A heartwarming story about a dog named King has been making headlines. King was found tied to a dumpster outside a Burger King restaurant in Illinois with a handwritten note attached to his collar that read, “Hi I’m King. I’m a good boy [and I] love to hug & kiss. Birthday July 22 2018”.
The woman who found him was concerned for his wellbeing and went back to check on him. That’s when she noticed that King had broken free from his leash. Seeing that he was alone and vulnerable, she immediately brought him to the Monee Police Department.
The police department posted about King and the note attached to him on their Facebook page, where it quickly went viral. The handwritten note and King’s sad eyes in the photo broke many hearts. According to a report, when the police took King, he had clean fur and freshly cut claws. “Someone definitely loved him,” Detective Evie Lazzaroni said.
King was super sweet and true to what the note said, he loves kisses and hugs. “He licked me all over my face, he just wants to sit and be loved,” said Lazzaroni.
After the viral post, King’s pet parent came forward. In a post made by the South Suburban Humane Society (SSHS), the owner explained what happened. She had suffered a major medical event and had moved in with family to get back on her feet. Her family member abandoned King without her knowledge while she was undergoing medical treatments. The owner was devastated by the sudden disappearance of her furry friend.
Understanding the deep bond between King and his owner, the Monee Police Department and SSHS decided to keep the two together. One of the staff members of SSHS agreed to foster King for a month and help reunite him with his owner. The outpouring of support and love for King and his owner have been heartwarming.
The story of King the dog touched the hearts of people worldwide, but it also shines a light on an issue that many pet owners face. When life throws one curveball after another, pet owners can lose their footing, and it’s not uncommon for them to be faced with impossible decisions. Such situations can lead to pet abandonment, which is why animal rescue organizations, animal shelters, and animal welfare groups exist.
Pet abandonment, in many cases, is not due to a lack of love, but it is due to lack of options and resources. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), pet abandonment is a prevalent problem in the U.S. Every year, there are approximately 6.5 million companion animals in animal shelters, of which approximately 1.5 million are euthanized due to space limitations and fewer resources to care for these animals.
Furthermore, studies suggest that pet abandonment can have serious psychological and emotional consequences for both the pet and the owner. When abandoned pets are brought to shelters, they may develop behavioral issues due to the trauma and stress of losing their home and human family. This makes it even more challenging for these animals to find new homes.
Fortunately, King’s story had a happy ending, but not all stories do. King’s story has raised awareness about the importance of being a responsible pet owner and how animal welfare organizations, animal shelters, and animal rescue groups help pets stay with their owners and find new, loving homes when abandonment is inevitable.
In conclusion, King’s story serves as a reminder that pets are not disposable objects. They require love, care, and dedication, just like any human family member. The happy reunion of King and his owner is a testament to the power of love and compassion. It’s a timely reminder that, as a society, we must continue to support and contribute to animal welfare organizations to ensure the welfare and wellbeing of our furry friends.
