In 2021, a cute story unfolded involving a four legged burglar who kept raiding a Dollar General store for a plushie. In the quaint town of Kenansville, North Carolina, Sisu, a stray dog embarked on a heartwarming mission that captured the attention of many. The one year old lab mix kept sneaking into a Dollar General store in Kenansville and stealing a purple unicorn plushie. The store apprehended the four legged burglar four times, but the fifth time, they just had to get him arrested by animal control.
A Dog’s Determination
For reasons unknown, Sisu found himself drawn to the Dollar General store in Kenansville. he would cleverly wait each time a customer exited and the doors were open. Then he seized the opportunity to slip inside, making a beeline for the toy aisle. His target was always the same—a plush purple unicorn. This wasn’t a one-time occurrence; Sisu attempted this heist multiple times, four times to be exact, showcasing his unwavering determination.
The Call for Assistance
The store employees, charmed yet concerned by Sisu’s repeated visits, decided to seek help. On his fifth attempt, they contacted Duplin County Animal Services to ensure the dog’s safety and address the situation. Animal control officer Samantha Lane was dispatched to apprehend the culprit.
A Heartfelt Gesture and a Bribe of Kisses
When Lane arrived, she witnessed Sisu’s fixation on the unicorn and was moved by his attachment to the plushie. Sisu just would not budge from it. In a touching act of kindness, Officer Lane purchased the $10 toy for Sisu before escorting him to the shelter. With his coveted unicorn in tow, Sisu seemed content and at peace.
In a Facebook post, the store wrote: “This is what happens when you break into the dollar general consistently to steal the purple unicorn that you laid claim to but then get animal control called to lock you up for your B & E and larceny but the officer purchases your item for you and brings it in with you,”
A New Name and Viral Fame
At the shelter, staff named him Sisu, inspired by the dragon character in Disney’s “Raya and the Last Dragon.” His story, shared on social media, quickly went viral. People from various corners expressed interest in adopting the unicorn-loving dog, touched by his unique tale. Sisu was finally adopted along with his favorite purple unicorn.
Speaking to the media, Joe Newburn, a supervisor at Duplin County Animal Services said: “It goes wherever he goes, We’ve noticed as long as it stays by him, he’s good, but we do notice when the unicorn gets dirty, he won’t mess with it. We’ve had to wash it a bunch. If it’s dirty, he puts it off to the side and just stares at it, but once you wash it, he’ll lay on it.”
Sisu Loved His Unicorn, it was His Emotional Support
Sisu turned to the unicorn for emotional support. Newburn described how Sisu was always calm with the toy around him.
“Every time you put that unicorn with him when he’s laying on it, he looks happy, he’s at peace with that purple unicorn, and it’s felt good. It’s been very uplifting to my staff. It’s a tough job, but it’s a rewarding job, and I see smiles on my staff’s faces now,” Newburn adds.
Sisu was Finally Adopted
Sisu was sent to Lab Rescue LRCP where he received training and socialization in order to be adopted into his new home. Before transitioning to the LRCP facility, Sisu revisited the Dollar General to see the employees who had been part of his journey. This visit served as a heartfelt closure to his adventurous chapter at the store.
Sisu’s story culminated in the best possible way. He found a forever home where he could cherish his purple unicorn without interruption. His journey from a stray with a singular desire to a beloved pet underscores the profound connections animals form and the lengths they will go to for the things they love.
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
