In Memphis, Tennessee, a rescue dog named Hank quickly formed a deep connection with his foster caregiver in just a matter of days. When he was transferred to another foster home for heartworm treatment, Hank managed to escape by unlocking the door.

Over the next two days, he made his way across the city, traveling an estimated 11 miles through different neighborhoods to reach his former caregiver’s porch. Touched by his determination, the caregiver chose to adopt him permanently. Hank’s incredible journey highlights the strength of a dog’s sense of smell—under ideal conditions, dogs have been known to detect scents across long distances, sometimes up to about 12 miles (20 kilometers).