Adorable Dog Found Abandoned At Burger King, Owner Unaware Family Left Him While She Battled Health Issues

“Hi, I’m King. I’m a good boy,” the note reads. “Love to hug and kiss. Birthday July 22nd, 2018.”

Damjan

• Published in Animal Stories
• August 31, 2023

The issue of abandoned pets is a troubling and pervasive problem that communities around the world face. Whether due to economic hardship, personal difficulties, or a lack of responsibility, animals are sometimes left to fend for themselves, cast away by the very people they rely on for care and affection.

However, every so often, there are instances where circumstances force pet owners into heart-wrenching decisions, as highlighted by a recent event involving a dog left at a Burger King in Monee. A dog with a tear-jerking story was found abandoned outside the fast-food restaurant, left there by an owner grappling with medical issues.

The canine was discovered by passersby, who were shocked to find a note attached to his collar, revealing his sad backstory and a birth date of July 22, 2018. The note indicated that the owner had no choice but to give up the pet but dearly hoped he would find a loving home.

Tied up outside the restaurant, the dog waited patiently until concerned individuals took action. The concerned citizens didn't hesitate and called the police, who arrived to find the dog in good health but visibly distressed.

Thankfully, a local humane society has stepped in to provide shelter and care for the dog, giving him a temporary home while efforts are underway to reunite him with his owner once she recovers. Read the full story below:

A dog with a tear-jerking story was found abandoned outside a Burger King restaurant in Monee

Concerned citizens didn't hesitate and called the police.

“Hi, I’m King. I’m a good boy,” the note reads. “Love to hug and kiss. Birthday July 22nd, 2018.”

Thankfully, a local humane society has stepped in to provide shelter and care for the dog

That evening, the dog, named King, was temporarily housed at the local police station. The next day, he was transferred to the South Suburban Humane Society.

Shelter staff were naturally curious about King's background and how he ended up abandoned. However, their questions were soon answered when King's owner arrived to share her story.

Unbeknownst to her, a relative had abandoned King while she was grappling with significant health challenges that required her to stay with family for support. Upon finding out what had occurred, she was heartbroken and eager to set the record straight about her beloved pet's situation.

“After suffering a major medical event, she had moved in with family and has been trying to get back on her feet,” the South Suburban Humane Society wrote. “Her family member abandoned King without her knowledge and she is devastated.”

Upon learning that King was safe at the shelter, she came bearing all of his cherished food, playthings, and snacks. Although she was torn about the situation and uncertain about the next steps, her emotional turmoil reached its peak when she reunited with King.

Seeing her dog elated to be back in her embrace, she couldn't help but break down in tears.

The shelter staff found the owner, and it turned out she didn't know her family had abandoned the dog

“It was a very emotional reunion for the two of them,” Emily Klehm, from the South Suburban Humane Society, says. “It was evident to our team how much love and affection there is between them and he was totally overjoyed to see her. She was sobbing as she was telling me all of what happened.”

Village of Monee PD posted an update:

As the mother of King shared her story, solutions started to crystallize among those listening. It was clear that they could pitch in to make a difference, and a plan quickly took shape.

The head of the spay and neuter clinic offered to take King into a foster home while his mom worked to establish a stable living situation for them both. Overwhelmed with thankfulness, she now feels a sense of relief knowing that her treasured pet is safe and well-cared for as she addresses her life's complications.

In his foster setting, King has quickly become a favorite, charming everyone with his lovable nature.

Damjan