The Unbelievable Journey of Kingston: From Hurricane Victim to Fraternity Mascot and Back Again
The story of Kingston, a six-pound Yorkshire terrier, is a testament to resilience, the power of microchipping, and the unexpected kindness of strangers. Five years ago, amidst the chaos and destruction of Hurricane Laura that ravaged Lake Charles, Louisiana, Kingston vanished. For his owner, Debbie LaFleur, it was a devastating blow, a heart-wrenching loss compounded by the storm’s widespread damage. She searched tirelessly, fearing the worst for her beloved companion. The hope of ever seeing him again dwindled with each passing day.
Fast forward five years, and Kingston’s story takes an unbelievable turn. He didn’t end up in a local shelter, nor was he found wandering the streets of Lake Charles. Instead, he materialized hundreds of miles away, on the back porch of a college fraternity house at the University of Southern Mississippi.
"I never thought I’d see him again," LaFleur exclaimed to KBTX, expressing the profound shock and joy she felt. "Never."
In early April, the brothers of Kappa Sigma fraternity were surprised to find a small Yorkie lounging on their back steps. He was sporting a red T-shirt, as if he had just returned from a tailgate party. Fraternity President Neal Rachal recounted the initial bewilderment to CNN. "There’s just this Yorkie sitting there in a red T-shirt," he said, still marveling at the unexpected arrival.
The fraternity brothers, charmed by the little dog, welcomed him into their fold. They named him "Benji" and he quickly became a beloved member of their house. He had free rein, shared their snacks, and seamlessly integrated into the often-chaotic fraternity environment.
"He’s like a member of the chapter right now," Rachal told KBTX. "He’s done everything with us for the past week."
However, curiosity eventually piqued the brothers’ interest. They couldn’t help but wonder about Benji’s past. One of them decided to take the mystery pup to get his microchip scanned, hoping to uncover some clues about his origins. That simple act would unravel a five-year-old mystery.
The scan revealed that "Benji" was, in fact, Kingston, reported missing five years earlier in Lake Charles. The microchip contained LaFleur’s contact information, a crucial link that would bridge the gap between past despair and present joy.
"Years ago, Debbie had Kingston microchipped at University Animal Clinic in Lake Charles," Dr. Sarah Guidry told KPLC, highlighting the importance of microchipping pets. "That’s how a fraternity at the University of Southern Mississippi identified the pup. It worked great. Five years later, they found the dog, and it was still registered to the correct owner."
The fraternity brothers immediately reached out to LaFleur via email. Back in Louisiana, LaFleur was at work when the message arrived. "My heart started pounding," she told KPLC, describing the overwhelming emotions that surged through her. "Before I could call him, he called me. I told my boss, ‘I found Kingston! I found Kingston!’ And we both just started yelling and screaming."
Without hesitation, LaFleur and her son Jared embarked on the four-hour drive to Hattiesburg, eager to reunite with their long-lost companion. Upon their arrival, Kingston recognized LaFleur instantly. He darted towards her, his ears perked up with excitement, like a tiny, furry missile launching towards its target.
"We’ve never seen Benji run like that," Rachal said, laughing, in an interview with KPLC, describing the dog’s enthusiastic reaction.
The reunion was a moment of pure joy and heartfelt emotion. LaFleur told KBTX that the moment was bittersweet, filled with both happiness and a tinge of sadness, as Kingston had been a beloved pet of both her and her late husband, who had passed away in 2022.
"This was our dog," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "He’s probably the one that made this happen."
The Kappa Sigma brothers, instrumental in the reunion, were thrilled to have played a part in Kingston’s journey back home. They expressed pride in their temporary house guest and were praised by LaFleur as "wonderful, wonderful guys" for their kindness and for doing the right thing.
"I’m so happy to have my baby back," LaFleur told KBTX, her voice filled with gratitude.
Kingston’s incredible story also speaks volumes about the resilience of Yorkshire terriers. Despite his small size, Kingston had apparently survived years of navigating storms, traffic, and the unpredictable elements of the Gulf Coast, eventually finding refuge hundreds of miles away, under the care of a group of college students.
But Kingston’s adventurous spirit wasn’t quite extinguished. Just days after returning home to Lake Charles, he managed to slip away during a walk in the park, adding another chapter to his already remarkable story. This time, however, the ordeal was short-lived. Thanks to the quick assistance of a local reporter, he was found within an hour.
"Thank you so much, Brendan Brown, for all your help!" LaFleur told KPLC, laughing, relieved to have her furry friend back in her arms. "It didn’t take us five years this time."
The story of Kingston’s incredible journey serves as a heartwarming reminder of the enduring bond between humans and their pets, the importance of microchipping, and the unexpected acts of kindness that can brighten even the darkest of times. It is a story of loss, hope, and the triumphant return of a little dog who captured the hearts of many. Debbie LaFleur could not be reached for comment by Fox News Digital.
