In Monee, Illinois, a group of people were stunned when they spotted a dog tied outside a Burger King with a note clipped to his collar. It read:
“Hi, I’m King. I’m a good boy. Love to hug and kiss. Birthday July 22nd, 2018.”
Concerned for the pup, they called the police, who brought King to the station for the night before transferring him to the South Suburban Humane Society. Shelter staff couldn’t help but wonder how this sweet dog had ended up abandoned.
Not long after, the mystery was solved when King’s mom walked through the doors.
She explained that after facing serious health struggles, she had been forced to move in with family. Heartbreakingly, a relative gave King away without her knowing.
When she discovered what had happened, she was devastated. Hearing he was at the shelter, she rushed over with his favorite toys, food, and treats — and the moment King saw her, his whole world lit up.
“It was a very emotional reunion,” said Emily Klehm, CEO of the shelter. “He was totally overjoyed to see her, and she was sobbing. Everyone in the room felt the love they shared.”
Though King’s mom desperately wanted him back, she was still working toward stable housing. The shelter team quickly came together to help.
Their spay and neuter clinic manager offered to foster King until his mom is ready to have him home again.
Now, King is thriving in his foster home, charming everyone with his affectionate nature.
“Like the note said, he loves to give hugs and kisses,” Klehm shared. “It’s clear he’s been very loved.”
Most importantly, King’s mom no longer has to worry about losing him. Thanks to the compassion of the shelter team and community, she has the support she needs to reunite with her best friend for good.
“At South Suburban Humane Society, our philosophy is to always respond with empathy and kindness,” Klehm said. “Pets are family, and our goal is to keep them together whenever possible.”
