After dying, Dally and Johnny were reincarnated. Dally a coyote, Johnny a little black kitten.

At first,

The guys didn't think anything of the coyote and kitten showing up at the Curtis household but, Ponyboy pointed out how they reminded him of Dally and Johnny with how they acted and looked.

Instead of the gang arguing with Ponyboy, cause they knew he was struggling with their deaths, they went along with it.

Darry installed a dog door so the two creatures could come and go as they please. Sodapop bought them collars, Johnny a little dark blue one that had a small jingle bell on it, and Dally a silver chain like one with a tag on it.

The guys grew accustomed to the animals being around.