Pets are a lot like our own children. They need our love, care, and attention. Interestingly, they sometimes find joy in playing with toys. Today, we have a heartwarming story of a stray dog who fell in love with a stuffed animal at Dollar General. Despite his poor condition, this lonely dog longed for companionship, and this led to his endeavor to steal the toys numerous times until he was reported.
The story began with a call to Duplin County Animal Control from a Dollar General store in Kenansville, North Carolina. The store reported an unusual case of shoplifting, but the thief wasn't a human – it was a stray dog. This curious canine had been sneaking into the store multiple times, all for the same coveted item: a beautiful purple unicorn plush.
“He went straight for the unicorn, the same one every time,” Joe Newburn, the supervisor at Duplin County Animal Services, told People.
This dog had clearly fallen in love with the stuffed unicorn and was determined to make it his own. He returned to the store five separate times to try and claim it, raising eyebrows and confusing the staff.
Luckily, Samantha Lane soon appeared. She was the animal control officer who responded to the situation. Seeing the dog's determination, she compassionately decided to help. She personally paid $10 to purchase the stuffed unicorn for the dog.
The stray dog, now affectionately named Sisu after a character from a
Disney movie, was brought to animal services. Throughout his time there, he held on to his prized unicorn. The officers suspected that he used to have a home, as his attachment to the toy was extraordinary.
Sisu's story garnered widespread attention, and soon he found himself up for adoption. With his shoplifting escapades and heartwarming connection to the unicorn, Sisu's adoption post became viral. Many stuffed unicorns were sent to the shelter with love from supporters.
As Sisu waited for a forever home, he continued to find comfort in his stuffed unicorn. The officers believed that the toy represented a lost home and family to him, explaining his strong attachment.
Quickly after the adoption was announced, Sisu's story caught the attention of a kind person who was eager to give him a loving home. Finally, the stray dog received the happy ending he deserved. Moreover, it was lovely that Dollar General announced they would be donating some more stuffed unicorns to his adoptive family in order to honor their most famous customer. The store also donated pet food to Duplin County Animal Services, and gave Officer Lane a “special thank you gift.”
“We are paws-itively thrilled that Sisu is enjoying his new toy!” Dollar General’s corporate office said in a statement to WCTI 12. “We are also grateful for Animal Control Officer Lane in helping to rescue him.”