What RR and Mark said. An open circuit that is live can have lethal effect if you inadvertently contact it with the breaker on. Before you remove any switch plate or outlet covers for a sniff test, turn that breaker off. If you don't feel like it is safe for you to do, get an electrician to look at it. Your life could be at risk, leaving that breaker on under the current conditions.
If you get to thinking you’re a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else’s dog around.