One Year After Losing Their Dog, A Look-Alike Walks Right Into Their Lives | The Animal Rescue Site

One year after the heartbreaking loss of their beloved French bulldog, a grieving family received an unexpected visitor that brought comfort, surprise, and a touch of healing. The story, originally reported by The Dodo, follows the Lewis family’s emotional journey through grief and the remarkable encounter that made them believe their late dog, Baby, had somehow returned to them—if only for a moment.
Five years ago, Ashley Lewis and her husband gifted their four children a small French bulldog they named Baby. The pup quickly became more than just a pet. He was a source of joy and stability, especially after the family relocated across the country. According to Lewis, Baby’s presence brought comfort during a time of transition. “He had the greatest personality … he was a family member,” she told The Dodo.
For four years, Baby was a constant companion to the Lewis children. Then, suddenly and without warning, he passed away. The loss was devastating. The family, who had never owned a pet before, found themselves overwhelmed by grief. They held a memorial service for Baby and spent the following year mourning his absence, finding solace in old videos, plush toys that resembled him, and shared memories. Lewis reflected on the depth of their sorrow, noting how long it took for the sadness to ease even slightly.
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During that year of mourning, the family often questioned whether they could ever open their hearts to another dog. The pain of losing Baby had left a lasting mark. But then, on a bright summer day exactly one year after Baby’s death, something extraordinary happened.
Lewis’ son was alone in their outdoor classroom when a tan French bulldog wandered in. He didn’t recognize the dog, but its behavior was eerily familiar. Although the fur color was different, the dog’s personality mirrored Baby’s in nearly every way. “He has the exact personality of our dog,” Lewis said. “He acted like we were the owners and that he did not have any other owners.”
