Challenging life circumstances can sometimes compel us to undertake actions we never imagined we would need to engage in. However, regardless of the situation, it is always vital to show kindness to each other.
A poignant (and simultaneously, very heartbreaking) narrative of affection, optimism, and perseverance arises from the Village of Monee, Illinois.
A beloved canine named King was found outdoors at the local Burger King, accompanied by a touching note secured to his collar.
One resident discovered him and promptly reached out to the Village of Monee Police Department.
Many will ponder who could have forsaken this cherished dog in such a manner, yet the true essence of this tale is equally tragic as the dog’s neglect.
“I’m A Good Boy…”
The note attached to the dog’s collar stated:
“Hi, I’m King. I’m a good boy. Love to hug and kiss. Birthday, July 22, 2018.”
Upon King’s arrival at the Monee Police Station, the officers immediately recognized that he was indeed a very good boy.
It saddened them deeply that he had been cast aside in such a way, prompting them to swiftly start probing into King’s background.
King spent the night at the police station, and the following morning, he was taken to South Suburban Humane Society.
There was much speculation regarding what had transpired with this lovely boy and how he ended up in the parking area of their local Burger King.
However, they didn’t have to speculate for too long. Soon after the shelter shared a post regarding King online, his mother arrived at the shelter to recount her story.
From Whopper To Wagging Tail
“After enduring a significant medical incident, she had relocated to live with relatives and has been striving to regain stability. A family member left King behind without her awareness, and she is heartbroken,” relayed SSHS in their Facebook post.
King’s mother, Ms. J. Cruz, suffered an injury at work the prior year and has been unable to work due to Post Concussion Syndrome, which induces her recurrent migraines, anxiety, dizziness upon standing or bending, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Upon discovering King’s location, his mother hurried to the shelter with all of his preferred food, toys, and treats.
This sparked a very emotional conversation with the shelter staff, who, upon learning about her circumstances, decided to assist her.
“Each day, all of us have the option to select empathy and kindness. SSHS is founded on these principles, and we opt for kindness whenever it is feasible (as it is always feasible),” they expressed.
“It was clear to our team how much love and attachment there is between them, and he was completely ecstatic to see her. She was crying as she shared all the experiences she had gone through, and I was in tears as well,” stated Emily Klehm, CEO of the SSHS, to The Dodo.
An arrangement was made – one of the shelter’s employees would foster King while his mother searches for a new residence.
Choose Kindness Whenever Possible
Just a week later, King’s mother came back to the shelter to inform them that she had secured a safe home for herself and her cherished pet. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
The reunion of the two was incredibly heartwarming and brimming with love, leaving no one in the room with dry eyes.
Nonetheless, SSHS’s warmth toward this duo did not conclude there. In an effort to assist King’s mom in becoming self-sufficient, SSHS shared a GoFundMe page created by Ms. Cruz’s friend.
Nearly 500 contributions were made to ensure King and his furry parent’s reunion – an astounding $15,580 was collected for the initiative.
However, that was not all.
Upon discovering King’s story, Burger King decided to lend their support as well.
“From one (Burger) King to another, we want to send you some love!” read their message, which included Impossible Whoppers for the entire shelter team, along with a care package for King’s mom.
King’s narrative exemplifies the wonderful outcomes that can transpire when individuals and organizations unite, propelled by compassion and genuine empathy.