Gar's day started with barking-- not his usual alarm. It wasn’t uncommon; some of his neighbors had dogs, and they could start up at any hour. But this barking was close, in fact, it was right outside his front door.

Coffee in hand, he stepped out and found the source: a small, shivering dog with no tags, no collar, and big, expectant eyes.

And just like that, his day off turned into a tour around the neighborhood.

Now, one cold coffee and an hour later, Gar walked down the sidewalk with the dog trotting beside him, tethered by a borrowed leash. They’d stopped at every hydrant, lamppost, and street sign the dog took an interest in, but the usual spots turned up nothing—no flyers, no panicked owner, no one who recognized the little guy. He was starting to wonder just how far the dog had wandered before ending up at his doorstep.

Slowing as he neared someone outside a building, Gar offered a small wave and a polite smile.