In a heartbreaking moment at a park in Bakersfield, California, a sweet dog was pushed out of a car and left behind.
As her former family drove off, they tossed her favorite stuffed toy — a little monkey — out the window beside her.
Bystanders watched in disbelief, moved by the sight of the loyal pup clinging to her one comfort in the world.
“When rescuers arrived, she wasn’t interested in food,” wrote Theron Marbury of South Coast Humane Society (SCHS). “She only cared about her monkey. That’s why we call her Monkey.”
Monkey was taken to an overcrowded shelter, still clinging to her stuffed friend. It wasn’t long before SCHS stepped in and pulled her — along with another dog named Jasper — into their care.
Through it all, her little stuffed monkey never left her side.
Despite her traumatic experience, Monkey remained upbeat. She had an undeniable spark in her eyes, as if her stuffed toy gave her the strength to start over.
“Monkey was sweet and energetic when she arrived and co-kenneled with Jasper,” said Jenifer Alcorn, executive director of SCHS.
Monkey’s touching story — especially her devotion to her plush companion — quickly captured the hearts of shelter staff and animal lovers alike.
When SCHS shared her photo and story on their Facebook page, the response was immediate. Dozens of people inquired about adopting her.
But one family stood out.
“They were familiar with her breed and had the space and time to let her live her best life,” Alcorn said. “They came to meet her … and instantly fell in love.”
Before the adoption was finalized, Alcorn made one more hopeful request: would they also consider adopting her loyal kennel mate, Jasper?
“They didn’t hesitate,” Alcorn said. “They decided to take them both.”
Today, Monkey and Jasper are thriving in their new home, running free and enjoying the love they always deserved. Monkey, who was once abandoned with nothing but her stuffed monkey, now has everything — a family, a best friend, and a second chance at happiness.
And her beloved toy? It’s still right there with her — a reminder of the journey she overcame to find her forever home.
