Lost Service Dog Reunited With Owner Following Car Accident

A very happy owner and her lost service dog were reunited on Wednesday, thanks to help from the Town of Herndon Police Department, the media and local residents.

Herndon Police posted the story on their Facebook page after Bella the service dog and her owner, Mimi, were happily reunited following a car accident.

Mimi and Bella were involved in a minor car accident in Herndon on Tuesday at around 10:40 a.m. When Mimi opened the car door to check on her beloved service dog, Bella--quite possibly frightened after the accident that had just taken place--took off running.

For the rest of the day, and even overnight, two Herndon police officers and Mimi tirelessly searched for Bella throughout town, while members of the department spread the word via news outlets and social media about the lost service animal.

Then, at just before 11 a.m. Wednesday, the Herndon Police Department received a call from a citizen who had possibly spotted Bella in an area close to the W&OD Trail, very near the station.

Officers immediately responded to the area and, with help from several citizens and Mimi, spotted Bella, but spent more than an hour chasing her, with Bella always staying just out of reach.

Just after mid-day, though, a local worker saved the day. Police received a call from Flagship Car Wash on Grant Street. One of their employees, Jose Garcia Lopez, had spotted Bella and had been able to follow her and grab hold of her leash.

Bella and Mimi were reunited shortly thereafter, and even given a courtesy ride home from Herndon officers, making a truly happy ending for all involved.

Photos courtesy of Herndon Police Department via Facebook.