It’s not uncommon for dogs to have a favorite toy that brings them immense joy and comfort. These cherished toys often become a source of happiness for our pets, providing them with a sense of security and companionship. However, stray dogs living on the streets rarely have the luxury of such comforts. Alone and struggling to survive, they seldom experience the simple pleasure of owning a cherished possession. So, when a street dog found himself captivated by a stuffed unicorn, he was determined to make it his own — and that determination would soon change his life forever.
Duplin County Animal Control received a rather unusual call from a Dollar General store in Kenansville, North Carolina. It wasn’t your typical shoplifting case. Instead, it was about a stray dog who had developed a strong attachment to a specific item in their store. This dog had been sneaking in repeatedly, always going after the same bright purple unicorn toy. In fact, he was so enchanted with this particular unicorn that he made five separate attempts to “steal” it before the store finally called animal services for help.
“He went straight for the unicorn, the same one every time,” said Joe Newburn, a supervisor at Duplin County Animal Services, in an interview with People. “It was so strange, one of the strangest calls I’ve ever dealt with.”
When Animal Control Officer Samantha Lane arrived on the scene, she saw how much the unicorn meant to the stray dog. Moved by his determination, she decided to buy the toy for him, paying for it out of her own pocket. Afterward, the dog was brought to animal services while they tried to determine if he had any owners.
Though rewarding a shoplifter isn’t typical procedure, it was clear that this toy meant the world to the dog, who had nothing else. When he was brought into the shelter, he clung tightly to his stuffed unicorn, which was now rightfully his.
The compassionate act by Officer Lane didn’t surprise her colleagues. “This is something she’s always done,” Newburn told WCTI 12. “She’s always doing this kind of thing for the animals.” They named the dog Sisu after a character from the Disney movie Raya and the Last Dragon, who has a unicorn-like horn and a purple mane.
Sisu’s story quickly spread, and he was soon put up for adoption. Duplin County Animal Services shared his unique tale, which helped his adoption post go viral. “Sassy with other dogs and will not tolerate any back talk,” Sisu’s post read. “Very obedient with people. Knows sit, lay, heel and loves unicorns from Dollar General.” While waiting for a forever home, Sisu continued to find comfort in his cherished stuffed unicorn.
The officers suspected that Sisu might have once had a home, given his strong attachment to the toy. “I don’t know of any other reason why he would focus on the unicorn other than he had one at home,” Newburn told People. “If the store had called and said he tore open dog food, that would make more sense, but not hunting for a purple unicorn.” Whatever his past, Sisu’s future looked bright!
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After his story went viral, Sisu got the happy ending he deserved. And, of course, he brought his beloved unicorn with him to his new family — along with a few extras. In honor of their most famous customer, Dollar General announced they would donate additional stuffed unicorns to Sisu’s adoptive family.
They also provided 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!” said Dollar General’s corporate office in a statement to WCTI 12. “We are also grateful to Animal Control Officer Lane for helping to rescue him.”
We’re overjoyed that Sisu and his unicorn have finally found a loving forever home! What a heartwarming conclusion! Click below to see Sisu’s incredible story!
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