Lost Dog, Owner Reunited Thanks To Ranch At Laguna Beach

LAGUNA BEACH, CA —Workers at the Ranch at Laguna Beach were interrupted a week ago by the sight of a wayward dog on the grounds. It was apparent that the brindle-colored lab-mix was lost, hungry, and more than a little nervous, Patch was told.

"The team collectively tried to catch her, but she kept disappearing," a spokesperson for the resort told Patch. That didn't stop them from trying to help her.

On Wednesday morning, Ramiro, a member of the RanchLB team, spotted the pup who had made herself at home, overnight. She was sound asleep on the outdoor sofas at The Ranch at Laguna Beach's Treehouse, which is coincidentally the property's top luxury accommodation.

"We knew right away she was our kind of dog," Ranch General Manager Kurt Bjorkman said.

Ramiro cautiously approached the dog with water and some bacon from the property's outdoor café, Ben's Pantry.

The pup quickly devoured the treat.

"She was a bit emaciated but in good spirits, and though she would have made an excellent ranch dog, they knew she belonged to someone.

A search ensued to find her owner.

Staff googled and facebooked for missing dogs in Laguna Beach, happened upon Patch, and the story of a Beloved Dog Lost In Laguna Beach.

She matched the photo, perfectly.

Portia's owner answered the call to the listed phone number, and within an hour, the pair were reunited, at last. It had been 18 days since dog and owner had seen one another, and their joy was palpable.

A crowd of Ranch team members gathered to witness the happy reunion.

"All of South Laguna could probably hear Portia's yips of joy!" they laughed.

Portia said goodbye to all as only a good dog can, slobbery face-licks for everyone gathered at the scene. And the Ranch staff promised to keep her spot on the sofa for her, for Portia's return.