Dog Breaks Out of Shelter to Visit Nursing Home Residents

Scout’s story brings a warm feeling of joy and surprise to everyone who hears it. Living in Bellaire, Michigan, he was a resident at the Antrim County Animal Shelter. But Scout had other plans and decided to pick his own home. Often, at night, this clever dog would sneak out of the shelter.

His destination was a nursing home just across the street, and he didn’t just do it once. Scout repeatedly made his way there, showing his determination. Each time he was brought back to the shelter, he found his way back to the nursing home, as if telling everyone, “This is where I belong!”

The Cutest Escape Ever

Scout was a stray dog who found his way to Antrim County Animal Shelter. His days were spent behind a privacy fence, his wet snout occasionally poking through the chain-link fence, hoping for a loving home. Nobody thought he’d become a master of escaping.

One night, Scout crossed a highway and snuck into the Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility in Bellaire, Michigan. Despite the dangerous journey, he somehow scaled multiple fences and made his way through automatic doors. And just like that, each night, he would find a leather couch and simply pass out. The staff was puzzled at first, but soon found him quite endearing.

Why Did Scout Keep Coming Back?

• He seemed calm and happy around the staff.
• They gave him treats and toys.
• He felt more secure and loved.

Instead of sending Scout back to the animal shelter every time, they decided to adopt him. It was clear that Scout had chosen them.

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

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

Scout became the unofficial mascot of the facility, enjoying his new life filled with all the love and attention he had deserved for so long.

An Unexpected Caregiver

Scout turned out to be much more than just a resident at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility. He easily became the kindest, most intuitive caregiver among the nursing home staff. Everyone quickly grew to love him.

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

What makes Scout truly special is his gentle care for residents with terminal illnesses and dementia. He seems to sense when these seniors need extra comfort, providing them warmth and love.

The MBMCF team wrote on their official Facebook, “We couldn’t imagine our lives without him! He completes our Meadow Brook family.”

Scout’s past is a sad story. He came from an abusive household, which makes his role as a caregiver even more touching. Despite his tough beginnings, he has found a loving home where he can give and receive love every day.

Scout has a way of brightening the lives of everyone at Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility. He offers comfort and protection to this vulnerable population, proving dogs can be incredible caregivers.

Watch the heart warming video of Scout