When Gemma Halliday set off on a trip, she expected regular check-ins from her mom back home — but she didn’t expect one of those updates to turn into a viral dog-spotting challenge.
One day, Halliday opened her messages and saw a seemingly ordinary photo her mom had sent. At first glance, the picture looked simple enough: a pair of feet resting on a chair in front of some lush, bright-green bushes. But something about it caught her attention.
As she peered closer, Halliday realized the photo contained more than just feet and shrubbery. Hidden within the greenery were two of her family’s beloved dogs, Toffee and Squashie — blending in so well they were almost invisible.
It was such a delightful discovery that Halliday couldn’t keep it to herself. She decided to share the puzzling picture with the world.
A Viral Hide-and-Seek Game
Halliday posted the photo to Facebook with a playful caption:
“There are two dogs in this photo, but you can probably only find one.”
Her post quickly turned into an internet sensation. Commenters zoomed in, tilted their screens, and scrutinized every leaf, eager to spot the two masters of disguise. Some found one of the dogs right away but struggled to locate the other. Others gave up completely, admitting defeat in the face of Toffee and Squashie’s incredible camouflage skills.
The hidden-pet photo reminded many people of the old “Where’s Waldo?” books — only this time, the challenge involved two mischievous dogs perfectly camouflaged against the garden backdrop.
Life With Toffee and Squashie
Once the photo had stumped plenty of curious viewers, Halliday offered some help. In a follow-up, she shared a clearer version of the picture where the dogs’ positions became more obvious. The big reveal left fans amazed at how well Toffee and Squashie had blended into the bushes.
Of course, this wasn’t the first time the two pups had chosen such an unusual hangout spot. According to Halliday, hiding in the garden is one of their favorite summer activities.
“Now that it’s hot in the summer, they will hide in the bushes,” Halliday explained. “That part of the garden isn’t very shaded, [but] they like to be close to the family, so the only option is the bushes.”
Despite having access to shady trees and cozy corners, the dogs prefer squeezing into the leafy greenery — as long as it means staying close to their humans.
Halliday’s family actually shares their home with four dogs in total: Toffee, Squashie, Tippy, and Noodle. Each pup has their own quirks, but Toffee and Squashie stand out thanks to their silly personalities and knack for making people laugh.
Quirky Personalities That Shine Through
Toffee, Halliday said, is the pack leader of the group. She has a big personality, a love of food, and one particularly funny trait — her crooked teeth cause her to dribble whenever there’s cheese or chicken in sight. It’s not the most glamorous habit, but it’s one of the many reasons her family adores her.
Squashie, on the other hand, has earned the affectionate title of the family’s “problem child.” She’s mischievous, endlessly playful, and has a boundless obsession with giving kisses. No one in the house is safe from her enthusiastic affection.
Together, the pair form a lively duo that keeps their family entertained — whether they’re proudly leading the pack, sneaking in licks, or hiding in the bushes just to stay near the people they love most.
Why The Garden Matters So Much
To an outsider, the photo may just look like a fun guessing game, but for Halliday and her family, it captures something deeper: the bond between dogs and humans.
Even when the weather is hot and the bushes are far from the most comfortable spot, Toffee and Squashie choose to stay nearby. They’d rather be close to their family than retreat somewhere cooler or easier to rest.
It’s a quiet reminder of how much dogs value presence and connection. Their hiding spots might frustrate internet sleuths, but for Halliday, they’re simply a testament to the loyalty and love her pups show every day.
“Never far, these loving dogs are happy to be close to their family,” Halliday said — though, as the viral photo proved, it’s not always easy to guess exactly where they’re hiding.
