PurrScent

It was another quiet evening, just walking our girl through the neighborhood for her usual nighttime routine — nothing out of the ordinary… until we spotted him.

There, trotting calmly down the sidewalk like he had somewhere to be, was a dog we’d never seen before. He wasn’t panicked or injured, just… out of place. No collar. No person nearby. Just a very determined little guy on a solo sidewalk adventure.

He looked healthy, if not a little dusty — like he needed a good bath and maybe a nap more than anything. But what stood out most was his demeanor: cautious, curious, and walking in circles around the block like he was retracing steps or maybe waiting for someone who never showed.

The boyfriend took off on foot to track his loop, while I followed slowly in the car, keeping pace. He didn’t run — just kept his distance with polite dog manners, unsure whether we were friend or foe. Finally, after a few laps, he laid down in a patch of grass, clearly tired and giving us our chance.

With a little patience — and a bit of wet dog food bribery — we earned his trust long enough to slip on a leash and gently walk him home.

Because it was late and our dog Carly isn’t the most welcoming to unfamiliar houseguests (especially the canine kind), the boyfriend made Bruce a cozy little overnight suite in the garage — blankets, water, soft lighting, the works. And let’s just say… Bruce made himself comfortable. Very comfortable.

He farted. All. Night. Long.

We laughed through the tears (the eye-watering kind) and by morning, he had a name: Bruce, courtesy of the Humane Society of Missouri, where we brought him safely the next day to check for a microchip and make sure he had the best chance at a reunion or adoption.

He may have only been with us for a night, but Bruce left a big impression — and not just the kind that lingers in the air. He reminded us that rescue isn’t always dramatic or heartbreaking — sometimes it’s a quiet walk, a shared can of food, and a dog who just needed someone to notice.

And a garage that may never smell the same again.

#LoveLouderBurnBrighter #CandlesWithACause