Most dogs can manage being left at home for a few hours, even if they don’t particularly like it.
When their person steps outside, they often react as though something dreadful has happened, confused about where their human has gone and how long it will take before they return.
In most cases, there’s no real cause for concern. That behavior simply reflects how deeply they care.
But for certain dogs, the feeling grows into something heavier than ordinary longing. It turns into genuine anxiety.
Dogs who have endured neglect or painful experiences often find it difficult to feel safe when left alone. The fear of being abandoned again lingers in their minds.
This was exactly what one senior dog in Indiana was living through, until his family uncovered a simple yet powerful way to bring him comfort and help him heal.
He Hates Being Alone
When Aubrey Turner and Kori Halter adopted their 9-year-old dog, they quickly realized that he had deep emotional scars. His biggest fear was being left by himself.
Each time his owners went to work, he would pace around the living room, staring at the door and waiting anxiously for their return.
They suspected his behavior was linked to his past. Before adoption, Bruce had lived a difficult life as a breeder dog, likely spending most of his time neglected and alone.
So whenever his new owners left the house, old memories resurfaced. Turner told The Dodo: “If we weren’t home, he felt like he couldn’t go anywhere, he couldn’t do anything. So, he kind of just stayed where we would put him. He would try to make himself as small as possible.”
Fortunately for Bruce, he wasn’t truly alone anymore. His Indiana home was also shared with a kind-hearted cat named Dante, who seemed to sense Bruce’s distress.
Dante began curling up next to him, keeping him company when his owners were away. That simple act of comfort brought Bruce much-needed peace, and the touching moment was captured on camera by his family.
A Friendship That Changed Everything
Turner explained: “It was so sweet for us to see. The couple had two cats at the time and have since adopted two more. We don’t really see that much of it when we’re home. When we’re home, the cats don’t interact with Bruce in the same way they do when we’re not paying attention.”
Their friendship didn’t start instantly. Bruce had always been a bit wary of cats, but over time, he grew to trust Dante. Eventually, the two became inseparable.
Having his feline companion helped Bruce stay calm when his owners were away. His behavior slowly began to change for the better.
Turner shared that although Bruce still feels nervous outside, he’s now a completely different dog at home: playful, affectionate, and full of joy.
She also encouraged others to consider giving senior dogs a chance. Turner said: “For so many people, the thought of adopting senior dogs is too much of a risk for heartbreak for the human, but this shouldn’t be about the human.”
Her words ring true. Bruce’s journey shows that every dog, no matter their age or past, deserves love and understanding. And sometimes, all it takes to heal is the comfort of a loyal friend, even one with whiskers and a purr.