Life can be funny. Sometimes, what you think you know turns out to be absolutely, incredibly, and mind-bogglingly wrong. That's exactly what happened to Tyler Wilson when he spotted what he thought was a lonely dog wandering the streets alone. When he went to help the poor pooch, he learned the truth, and it stunned him. The story you're about to read will surprise you and leave you smiling, just like it left Tyler on that fateful day.
Started With A Routine Gas Stop
Tyler Wilson stopped to get gas near his home in Kentucky, where our story begins. While filling up his tank, he saw a lost dog wandering around the lot. Tyler instantly became concerned for the dog's well-being.
The area the gas station was located in was not a safe place for a dog to be alone. Heavy traffic meant crossing the street could be deadly. Tyler knew he had to do something.
They'd Seen Each Other Before
Surprisingly, this wasn't the first time Tyler had seen this dog around town. A few days before their gas station encounter, he noticed the yellow lab wandering around town aimlessly. On that day, he didn't do anything.
Today, however, Tyler decided to take action. His curiosity was piqued. Why would this dog be alone? Was it lost? Before long, Tyler would find out the answers to all his questions, and he would be left stunned.
Pooch Paparazzi
Tyler's first instinct was to approach the labrador and introduce himself. Luckily, he knew that if this dog was skittish at all, that might not end well. Instead, he opted to keep at a distance and take pictures.
During the photoshoot, Tyler made sure to give the pup plenty of room. If this did end up being a rescue mission, he didn't want to risk scaring the dog into heavy traffic
Time For Pets!
After gathering some photos in case he had to report the dog to local authorities, he approached the canine with caution. It was a process that took a lot of patience.
Amazingly, the dog was okay with Tyler's approach. If this was a lost dog or a stray, it wasn't acting like it at all, which only made Wilson more confused. His confusion would be cleared up in just a few moments.
A Surprising Move
The next thing that happened only served to make Tyler Wilson more confused. Before he could approach the dog, it walked up to him. With its tail wagging, the pooch smiled as it approached, ready for some good old fashioned belly rubs.
This was not the behavior a lost dog or a stray would exhibit. This dog was calm, happy, and appeared healthy. But who was taking care of it? Where were its owners?
A Clue Is Revealed
As Tyler began petting the pup, he got his first big clue in solving the mystery. There was a collar around the animal's neck. This dog definitely belonged to somebody, and now Tyler could find out who.
Wilson reached for the dog tag to read it, hoping for a name and a phone number. What he ended up reading left him stunned. He no longer had to play the hero, but there was still a mystery to solve.
An Amusing Note
Tyler was ecstatic that he was finally about to figure out who this dog belonged to. He never expected the dog tag would read, "My name is Dew. I am not lost. I like to roam. Tell me to go home."
The amusing note indicated that Dew was not lost or a stray or anything else Tyler could have imagined. Instead, Dew was out for one of his many strolls on the town.
What A Relief!
Finally, Tyler Wilson was able to relax. Dew was a happy healthy mutt who was given free range by his owners. He always got back home safely, which is why his owners gave him the note.
The two became fast friends. Tyler introduced himself to Dew and pet the dog. Dew smiled. After a few minutes, they parted ways. Maybe their paths would meet again, maybe they wouldn't. All Tyler knew was that now he had a new mystery to solve.
Dew's Celebrity Status
When Tyler got home, he decided to do a little research to find out who Dew was. In a matter of seconds, he learned that the dog was a local celebrity. Dew even had his own social media following!
Just like it said on his nametag, Dew loved wandering and his special talent was making new friends, something the dog managed to accomplish with Tyler as they had done with countless other fans.
Dew Did Go Home Sometimes
With how much Dew loved roaming around his Kentucky neighborhood, you might think he didn't have a very large home. As Tyler found out, that was the furthest thing from the truth.
Dew lived a charmed life at home. He had plenty of room to roam, plenty of humans to show him love, and all the room in the world to take naps. Dew wanted more though, he was an explorer at heart.
Just A Good Old Farm Dog
When Dew wasn't exploring the outside world, he enjoyed the simple pleasure of his 70-acre farm where he could carry on with his life as he saw fit.
Dew's owners learned when the dog was just a puppy that he couldn't be contained. He had the heart of an explorer, and if they didn't let him explore, he would find ways to sneak out against their wishes. The good news is, Dew always made it back home.
Trusting Dew Wasn't Always Easy
When the family first began to notice Dew's tendency to roam, it worried them. He was just a puppy. Would he come back home? Was he not happy with his new family?
After a while, Dew proved that he was loyal to his owners, he just needed to stretch his legs. A lot. The original decision to give Dew free range to explore wasn't easy, but these days they don't worry about his ability to go out on his own.
Dew Became A Social Media Master
As an increasing number of people met Dew on his adventures, it was clear one thing was missing; a social media presence. To help grow his celebrity and record his adventures, Dew's owners started a Facebook page for him.
In no time at all, Dew had a massive social media following. By 2018, over 50,000 people had liked Dew's page. And if any of them ever met him in real life, they made sure to post a picture for his records!
Dew Also Made Dog Friends
Dew wasn't just great at making friends with humans. He had plenty of other dog friends, too. His best dog friend was his sister, a black Labrador named Lily. Lily was more of a homebody than Dew though and would usually hold down the fort at home.
When Lily did get out with Dew, they would go on amazing adventures together. One of their favorite team activities was to find a good stream to jump around in.
Dew Naps Anywhere
With so many miles under his paws every day, when Dew decides he needs a nap, good luck waking him up. His favorite spot to catch some Z's is his family's big leather couch.
When Dew goes down, though, he's not picky about where it happens. As long as he can curl up into an adorable dog ball and stay warm, he's going to have some good dreams. Just look at how peaceful he is.
Another Day Another Nap
Here is Dew napping again. This picture stands as proof that when he's all tuckered it out, he really doesn't care where he sleeps. The most important thing here is that he's staying dry.
Whether it's on the couch, under an umbrella, or in the grass, Dew has won over our hearts with his amazing knack for both life and napping. We only wish things were that simple for us. When we need to nap it's a bed or bust situation!
A Fluffball Of Happiness
Dew is one of the most adventurous dogs we have ever read about. He's also undoubtedly one of the happiest. Everywhere he goes he smiles, just a giant fluffball of joy exploring Kentucky and claiming it as his own.
With how much Dew loves being outside, it's amazing he ever is actually indoors. The only time we think he ever comes inside is when he wants to head to his napping couch.
A Life Of Saturdays
For Dew, everyday is a life of Saturdays. He might be a celebrity, but that doesn't mean he actually works or has any responsibilities. The only thing he is responsible for is being cute and fluffy.
It's a real "ruff" life Dew lives. In between adventures, he's a real cuddle bug though, finding whoever is home to nestle up next to and get some good puppy love. He might look older, but don't be fooled, he's a kid at heart!
An Unconventional Life
It's definitely not conventional for a family to let their dog move in and out the house as it pleases, but if we've learned one thing it's this; Dew is no ordinary dog.
Dew always knows where his home is, no matter how far he wanders. It's an unconventional life he lives, but we can't imagine him living it any other way. Can you imagine if Dew was forced to stay inside all day and go on walks on a leash?
A Human Connection
Stories like Dew's are important for us to remember just how special our pets can be. By showing trust in their mutt, this family was able to share their gift with the world.
When it comes to Dew, there is more than enough love to go around. He loves his human family. He loves his animal family (Lily). And, of course, he loves everyone he meets on daily dog ambassadorial duties!
Just Another Dog
As you know, Dew isn't like most dogs. That doesn't mean he still doesn't act like one, though. Here he is with his favorite blanket. According to his owners, he carries it with him everywhere he goes!
We get it, Dew! Especially when it's cold outside. It's always best to be prepared. Inside or outside, this dog just wants to be comfy and cozy, and he only trusts one blanket to get the job done!
Blanket Gymnastics
Further proof that there is only one blanket in the world for Dew. He is clearly ready for a nap here, but has a problem. He needs to get on the couch, but he needs to bring his blanket with him.
How will Dew manage this? One good hop, perhaps? However he chooses to complete his task, you can really see his mind working here. He's thinking through all the logistics!
Every Dog Has A Sad Day
Sadly, in September 2018, Drew's family announced through his facebook page that his sister, Lily, had passed away. They then posted this picture of Dew laying by the side of memorial.
As sad as this is, Dew has not let tragedy keep him down. Lily led a full and happy life. It was full of running around and naps, and hanging out with her best friend in all the world.
Construction!
Something is being built, but what could it be? Is Dew's family adding to their farm in Kentucky? It looks like it, and this dog can't wait to explore his new digs!
Until then, he will have to be content seeing over construction and making sure the whole thing is kept Dew friendly! The stairs give him the perfect vantage point to watch over everything with his deceptively discerning eye.
Water Break
After a long day of adventuring, there is only one thing Dew needs more than a nap; a water break. We like to think this happens several times a day, almost like he uses the time to check in with his family.
Clearly he's not ready to come inside yet. Dew is just parched and needs to hydrate up. There are still miles to cover in his day. New faces to see and new friends to make.
Snow Day!
Not even snow will keep Dew from exploring. He's on a mission, and he's determined to get the lay of the land. Plus, doesn't he just look adorable trotting around in the snow. This might be our favorite picture of our new favorite dog.
Our favorite part about this picture is how serious Dew looks. He's not jumping up and down in the snow, making puppy snow angels. He's taking in his surroundings, learning about what's around. Maybe even looking for new friends.
Driving Towards Adventure
Every now and then, Dew needs a new area to explore that he can't walk to because it's too far away. That's when he gives hid family the puppy dog eyes and convinces everyone to go for a car ride.
Dew loves exploring new areas, and having access to a car has really expanded his territory. If only dogs were able to drive cars by themselves he'd live in a perfect world!
Begging
Like any good boy, Dew is not above begging. It might not look like he's begging here, but his eyes are firmly planted on that soda cup. Don't do it, Dew! The last thing you need is a sugar addiction!
We're sure Dew's begging works sometimes, just not this time. Whoever he's begging from is distracted by their phone. We'll never understand how a phone is more interesting than Dew. He is, after all, the most interesting dog in the world.
The Evidence
This picture undeniable evidence that when Dew begs for food or drink, he usually gets his way. He he is enjoying some kind of cold beverage. We're assuming it was hot outside and hoping this is just water.
Honestly though, if Dew looked up at us with that face of his, we'd give him whatever he wants. We're just a bunch of sucks and Dew knows how to take advantage of us.
Dew's Favorite Toy
Every dog has a favorite toy, and this one is Dew's. When he's back home from his long day's journey, you'd be hard pressed to see him without his stuffed duck.
He's likely had it since he was a little puppy, and has been very careful not tear it up ever since. His connection to this toy is one of the many reasons to love Dew. We've added it to a very long list!
It Was A Typical Day For Merson Mariano
Going into work that morning, Merson Mariano was expecting much of the same. Little did he know that his career as a Hyundai dealership manager was about to change all because of one little act of kindness.
His life was about to change all because he decided to take in a dog from the cold.
The Dog Was Cold And Hungry
That morning, Mariano went to work, not really expecting anything exciting to happen. To his surprise, a dog was waiting on the front doorstep when he got there. The dog looked cold, and its stomach was growling with hunger.
While a stray animal wasn't uncommon for this area of Brazil, it couldn’t still be bad for business.
Mariano Was Used To The "'Community Pets"
Mariano was a pet lover and was used the "community pets" around this neighborhood in Brazil. Even so, he didn't want a stray dog deterring potential customers from coming into the dealership.
So, he did the only thing he could think of — he tried to shoo it away and, when that didn’t work, ignore it.
He Went On Ignoring The Dog
It was difficult for Mariano to ignore the hungry dog. But he'd already adopted two pets and didn’t have room for a third. He also knew that once he began feeding the dog, there would be no getting rid of it
So, he continued to ignore the big puppy dog eyes and went about his morning.
Mariano Was Beginning To Panic
The dog was not leaving. And Mariano became scared that it would scare away potential customers or even become aggressive. He was really at a loss and didn't know what to do.
He figured that if he ignored the dog long enough, perhaps it would get the hint and look for food elsewhere.
Nope, The Dealership Was Now The Dog's Home
The dog was relentless, though. Apparently, the steps of the dealership were its new spot, and he wasn't going to leave. In fact, the only time the dog left was to search for food.
Once it was done with its hunt, the dog would come right back to the steps of the dealership, sit down, and start wagging its tail.
Mariano Gave In And Allowed The Dog Inside
Eventually, Mariano gave in to the dog's adorable face and grumbling tummy, allowing it inside the dealership. His thought was to feed and house the dog for a few days and then send it on its way.
First things first, Mariano wanted to get the poor thing warm. He rushed to his car, checking his trunk to see if there was a blanket inside.
They Hoped He Wouldn't Get Aggressive
Mariano was wrapping the dog in the blanket when other employees began to walk through the door. All of them were curious about the new, yet temporary, dealership dog.
And when a potential customer walked in with their dog, more than one of those employees held their breath, hoping the stray didn't get aggressive.
They Became Fast Friends
To everyone's amazement, the stray and the other dog became the best of friends! The stray even began following the salesman around the showroom as they were explaining the different cars to the customer.
It looked as though the stray was in training! In fact, the dog was behaving so well the customer even asked who the owner was.
The Customer Broke Down After Hearing The Dog Was A Stray
Mariano explained to the customer that the dog wasn't anyone’s and was a stray that decided the dealership was its new home. To Mariano’s surprise, the customer broke down in tears, shaking his head and crying in the middle of the dealership.
After working there for seven years, Mariano had never experienced this type of customer reaction before.
The Customer Began His Story
That's when the customer began explaining his story to Mariano. As it turned out, the customer’s mother had recently passed away, and after giving everything to charity, the only thing left was her car.
And on the way to the dealership, he was asking for a sign from his mother. For him, that sign was the stray.
The Stray Looked Like His Late Mother's Dog
The customer explained to Mariano that the stray looked very similar to his mother, Rose's dog. After his father passed away, the dog was his mother’s whole world. After being told he was mellow and didn’t bark a lot, Rose rescued him.
They loved each other for years, and the rescue even saved Rose from a horrible building fire.
It All Had To Do With The Tucson Prime
Rose and her rescue spent a loving eight years together, the customer explained. But that's not where the story ends. While the stray in the dealership looked like his mother’s former dog, it was the fact that he was lying under a Tucson Prime that brought on his tears.
Mariano was confused as to why that brought on his tears. Then the customer brought him out to his car.
His Mother's Dog Was Named Tucson
Going into the trunk of his car, the customer dug into one of the boxes he kept from his mother's house. On a blue collar was a tag with the name "Tucson" etched into it.
Mariano couldn’t believe the coincidence. Not only did the two dogs have a striking similarity, but the name was that of one of the Hyundai cars!
Neither Mariano Nor The Customer Could Take The Dog
After seeing the collar and hearing the customer's story, Mariano knew the stray was there for a reason. Unfortunately, neither he nor the customer could take the dog in. The customer already had three of his own!
Even so, Mariano knew something had to be done for the dog. And that’s when inspiration struck!
Mariano Got An Idea
Hyundai was a pet-friendly company. So, why not have the stray become the dealership's mascot? All he had to do was get permission from his higher-ups and the stray would have a new home and people to dote on him.
Now, it was just a matter of writing an email and getting a "yes."
The Higher-Ups Said Yes!
The higher-ups thought it was a great idea! Not only did Mariano get a yes, but they also sent over a check to get the dog some supplies and get checked out by a veterinarian. He'd been on the streets, after all.
Now, Mariano had to think of a name for the dealership’s new mascot.
He Was Named Tucson Prime
After hearing the customer's story about Tucson, Mariano thought it was a sign that the new mascot’s name should be "Tucson Prime," paying homage to the late dog and the company’s Tucson Prime car.
Mariano was over the moon. He even ran to his office to print out Tucson Prime’s very own employee badge.
Tucson Prime's Social Media Presence Skyrocketed
Thanks to social media, namely Instagram, the news about Tucson Prime's new employment at the Hyundai dealership went viral. People from all over followed Tucson Prime’s story and even sent in gifts for the new mascot.
People were even coming to the dealership for the sole purpose of meeting the pooch!
The Big Bosses Invited Tucson Prime For A Visit
Mariano couldn't believe the type of publicity Tucson Prime brought the dealership. So much so that the dog actually got a huge invitation — to visit the Hyundai plants and meet the big bosses.
Mariano and the rest of the dealership employees couldn’t have been happier for the newest member of their team.
He Was A Celebrity!
To celebrate the big invitation, the dealership bought Tucson Prime a new leash and bowties. They wanted him to give a good impression! Of course, Mariano was the one to bring the pooch to the plant.
And, walking Tucson Prime around, he couldn't have been more proud. Tucson Prime was a little celebrity!
Tucson Had Come A Long Way
The plant workers and even the big bosses were won over by Tucson Prime's loving nature, running over to give him belly rubs, hugs, kisses, and all of the pets a dog could ask for.
He’d come a long way from sitting on the steps of the dealership begging for a little food.
Tucson Was Asked To Star In The New Hyundai Commercials
And Tucson Prime's story doesn’t end there. While at the plant, the marketing team was so enthralled with the dog that they gave Mariano a ridiculous offer. They wanted to use Tucson Prime as the new face of their new set of nationwide commercials.
Mariano was speechless. Tucson Prime’s fame was about to hit a whole new level!
Mariano Couldn't Believe What Happened
Getting back to the dealership, Tucson Prime went straight to bed, tuckered out from all of the activity at the plant. On the other hand, Mariano was wide awake and still trying to process everything that had just happened.
His dealership dog was about to be the face of the entire company!
An Act Of Kindness Changed Everything
Everything that had just happened to Mariano was because a group of people got together to give a street dog the life he deserved. They brought him in from the cold and gave him a home.
In return, Tucson Prime gave joy and brought smiles to people all over the world.