What are the chances of discovering a dog that looks almost identical to your own? And if you did, would you feel compelled to adopt it?
Danielle Geffel experienced this rare moment firsthand when she received a message about a dog up for adoption in Maryland who looked unbelievably similar to her own pup.
The moment she saw the photo, she felt certain she needed to adopt him.
A Lookalike That Caught Everyone Off Guard
Danielle Geffel and her partner, who live in Baltimore, Maryland, adored their Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, Barkley. They had not been considering a second dog until Geffel opened a surprising message from one of her TikTok followers.
The follower shared a story about a dog that almost perfectly matched Barkley’s appearance. They hoped Danielle might be interested in adopting him.
The dog was staying at the Maryland SPCA, a shelter that was full and urging the public to adopt adult dogs whenever possible.
That information only made the decision easier for Geffel. She immediately told her husband, Mike, that Barkley might have a “twin” in need of a home.
The new dog, later named Charlie, had so many of Barkley’s features that it felt unreal. His coloring, size, posture, and expression closely resembled Barkley’s.
They could not be true littermates though, as Barkley was thirteen while Charlie was estimated to be two or three years old. Still, Geffel believed there must be some kind of connection. 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.”
Two Pups With Very Different Beginnings
Barkley now enjoys a loving life with his family, but his early days were difficult. He was originally found as a stray in 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 patience and training, Barkley became a joyful and well behaved companion.
Charlie’s story unfolded very differently. He was surrendered to the Maryland SPCA when his former owners went through a divorce.
When he arrived, he was in poor shape. The shelter staff reported that he had several infections and scabs across his body. He had also been confined for long periods, nearly sixteen hours a day, and had endured significant neglect.
Geffel confirmed this in one of her TikTok updates:
“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 was difficult, losing his previous home eventually became a hidden blessing, because it led him to Danielle.
A New Friendship Forms Instantly
When Charlie joined the household, he and Barkley bonded faster than anyone expected. Their connection reassured Geffel that adopting Charlie was the right choice.
One of the most noticeable changes came from Barkley himself. His energy increased, and he became more playful than he had been in years.
“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.”
Seeing the two dogs together confirmed to Geffel that following her instincts was the best decision.
She later told The Dodo that she hopes to run a Wisdom Panel or Embark test to learn more about Charlie’s background and to see if the dogs share any ancestry.
No matter what the results reveal, Barkley and Charlie already share a bond that will last a lifetime, all thanks to their caring owner, Danielle Geffel.