On Tuesday, FOUR people in Norfolk, Virginia called 911 to report a BABY LION running loose in the streets.  The calls came from people near the ZOO, so the first thought was that a baby lion had broken out.  Fortunately, the truth was WAY more adorable and WAY less deadly.

It turned out it wasn't a baby lion . . . it was a DOG that was groomed to LOOK LIKE ONE.  The dog is a Labrador-poodle mix, also known as a labradoodle.  The owner went to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, and their mascot is the lion, so he had his dog groomed with a dyed MANE and puffy lion tail.

The guy owns a lawn and garden store in the area.  On Tuesday, the dog was at the store but had wandered off into the street.  He's been reunited with his owner.

Here's the 911 calls:

And here's some photos of the dog.

(Hampton Roads)