If you order gifts online, there’s a possibility they might not arrive for Christmas. However, there’s also a chance that someone might steal them if they sit on your porch too long. But not all packages have a monetary value. Some are only special to a certain family, making them irreplaceable.
A family in Mishawaka, Indiana, expected to receive their dog’s ashes for the holidays. They didn’t think much of it when the package failed to arrive in time, but they later discovered that someone had stolen it. Now, they’ll do anything to have the one-of-a-kind item returned to them.
Cherishing a Beloved Dog
Cristina Kedik adopted a Chihuahua named Rio in 2019. She was his favorite person, so he always stuck by her side and protected her. But in November 2021, the 10-year-old pup died of pancreatitis.
“Even though he was weak, you know, he just knew that he was there to protect me and that was his job and he did that to the very end of his time,” said Kedik.
Kedik expected Rio’s ashes to arrive around Thanksgiving. Yet, she knew the holidays could make shipping times longer, so she tried not to worry when the package didn’t come on time. After a few days, she reached out to UPS, who informed her that the package had already been delivered.
So, Kedik realized that someone must have stolen the package with Rio’s ashes in it. The discovery made her heart break all over again.
Looking for Lost Ashes
Kedik and her partner have posted on Facebook, begging for someone to return the ashes. But Christmas passed without any signs of the stolen package. The family is trying to accept that a huge memory of their dog is probably gone forever.
“Unfortunately I think someone got scared once they realized what it was and just discarded it, which is fine, I’ve come to terms with that. For me and my sake, I have to forgive them because if not it’s just going to ruin me,” said Kedik.
Instead of living in anger or heartbreak, Kedik is using this experience to help others. She’s making a non-profit to cover tracking costs for grieving pet parents. She wants to ensure that something like this doesn’t happen again to another heartbroken family.
Kedik is still holding out hope that someone will come clean and return the package. She reminds others that not every delivery includes something of value. What she lost is something that can’t be re-ordered or replaced.
If anyone has information on the stolen ashes, they’re urged to contact Michiana Crime Stoppers at (800) 342-STOP.
Toledo, United States.
