Tragedy Leads to Kindness Among Strangers

 

 

Pictured above (clcockwise from top left): Dean and his new cockatiel, Taco; PETCO customer, Kendra; PETCO associate, Laura; PETCO associate, Marsha

What began as an ordinary day for Dean, a regular customer at PETCO store 1155 in Kingman, Ariz., and his cockatiel Taco, quickly turned into tragedy – but ended with a heartwarming demonstration of kindness among strangers.

“Dean and Taco would come into the store all the time – with Taco always perched happily on Dean’s shoulder,” said Laurie, a Team Lead at the store.

But that day, Taco was startled by a barking dog at the store entrance, flew off Dean’s shoulder and landed in the parking lot just a few feet away. A car traveling by at that moment was unable to stop in time and Taco met his tragic and untimely death.

“It was awful,” said Laurie. “It was such an intense moment. At first, I heard the crash and wondered what had been hit. Then I heard Dean sobbing. When I realized who it was I was completely heartbroken.”

The driver of the car that hit Taco quickly parked and came into the store – also crying – and apologized as she gave Dean a giant sympathetic hug.

What happened next was nothing short of inspiring, said Laurie.

One bystander and witness of the accident was Kendra, a resident of Kingman who was so moved by the heartbreaking event and the love Dean obviously had for his bird, she was compelled to try to make it right. Without hesitating, she went straight inside the store and insisted on purchasing another cockatiel for Dean.

Although he was still shaken up by what had just taken place, Dean was humbled by Kendra’s generosity and found a cockatiel in the habitat he said was trying to get his attention. As he visited with the bird, the two quickly connected and the bird went straight for Dean’s shoulder – right where Taco used to sit. 
 
Both Dean and Kendra, while still distraught over the episode, told Laurie they were going home feeling blessed and fortunate for the care and concern showed by everyone at PETCO.

“It was a very emotional day for all of us at the store – everyone around was crying,” said Laurie. “Seeing the concern and generosity for this young man and his pet from total strangers was amazing. It was just a really inspiring, feel-good moment.”