Five years ago, Hurricane Laura wreaked havoc across Lake Charles, Louisiana, displacing numerous residents and causing severe destruction. Among those affected was Debbie LaFleur and her beloved Yorkshire terrier, Kingston, who vanished amidst the chaos of the storm. This heartbreaking tale of loss, however, took an unexpected and delightful turn that has since captured the hearts of many, demonstrating the fierce bond between pets and their owners.
Initially, Kingston, a diminutive 6-pound Yorkie, seemed lost forever, leaving Debbie in a constant state of worry and anguish. As she conducted endless searches, her hopes dwindled over the years. The uncertainty of his fate haunted her daily. But just as life was beginning to settle into a semblance of normality, an astonishing miracle unfolded. Fast forward to early April 2025, Kingston was suddenly discovered lounging on the back porch of a college fraternity house located at the University of Southern Mississippi. He wasn’t found in a shelter, nor was he returned by a kind neighbor, but rather he miraculously found himself in the company of Kappa Sigma fraternity members, embracing an unexpected adventure in his twilight years.
Fraternity President Neal Rachal shared his amazement at this unexpected visitor. “There’s just this Yorkie sitting there in a red T-shirt,” he remarked to CNN, reflecting on the bewildering sight. The brothers of Kappa Sigma welcomed Kingston, whom they playfully renamed “Benji,” and treated him with warmth and camaraderie, offering him snacks while allowing him to freely roam within the house. Within a week, he had seamlessly integrated into their fraternity life. “He’s like a member of the chapter right now,” Rachal stated, attesting to the pup’s endearing spirit and resilience.
As curiosity naturally took hold, one of the fraternity brothers decided to have the microchip scanned, which led to the revelation that “Benji” was, in fact, Kingston. This discovery connected a series of dots, bringing together the past five years of heartache and uncertainty. Kingston had been microchipped by Debbie at the University Animal Clinic in Lake Charles, ensuring that his owner’s information remained on record. Dr. Sarah Guidry, a veterinarian, explained how the microchip facilitated Kingston’s identification after years apart, surprising everyone involved with its effectiveness.
Debbie LaFleur felt a rush of emotions when she received an email from the fraternity brothers notifying her about Kingston. Describing the moment, she expressed, “My heart started pounding. 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.” LaFleur and her son, Jared, quickly drove the four-hour journey from Lake Charles to Hattiesburg to reunite with their long-lost companion.
Upon their arrival, the moment was nothing short of emotional. Kingston, who was now solidly 11 years old, sprinted toward Debbie with unbridled joy, his little ears perked up in pure excitement. “We’ve never seen Benji run like that,” Rachal chuckled, remembering the heartwarming reunion. For Debbie, the moment was bittersweet, as it served as a poignant reminder of her late husband, who had passed away in 2022. “This was our dog,” she remarked, conveying the depth of the bond they all shared.
The brothers of Kappa Sigma were pleased to play a pivotal role in the reunion, showcasing the warmth and compassion often found in college communities. Debbie expressed her gratitude, calling them “wonderful, wonderful guys” for their kindness in caring for Kingston during his unanticipated sojourn.
This tale also serves as a testament to the resilience of Yorkies and their uncanny ability to survive against the odds. Kingston, having navigated storms, traffic, and the complexities of life on the Gulf Coast, had ultimately found himself embraced by college students 300 miles away from home. Yet, even as Kingston returned to a life of comfort, he couldn’t resist one final escapade. Shortly after reuniting with Debbie, he dashed off during a park walk, but thankfully was recovered within an hour, thanks to the assistance of a local reporter.
In conclusion, Debbie LaFleur’s story is a poignant reminder of the unwavering loyalty and love between a pet and owner. Kingston’s remarkable journey, punctuated by unexpected adventures and heartfelt reunions, illustrates the bond they shared, a bond that remains alive and well even in the face of tragedy and time.