“All I could think of was, ‘How am I going to get him out of here?’”
Seventeen-year-old Elliot Sherin never expected her cruise to Jamaica last December to become a life-changing adventure — for her and for a tiny stray puppy. What began as a family horseback ride along the beach quickly turned into a mission of compassion.
Spotting Kingston Among the Strays
As Elliot and her dad arrived at the ranch, her eyes immediately caught sight of a pack of homeless dogs roaming the property. Most of them approached without fear, looking for scraps of food. But one little pup trailed far behind — a tiny, starving puppy, no more than three months old, with wobbly, inward-turned legs and a coat matted with grime.
Elliot instantly knew he needed help. She named him Kingston.
“The other dogs walked right up to us looking for food,” Elliot recalled. “But he was very scared. He wouldn’t let us get near him. All I could think of was, ‘How am I going to get him out of here?’”
Determined to save him, she left food for Kingston and hurried back to the cruise ship to research rescue options. That’s when she discovered Animal House Jamaica, a local organization dedicated to helping stray and abandoned dogs. She immediately reached out, hoping they could assist.
Turning Determination Into Action
The rescue explained that Kingston could be saved — if Elliot could somehow get him to their shelter. They would provide veterinary care and prepare him for travel to her home in Seattle, Washington, but Elliot had to cover his expenses and arrange his safe capture.
Elliot’s parents were hesitant at first, but after discussing the plan, they agreed to support her efforts if she could manage the fundraising herself. Elliot immediately launched an online campaign, sharing Kingston’s story and asking friends and family for help.
With just a few days left on her trip, Elliot approached the ranch employees persistently. Initially, they were skeptical, dismissing Kingston as “just another stray puppy.” But Elliot’s persistence paid off. After three weeks of follow-ups, she finally received the call: Kingston had been safely captured and placed in the rescue shelter.
“He was malnourished, covered in cuts and scrapes, and had heartworms,” Elliot said. “The rescue kept him until he was strong enough to travel.”
Kingston’s Journey Home
With over $900 raised through her fundraiser, Elliot booked Kingston’s flight home. The moment she arrived at the airport in mid-February to pick him up was unforgettable.
“They lifted the garage door, and I saw him sitting in his crate … and I just cried. He was finally home, and he was so beautiful.”
Back at home, Kingston quickly adjusted. Despite his difficult early life, he showed no fear. Within ten minutes of exploring, he curled up in Elliot’s lap, craving the love and security he had been missing for so long.
A vet visit confirmed that Kingston’s bowed legs were due to a calcium deficiency caused by malnutrition in his first months — a condition expected to improve naturally, though braces might be needed if necessary.
A New Life Filled With Love
Today, Kingston is around eight months old and thriving. He’s affectionate, playful, and fully integrated into his new home alongside his big brother, Bentley, a six-year-old Labrador. Gone are the days of scrounging for food or dodging tourists; Kingston now enjoys dog parks, cozy beds, and plenty of treats.
Elliot’s parents, once unsure about the rescue plan, have completely fallen in love with him.
“They adore him,” Elliot said. “My dad naps with him on the couch, and my mom tucks him into bed with his little blanket every night.”
A Rescue That Changed Lives
For Elliot, bringing Kingston home is one of her proudest achievements.
“Before Kingston, I had never seen a country with so many feral dogs. I had never seen a dog so malnourished he could barely stand. He opened my eyes to so many things. I’m grateful. And he is too.”
Kingston’s story is a testament to how determination, compassion, and a little persistence can give a second chance to a life in need. From a frightened, starving pup in Jamaica to a loved and cherished family member in Seattle, Kingston’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
