and skin infections both as chronic, and he said that it’s clear he had them both for a very long time.”
Although Charlie’s past abandonment was heartbreaking, it appears to have been a blessing in disguise.
Charlie And Barkley, A Perfect Pair
The two dogs bonded instantly, which reassured Geffel that adopting Charlie was the right choice.
One noticeable change was in Barkley’s energy and playfulness, which increased since Charlie’s arrival.
“Barkley has surprised us in the best way with his desire to run, wrestle, and cause a ruckus with Charlie. Whether they’re horsing around in the yard, tugging on a shared toy, or giving one another a kiss, they’ve become fast friends.”
The pair is a picture-perfect duo, and Geffel couldn’t be happier she acted on instinct and adopted Charlie.
She told The Dodo that she plans to run a Wisdom Panel or Embark test to learn more about Charlie’s background and to see if the two dogs share any relation.
Regardless of the test results, Barkley and Charlie are guaranteed a lifelong bond thanks to their devoted mom, Danielle Geffel.