Dog who went missing from her new home turns up at her former shelter and rings the doorbell for help

Editor's note: This article was originally published on February 10, 2023. It has since been updated.

When you think of a lost dog, you typically imagine them alone, wandering the streets and desperately searching for someone to help. But one Texas pup named Bailey had an interesting plan. A lost dog named Bailey found her way back to her family thanks to a surprisingly intelligent trick. In January, Bailey had been adopted from the Animal Rescue League of El Paso in Texas, but then she went missing from her new home. Upon being informed of this, the shelter posted about Bailey on social media, asking people to call if they spotted her. "This beautiful girl — Bailey — has gotten loose in the area of Mesa and Sunland Park on the west side. She is very friendly. If you spot her or find her, please call," the Animal Rescue League of El Paso posted on January 29, along with photos of Bailey.

Unexpectedly, Bailey arrived back at the shelter on her own. Early on January 31, she showed up at the door and rang the doorbell looking for help. Staff rushed to the shelter and put Bailey in her run. The Animal Rescue League of El Paso posted a photo of Bailey taken by the facility's doorbell camera, expressing their gratitude for all those who had searched, spotted, called and hoped for her safe return.

Loretta Hyde, the founder of the Animal Rescue League of El Paso, expressed her amazement to KFOX14 that the dog had returned to the shelter, especially considering that the dog's new home was 10 miles away. She asked how the dog knew which direction to go. It is unclear how Bailey spent her time away from home, but she has now returned and is settling in with her forever family. Hyde hopes that Bailey's return to the shelter is a sign that her client is pleased. She also believes that strays prefer to return to the shelter as they love it there.

"Strays want to go back to us. They love our shelter," she told KFOX14. Since her return, Bailey has become a symbol of hope for other strays. Her story inspires animal rescue workers and pet owners alike, demonstrating that a lost pet can find its way home with a little faith and determination. Animal rescue organizations all over the world have shared Bailey's story, and many have commented that it has provided them with the motivation to keep pushing forward in the fight against animal cruelty.

Bailey's story also serves as a reminder of the importance of reuniting lost pets with their families. Having an up-to-date microchip and ID tags on your pet can help ensure that they can find their way back home if they ever get lost. So, if you ever find yourself in the situation of having a lost pet, remember Bailey's story and never give up hope. With a little faith and determination, even the most lost of dogs can find their way back home.