Dogs are curious creatures. Whether they’re sniffing the trails left behind by wildlife, exploring every corner of the dog park, or inspecting the shopping bags we bring home, their noses are constantly working overtime.
Even a quick trip to the mailbox earns me a full inspection from my two. They sniff me like I’ve been on a grand adventure without them, determined to find out where I’ve been and who I may have encountered.
For Buster, a sweet Boxer with a big personality, the latest mystery wasn’t a neighbor’s dog or a squirrel’s scent. It was something far more unexpected: a new candle.
Was it the flickering flame or the scent drifting through the room that caught his attention? Only Buster knows for sure. But watching him try to figure it out is pure comedy gold.
Check him out in this TikTok shared on October 22:
Buster (@busterbrowntheboxer) was absolutely mesmerized by the glowing candle. The little flame flickered, and his eyes followed it as if he were watching a magic trick. He sniffed carefully, nose twitching, as if trying to decode every note of the scent wafting into the air.
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His mom summed it up perfectly in the caption: “He’s just a distinguished gentleman, smelling his candle.” And honestly, she’s not wrong. Anyone who’s ever paused to enjoy a favorite fall scent knows exactly that feeling; only Buster’s version might be a little cuter.
Viewers couldn’t get enough of the moment. @JenniferSimmons joked, “This is quite dangerous. He could become addicted to 3-wick candles and lattes from Starbucks and trips to TJ Maxx.” Relatable.
@DIRECTV quipped, “Ah, yes, the subtle notes of ‘Eau de Bacon’ and ‘Freshly Shed Fur.’”
And @DeannaRenèeKorthauer chimed in, “I love how Boxers are so curious about everything. Mine does the same thing. Anything I bring in, he has to investigate it.”
It’s true. Boxers are known for being bright, affectionate, and endlessly curious. That curiosity often leads to a few downright adorable moments like this one. But there’s also some solid science behind those inquisitive sniffs.
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A Dog’s Sense of Smell
A dog’s sense of smell is powerful. According to Bond Vet, dogs have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their noses, compared to five to six million in humans. That means they can pick up the tiniest scent particles we may never even notice. It’s no wonder they investigate everything from new groceries to delivery boxes, and apparently, even seasonal candles.
After all those hilarious comments, Buster’s mom decided to make the most of his nose and took him to TJ Maxx to pick out some candles of his own. Let’s just say, the results will leave you laughing.
One thing’s certain: dogs don’t need pumpkin spice lattes to enjoy the season. Sometimes, a flickering candle and a good sniff will do just fine.
This story was originally reported by Parade Pets on Oct 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add Parade Pets as a Preferred Source by clicking here.