A Bismarck, North Dakota family made a surprising discovery on Monday in the footwear section of their local Kmart while they tried on winter boots.
Shasta Riederer was shopping with her two sons, Talon and Deakon, when she heard one of them say “Mom, look.” She glanced over and saw what she thought were Vienna sausages falling out of a pair of boots. Then, she noticed that they were moving – and squeaking.
Upon closer examination, the family realized they’d discovered two mice. Then, they found more. In total, the Riederers gathered a family of eight mice – one mom and seven babies. Kmart had no interest in keeping the mice, but Talon and Deakon, who had remained calm throughout the ordeal, asked their mother for permission to take them home. Both Kmart and Shasta approved, and her boys were thrilled.
They purchased a fish tank to use as a makeshift shelter for the mice and got them home and situated just in time for a feeding. The family also bought the pair of boots they had discovered the mice living in.
When the babies are a little bigger, the mice will be released into the wild.
Although mice are commonly viewed as pests, Shasta praised her sons for their decision to take them home: “So proud of them that they have that kind of compassion,” she said. “That they are willing to save mice when it would have grossed everybody else out.”
According to K-Mart, their footwear section was searched thoroughly, including inside all the boxes, and no other mice were found.

A very special story.
What a wonderful family… the outcome for these poor mice could would have been very different since I believe not many people would have been so kind as this mother and her two boys. Be proud of yourself Shasta for being such a great role model because you’re obviously doing a great job raising two kind and loving boys!!!
Like the song lyrics, “Teach your children well”. What a huge difference compassion makes in our world.
These young boys and their mother give me faith that not everyone in this world is terrible. Thanks so much for sharing this story, and God bless them.
Those boys are truly amazing. They have such compassion in their hearts. Those mice were very lucky to he found by these incredible boys!
What kind and beautiful boys. We know for sure those two angels will never harm animals in their adulthood.
It’s good to see a nice story about kind young people. The parents obviously have taught their children about humane treatment of animals. Thank you for sharing. So heart warming.
The parents did the right thing teaching their kids about kindness and save animals live.
Peace love & compassion
It’s heartwarming to see children being so compassionate towards an animal that most would run from! They have kind hearts!
Credit to mom. She obviously taught her boys compassion. Great family. Thank you for caring!
Good job kid
Thanks boys!
It is AWESOME to see there are good kids out there. GREAT FAMILY VALUES. AWESOME PARENTING. CONTINUE TO CARE FOR ALL GODS CREATURES.
Well done. Anyone who cares for animals, however small is a hero.
How sweet, you could not just leave them.
Super kids!!! So great to see a couple of boys with HUGE, COMPASSIONATE HEARTS!!
Lovely story ❗️Wonderful children and family ❗️