4-year-old Labrador mix Kevin was dropped off at the Austin Animal Center by his family last November, and since then, he’s been waiting for a new home.
When space issues arose, the pup was moved into one of the organization’s offices. That’s when staff found out about a peculiar trait of his!
Staff began to notice that things were going missing and they realized that Kevin had been sneakily snatching unattended items and claiming them for himself. If someone left something on its own, he would stalk up and take it to his bed for cuddles. At the end of a day, you could find him happily snuggling with his stolen items, appearing very proud and having no idea that theft isn’t a good thing!
People have lost purses, clothing, food in boxes, and change – none eaten or damaged, just brought with the pup. Staff have to then retrieve their items from him, but nothing seems to give him a sense of remorse! That’s when people realized that his kleptomania wasn’t really about stealing – it was about feeling closer to his new friends when they were busy. The pup only took items if that person was away.
It’s likely that being abandoned has made Kevin desperately want to keep those he loves near him. So he takes items with their scents if they leave the room. He guards those items closely, too, as though afraid to lose them.
What Kevin wants more than anything is a forever home where he won’t have to worry about being abandoned ever again. He’d do well in a tidy home where possessions aren’t easy for him to get to! If you’d like to adopt him, find more information here.
Images & Feature Image Source: Austin Animal Center