That’s exactly what happened when Aaron Kinsel, a driver for Rumpke Waste & Recycling, was out on the road last month.
While servicing clients in Colerain Township, Ohio, Kinsel noticed a backpack that had been left on the side of the road. Soon, he realized the bag was moving, and he walked over to investigate.
Alarmingly, Kinsel found a distressed 10-week-old puppy inside, who was injured with a broken leg. But the driver believes the encounter was not by accident.
Rumpke’s safety team took the little boxer-mix to a veterinarian, where she was treated for dehydration and her broken limb.
In the meantime, Kinsel talked it over with his family, and they decided to adopt the abandoned puppy as their own. They named her Tipper, after the “driver’s helper” mechanism that picks up waste containers, emptying their contents into the truck.
While local authorities are investigating the abandonment with the cooperation of Rumpke, the waste and recycling company praised Kinsel for his attentiveness and caring on the job.
“For their safety, as well as for the safety of our customers, Rumpke drivers are trained to remain observant,” said Kendra Catherman, Cincinnati safety manager with Rumpke.
“We do our best to take care of our communities and always do the right thing. We are very proud of Aaron and delighted to make Tipper an honorary member of our Rumpke team.”
Facebook users left comments of praise on the post, as well, calling Kinsel a “superhero” and “a good human.”
“Your employees are amazing!” one user wrote. “Thanks for paying attention.”
“I’m so glad you didn’t let that go unnoticed,” said another.
Not only was Tipper saved from being discarded as trash, she also landed a position in her new forever home as her “driver’s helper.”
