Some life events truly stand out for their importance. Besides graduating from college, tying the knot, or welcoming a child, moving into a new home—be it a house or an apartment—certainly qualifies as a significant milestone.
While the move itself is memorable, an unexpected surprise can make it even more remarkable. Such was the case for Matt Garcia and his wife when they settled into their new home in Tennessee.
Though they were already captivated by their new residence, a furry surprise they encountered raised the experience to an entirely new level.
An Unexpected Guest
Upon visiting their new Tennessee home, Matt Garcia and his wife anticipated that the house’s charm might astonish them. Instead, they were taken aback by something—or rather someone—entirely unexpected.
“I found something today, in our planter that kind of came as a little surprise,” the Lewisburg, Tennessee-based photographer remarked on TikTok, referring to a ginger puppy discovered near the house’s entrance.
The Basset Hound was sleeping contentedly right by the front door, as if it belonged there. Although Matt and his wife, avid dog lovers, were thrilled by this sight, they felt a bit puzzled.
“We found this little buddy in our planter, just kind of sleeping. He’s fine, but we don’t know what to do with him. We fed him, we gave him water. There’s no tag on that collar though… unfortunately.” Matt shared.
“What should I do with this sweet old dog????” he questioned in the TikTok video caption posted on his account @mattdotgarcia.
@mattdotgarcia what should I do with this sweet ol dog????
#dog
#lostdog
#fypシ゚viral
♬ original sound – mattdotgarcia
His TikTok followers flooded him with suggestions on what to do.
“Get him scanned at a local vet for a microchip 🤷🏼♀️” one follower advised.
“Put a bed on that porch for that baby,” another chimed in.
A third quipped: “CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW DOG AND HIS HOME.”
This last comment prompted a reply from Matt: “Update posted!”
“A Pretty Good Routine”
Just a few days after Matt’s initial video about the Basset Hound, a “part two” followed, where he unveiled some intriguing information for his inquisitive audience.
Matt revealed that the dog wasn’t lost or stray but resided on the other side of the train tracks, a couple of miles away. He also learned that the dog’s name was Copper.
@mattdotgarcia Replying to @PamCAKES • PAMda • sPamela Copper is welcome back anytime! (if the owners see this!)
#dog
#lostdog
#straydogs
#bassethound
#fypシ゚viral
#foryou
##dogtok
♬ original sound – mattdotgarcia
Viewers expressed relief that the dog had a home, though some raised concerns about the owners allowing him to roam freely near a dangerous train track.
One viewer even offered a clever suggestion: “If you don’t already, install a ring camera. That way you will know when he stops by and can give him treats.”
Matt confirmed that during that time, Copper hadn’t visited, and he began to miss the little explorer. Fortunately, he didn’t have long to wait, as Copper dropped by just a few days later.
In his latest TikTok video, Matt shared his joyful reaction upon reuniting with his furry friend, much to the delight of viewers.
One viewer commented: “He needs a forever home and regular food and love. He needs YOU!”
Matt, however, assured everyone: “As far as we can tell, he seems to have a pretty good routine… He stops by for pets, love, water, and a bit of food—then he usually falls right to sleep.”
After all, that’s all a dog truly needs in life. 😀
