A few weeks ago, on a rainy and chaotic afternoon, Edith the dog reminded her family—and everyone who heard the story—why we love our pets, even when they drive us just a little bit crazy.

It all started with a fence.

Or rather, with Edith somehow managing to sneak out of the family’s fenced yard, something she hadn’t done in years. There was no barking, no dramatic escape, just the sudden, heart-stopping realization:

Edith was gone.

Panic quickly set in.

Her owner had to abruptly leave an important meeting, her husband dropped everything he was doing, and together they scoured the neighborhood in the pouring rain. Soaked to the bone, they called her name again and again, growing more and more worried by the minute. An hour passed. Still no sign of Edith. Where could a curious, clever, and slightly mischievous nine-year-old dog possibly have gone?

It turns out, Edith had found refuge exactly where many of us go when we’re cold, wet, and in desperate need of comfort: Waffle House.

Yes, that very Waffle House.

When the family arrived, the staff greeted them with knowing smiles. “Oh, Edith?” they said with amused recognition. The employees explained she had been spotted chasing feral cats behind the restaurant—clearly on a mission only she understood—before attempting, rather hilariously, to climb back up the steep hill behind the building and failing spectacularly.

That’s when the kindness began.

Instead of shooing her away, the Waffle House team welcomed Edith like one of their own. One employee brought her a warm pork chop, and another kindly put her in their car, started the engine, and let her warm up from the relentless cold rain. A wet, shivering dog was transformed into a pampered guest, all thanks to a group of strangers who went out of their way to show compassion.

Her humans were flooded with relief—and maybe, just a little bit of gratitude that their adventurous pup had chosen a place with good food and even better people.

If Edith ever decides to escape again—though her family sincerely hopes she won’t—they’ve since installed a new drop rod kit on the gate to keep her safely inside. But they now know exactly where to look first:

check behind the Waffle House.

Because while Edith may be a troublemaker, she’s definitely not dumb. She knows exactly where the pork chops are.

This isn’t the first time Edith has found herself in a dramatic situation. Nearly six years ago, she famously chased a possum and ended up stranded on a cliff behind her house. The fire department was called for a full-scale rescue mission. That’s Edith for you—99% amazing, but when she’s bad, she’s spectacular.

Now at nine years old, Edith is still keeping her family on their toes. While most days she’s the sweet, loyal companion they’ve always loved, every so often she reminds them—and all of us—that a little mischief, a bit of adventure, and a whole lot of love is what makes life with a dog like Edith so unforgettable.

To the Waffle House staff who fed, sheltered, and showed kindness to one lost pup—thank you. You didn’t just warm up a cold dog that day. You warmed the hearts of her whole family.

And Edith? She’s probably dreaming of pork chops for weeks to come.