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Shannon Johnstone

Dogs have a keen sense of unconditional love for humans, but sometimes, a purple stuffed unicorn will do, too.

Animal control officers in Kenansville, North Carolina were called out to a Dollar General store for an unusual situation. Workers inside the store said a stray dog kept coming to grab the plushy and before quickly making his way out with the help of customers.

The Lab mix named Sisu only wanted the purple toy, but after several shoplifting attempts and workers finally locking him out of the store, he was taken away.

“He went straight for the unicorn, the same one every time,” says Joe Newburn, a supervisor at Duplin County Animal Services.

Samantha Lane, the officer who responded to the call, rewarded the pooch’s persistence by purchasing the $10 toy and let him ride away with the beloved unicorn.

Sisu’s story became an instant hit after Dublin County Animal Services posted pictures of him with his newly-acquired best friend.

“The only thing we can think is that he came from a home where he had a similar stuffed animal or kids in the home did,” Newburn added.

“This is what happens when you break into the Dollar General consistently to steal the purple unicorn that you laid claim to but then get animal control called to lock you up for your B & E and larceny but the officer purchases your item for you and brings it in with you.”

The good deed by Lane was matched by a few extras from Dollar General as well.

Crystal Luce, a company spokesperson tells People Magazine that they plan to send a “few extra purple unicorns for the adoptive family, a thank you gift to animal control officer Lane, and a pet food donation to Duplin County Animal Services.”

“We are glad to see Sisu is happy with his new toy!” Luce added.

We’re also happy to report that it didn’t take long for Sisu to find a forever home for him and his unicorn. He was adopted from the shelter 80 miles south of Raleigh on Saturday shortly after his journey went viral.