Additional Coverage:
- Woman has sweet reunion with dog who went missing during hurricane 5 years ago found 300 miles away (themirror.com)
Lake Charles, LA — A Louisiana woman and her long-lost dog have finally reunited after five long years, a heartwarming tale of resilience and the power of microchips.
Debbie LaFleur’s world was turned upside down when Hurricane Laura ravaged Southwest Louisiana in 2020. Amidst the devastation and debris, her beloved 6-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, Kingston, vanished. Despite frantic searches and community support via Facebook, hope dwindled as the days turned into weeks, then months, and eventually years.
But last month, an unexpected email from PetLink, a GPS tracking service, brought a glimmer of hope. Kingston, now 11, had been found nearly 300 miles away at a University of Southern Mississippi fraternity house. Overjoyed, LaFleur and her son embarked on a four-hour journey to reunite with their furry family member.
The reunion was nothing short of heartwarming. As LaFleur called out to him, Kingston raced towards her, bridging the five-year gap in an instant. The fraternity brothers of Kappa Sigma, who had taken Kingston in, witnessed the emotional reunion.
Kappa Sigma President Neal Rachal had found the tiny Yorkie outside the fraternity house in late March. Initially nicknamed Benji, the brothers quickly grew attached to the little dog. A trip to the vet revealed the microchip, leading to the joyous reunion.
Back home in Lake Charles, Kingston, weighing a mere 7.5 ounces, is settling in with a new sibling, a 3-year-old Shih Tzu named Cooper. LaFleur is taking every precaution to ensure Kingston doesn’t go missing again.
While Kingston’s five-year adventure remains a mystery, his brief stint as an honorary Kappa Sigma member is a testament to the kindness of strangers. For LaFleur, Kingston’s return is bittersweet.
He shared a special bond with her late husband, Joseph, who tragically passed away in a work accident in 2022. She feels Kingston’s return is a piece of her husband coming home, a heartwarming reminder of happier times.
Now, both dog and owner are rediscovering the joy of being together again, a bond strengthened by time and the unwavering hope of a loving heart.