I went to Walmart for cat litter and trash bags—nothing more. But then I saw him: a large, scruffy dog sitting by the cart return, quietly watching every car as if waiting for someone who left him behind. When I approached, he didn’t flinch—just leaned against me with tired eyes and gave me a paw-wrapped leg hug, like he’d chosen me. Animal control said someone had abandoned him that morning. No chip,

, no collar. When they tried to take him, he panicked and looked back at me. I wasn’t planning on getting a dog, but when I asked what would happen if no one claimed him, I learned he’d be euthanized in 72 hours. I couldn’t let that happen. I took him home and named him Rufus. Living with Rufus wasn’t always easy—chewed shoes,stolen bread—but he became my best friend. He’d greet me at the door, lay his head on my lap, and comfort me without a word.One day, on a walk, Rufus ran into an alley where a little boy was crying after getting lost. Rufus comforted him until we reunited the boy with his mom. It was one of many quiet moments that proved how special he was.Later, I stumbled upon a missing dog post. A family had been searching for their dog, Max—a dog that looked exactly like Rufus. My heart sank. Still, I reached out. When they met him, they cried with gratitude. Rufus was Max. He’d gone missing months ago while camping. The people who left him at Walmart were trying to help. I gave him back—hardest thing I’ve ever done—but it was right. Days later, Max’s family knocked on my door… with two of Max’s puppies. “We thought you might want a new friend,” they said. One pup wrapped herself around my leg just like Max had. Sometimes letting go opens space for something new—and love, when true, always finds its way back.