A dog whose owner passed away in a tragic car accident they were both in has been emotionally reunited with its extended family after almost a week separated.
According to local reports, Hennessy’s owner, Jeffrey Carl Simons, 63, lost his life in a crash on Interstate 64 in Kanawha County, West Virginia, which started a cross-state search for family members.
Following the incident on June 23, animal rescue groups in Iowa, where Jefferey lived, and West Virginia worked to locate Hennessy’s family, including the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association (KCHA).
Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown (ARLM) in Iowa also shared Hennessy’s story, saying she had been adopted from their shelter in 2019, along with information about the tragic accident.
Eventually, the groups’ efforts helped them locate Hennessy’s family, and the seven-year-old Pitbull mix shared a spirt-boosting FaceTime call with them from afar.
Kindhearted volunteers who heard about Hennessy’s story, as well as the shelter, chipped in for the likes of Airbnb stays as the family travelled across the country, plus gas vouchers and snacks.
Then, on June 29, Jeffrey’s stepson, Jason, traveled from Iowa to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association, where he reunited with Hennessy in an emotional moment.
Hennessy’s joy at seeing Jason once again was clear, as she wagged her tail and zoomed around with excitement.
Staff member Sarah Tolley said she was tearing up when Hennessy’s family showed up, and since the reunion, the pooch has been living with Jason and his family, and spending time with Jeffrey’s wife.
She added: “Her excitement over being back with her family was so full of love.
“I did tear up a little when the rest of the family came out and she realized even more of her family were there for her.
“It was so heartwarming to be present for that kind of happiness.
“The response was exactly what I hoped for – everyone celebrating the love a dog has for her family, and a family who dropped their whole lives just to get her home.
“The biggest message is the love we share with animals and the kindness of community.
“Two communities across the nation found one another – who have likely never crossed paths before – rallied together for Hennessy and her family during one of the most difficult times in life.
“People offered the family free Airbnb stays through their travels, and helped raise funds to support the family.
“Our staff chipped in to get gas cards and travel snacks.
“There was so much compassion and kindness that feels unique these days, but it happened where we least expected it!”
