When a group of concerned citizens came across a dog tied to a pole outside a Burger King in Monee, Illinois, they were immediately struck by the 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.” The message, both affectionate and heartbreaking, hinted at a deeper story behind the abandoned dog. This unexpected discovery not only sparked concern but also set in motion a chain of events that would lead to an emotional reunion between King and his mom. For anyone interested in abandoned dog rescue or stories of pet reunification, King’s journey offers a powerful reminder of the bonds between people and their pets.

After King was found, local police were contacted and quickly stepped in to help. That night, King stayed at the Monee Police Department before being transferred the next day to the South Suburban Humane Society. Staff at the shelter were immediately taken with King’s gentle nature and affectionate demeanor. They were also curious about how such a clearly loved dog had ended up alone outside a fast-food restaurant.

They didn’t have to wait long for answers. Shortly after King arrived at the shelter, a woman came forward claiming to be his owner. Her story shed light on the heartbreaking circumstances that had led to their separation. According to Emily Klehm, CEO of the South Suburban Humane Society, King’s mom had been facing serious medical issues and had moved in with family to recover. Unbeknownst to her, a family member had abandoned King during this difficult period. When she learned what had happened, she was devastated.

She arrived at the shelter carrying King’s favorite food, toys, and treats, overwhelmed with emotion. As soon as she saw King, she began to cry. King, for his part, was overjoyed to be reunited with her. Klehm described the moment as deeply moving, saying, “It was a very emotional reunion for the two of them. It was evident to our team how much love and affection there is between them, and he was totally overjoyed to see her.”

It’s moments like these that highlight the emotional toll that separation can take on both pets and their people. Klehm added that many who work in animal welfare are empaths, and witnessing such reunions often brings tears to their eyes. The team at the shelter quickly began brainstorming ways to support King and his mom, determined to keep them together despite the challenges she was facing.

One of the shelter’s staff members, the manager of their spay and neuter clinic, offered to foster King temporarily while his mom worked on securing stable housing. This act of kindness provided much-needed relief and reassurance. King’s mom expressed deep gratitude for the support, knowing her beloved companion was safe and well cared for during this transitional time.

King has since adjusted well to his foster home. Klehm noted that his personality perfectly matched the description in the note that had first introduced him to the world. “Like the note said, he loves to give hugs and kisses and really is a cuddle bug,” she said. “It's obvious that he's been very loved.”

Stories like King’s underscore the importance of compassion and community support in animal welfare. The South Suburban Humane Society’s approach is rooted in empathy, aiming to keep pets and their families together whenever possible. “Our philosophy is to respond to every situation with empathy and kindness,” Klehm explained. “Our goal is to always keep people and pets together because pets are family.”

I found this detail striking: the shelter’s willingness to go beyond standard procedures to help preserve a cherished relationship. Rather than immediately placing King for adoption, they listened, empathized, and acted with humanity. It’s a model that demonstrates how thoughtful intervention can change lives — not just for the animals, but for the people who love them.

As King continues to thrive in his foster home, his mom is working toward a future where they can be together again permanently. The community’s response, including messages of support and offers to help, has been overwhelmingly positive. King’s story is a testament to the enduring bond between humans and their pets, and a reminder that with a little empathy, it’s possible to turn heartbreak into hope.

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