SANTA CLARA -- Bella, the precocious pooch whose fate has captivated the Bay Area for most of the week, has been returned to owner Niki Karanastasis, Humane Society Silicon Valley President Christine Benninger announced Wednesday afternoon.

"At approximately 3 p.m. today, Bella was returned to the Humane Society and was reunited with her owners, Niki and Peter," Benninger said.

The couple that had adopted Bella earlier this month returned the dog following the extensive media attention the case has received and after being assured that Karanastasis was the rightful owner of the 2-year-old golden retriever.

"They wanted to make certain that Bella was actually owned by Niki and Peter," Benninger said.

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This shaggy dog story that has gripped the region for several days is an example of why pet owners should microchip or tag their cuddly canine or feline companions, according to Benninger.

"Had Bella been tagged or microchipped, this would have been resolved right at the beginning," Benninger said.

The Humane Society president also denied that the couple that adopted Bella for their daughter's 10th birthday had any connection to the society, as was suggested earlier today by Karanastasis's attorney.

"The people who adopted Bella categorically were not employees, volunteers or friends of the Humane Society," Benninger said.