This story about Scout might just be the most touching tale you’ll read today!

While most dogs in shelters wait for a new family to find them, this little guy took matters into his paws—choosing his own home in the most heartwarming way possible.

Scout had been living full-time at the Antrim County Animal Shelter in Bellaire, Michigan, but something about it didn’t sit right with him. So, he decided to make a change.

One night, he began sneaking out, and to everyone’s surprise, he made his way to a nursing home just across the street.

The most astonishing part? Scout didn’t just do this once or twice. He kept returning to the nursing home as if he was trying to say, “This is my home, humans. Don’t take me back anymore!”

The Sweetest Escape

Even though the nursing home was nearby, getting there was no easy feat for Scout, who had to slip through the automatic doors of Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility in Bellaire, Michigan.

He somehow managed to climb over fences and cross a busy road.

And every time he made his way in, it was during the dead of night. After his daring journey, Scout would find the coziest leather couch in the lobby, curl up, and fall fast asleep.

At first, the nursing home staff made sure he was returned to the shelter. However, after Scout’s repeated visits, they started to realize that their facility must have something special that brought Scout comfort and joy.

So, they decided to welcome him as a permanent resident!

“When Scout continued to show up here, we thought maybe it was meant to be,” says Jennifer Martinek from Meadow Brook.

“We’ve welcomed him to be a part of our family. This is where he belongs. He chose us,” adds Stephanie Elsey, a clinical care coordinator.

An Unlikely Caregiver

Scout wasn’t just content being a resident in the nursing home. He quickly became so much more—a kind, intuitive companion who everyone grew to love.

One resident shared, “If you’re upset about something, or everything’s going wrong, he makes you feel better. Scout’s very happy here.”

The most moving part of Scout’s story is his special connection with residents suffering from terminal illnesses and dementia. It’s as if he can sense when someone needs extra love and attention, and he’ll go right up to them to offer comfort.

“We couldn’t imagine our lives without him! He completes our Meadow Brook family,” the staff shared on their official Facebook page.

Though little is known about Scout’s past, including his time in an abusive household.

One thing is clear—Scout is a natural caregiver, and he’s found his true family in this nursing home.