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Durham County Sheriff's Office Animal Services  deputies rescued a coyote with its head trapped in a plastic jar after several days of concern from residents. The obstruction prevented the animal from eating or drinking. Reports of the distressed coyote began surfacing in the Parkwood area of southern Durham County , prompting deputies to search the neighborhood multiple times without success. On the afternoon of November 18th, a resident on Grandale Drive  spotted the coyote again, enabling deputies to locate and safely restrain it using a catch pole, then remove the clear plastic jar from its head.  Photo Credit: Jennifer Uppendahl/ Wix Stock Body camera footage captured the rescue, showing the deputies' careful efforts to free the animal. After confirming the coyote was uninjured, they released it back into the wild. Sheriff Clarence Birkhead praised the deputies in a press release posted on the Durham County Government County website , stating, "These Animal Services deputies used their training and compassion to create a positive outcome for this animal and the members of the community concerned about its fate." The coyote's harrowing ordeal emphasizes the detrimental effects of human waste on animals . Discarded containers can unintentionally trap animals, leading to suffocation, dehydration, or starvation. Conservationists recommend rinsing and cutting plastic containers before throwing them away. Additionally, using trash bins that prevent wildlife access and participating in community clean-up events can further protect animals from the dangers of waste pollution.

Cinnamon, a 13-year-old orange tabby, witnessed her world unravel when her beloved owner passed away. A recent Instagram post by Orange County Animal Services ' volunteer photographer Albert Harris revealed that the family had concerns about Cinnamon's health. The relatives of the deceased owner characterized Cinnamon as being quite selective with her food choices, noting her litterbox habits seemed to fluctuate, and she was prone to bouts of diarrhea. Instead of stepping in to provide care and compassion, the owner's family surrendered Cinnamon to Orange County Animal Services, citing family allergies. Cinnamon rests quietly in her kennel, surrendered in her golden years and waiting for a second chance. Photo Credit: Albert Harris   Since arriving at the shelter, Cinnamon has been eating well and consistently using her litter box, proving that care and stability were all she needed. Despite the heartbreak of abandonment in her senior years, the sweet cat's loving nature remains intact, and she adores attention.   Senior cats like Cinnamon often find themselves overshadowed by their younger counterparts. Playful kittens with boundless energy draw potential adopters' attention away from older cats' gentle and serene presence. By choosing to adopt a senior cat, you're not just giving them a home but also making a powerful statement about the value of all life stages.   Cinnamon deserves more than to spend her golden years in a shelter. If you're ready to give Cinnamon the loving home she's been waiting for, contact Orange County Animal Services. Cinnamon's Information Name : Cinnamon ID# : A558204 Breed : Orange Shorthair Age : Approximately 13 years old Gender : Spayed Female Intake Date : October 26, 2024 📍 Location : Orange County Animal Services 📫 Address :2769 Conroy Road, Orlando, FL 32839 📞 Phone : (407) 254-9150 🌐 Website : https://ocnetpets.com/

World Kindness Day reminds us of the invaluable lessons our dogs teach us daily about love, compassion, and connection. Our furry friends are true champions of kindness! With their wagging tails, soulful eyes, and endless affection, dogs embody the essence of companionship. Dogs have an innate ability to lift our spirits during tough times, reminding us that even the simplest acts can spread kindness. In the spirit of today, here are five fun, dog-inspired ways to share kindness and brighten up the world around us! Visit Someone Who Could Use a Friend Does a friend, neighbor, or family member need a cheerful pick-me-up? Consider bringing your dog along for a visit! A wagging tail and adorable furry face can do wonders for the soul. If your dog is well-socialized and enjoys being around people, consider training it as a certified therapy dog . Therapy dogs are lovingly welcomed in hospitals and nursing homes as they provide much-needed companionship and comfort to those who may be lonely or unwell. Make Some Homemade Dog Treats A warm, freshly baked treat is one of the best ways to show love for your furry friend. Many safe, simple, and wholesome dog treat recipes  are available online that are easy to make and will keep your dog happy and healthy. Consider doubling your recipe for a larger batch so your dog can enjoy more treats, and you can even share some with a friend’s pet. Choose Cruelty-Free Products Demonstrate your commitment to animal welfare by opting for cruelty-free products. According to the Humane Society International , approximately 500,000 animals endure suffering due to cosmetic testing each year. By choosing cruelty-free brands, you can help make a difference for animals everywhere, and it's a choice your dog would happily suit! Donate to Your Local Shelter Animal shelters consistently need to restock supplies, and donating items can be a fantastic way to show kindness and comfort to animals awaiting adoption. Check your local shelter 's wishlist, and then take your shelter's toys, blankets, or treats to donate. Foster a Shelter Dog If your dog is well-socialized and enjoys meeting new friends, consider a furry companion from a shelter. Animal shelters across the country are full of dogs that need homes. You can make a huge difference in a dog's life by fostering a dog. Your dog will enjoy having a new friend to play with, and you will be part of a beautiful cycle of kindness! Remember, dogs speak kindness fluently because it is a language they know by heart. Happy World Kindness Day!

Halloween arrives tonight, bringing pumpkins with carved glowing grins, brimming bowls of sugary confections, the cheerful chimes of ringing doorbells, and exuberant chants of "trick-or-treat!" While All Hallows' Eve is among the most magical and memorable occasions, the holiday poses frightful risks for pets. But don't worry! This Halloween will remain pet-friendly and enjoyable for your entire pack by taking a few simple precautions. Halloween Hideaways Place your furry friend in a quiet, secure room to minimize stress and avoid unexpected mishaps. It's important to bring your pets indoors where they are safest, especially on Halloween night. Mischievous pranksters may be afoot this evening, and unsupervised pets could be at risk of teasing or more serious harm. Ensure your four-legged family members always have identification tags in case they slip out an open door. Microchips are a wonderful way to help animal companions return home safely. Also, leaving your furry friends at home is best if you plan on trick-or-treating with the family, as the crowds and costumes can be overwhelming. Extra Purr-cautions Ideally, cats should remain indoors, especially in October. Sadly, black cats are subject to mistreatment and acts of cruelty due to outdated superstitions that associate them with bad luck and witchcraft. You can make a difference by adopting a black cat or supporting local clinics that offer spaying and neutering services . Eye-catching jack-o-lanterns or flickering lights can attract curious animals. Consider using pet-friendly alternatives like flameless LED candles . Candles can cause burns, and companions may accidentally knock over lit pumpkins, which could lead to fires. Decorations should be out of your pets' reach to prevent unintentional incidents. Items like balloons, fake cobwebs, and decorative strings might look like toys, but they can cause choking hazards or entanglement. Paws Off the Treats Chocolate contains theobromine , which is toxic to pets and may cause vomiting, a rapid heart rate, and seizures. Sugar-free gum and candies may also contain xylitol , a sweetener that can lead to dangerously low blood sugar and liver failure in pets. Snacks like Macadamia nuts and raisins can result in severe health issues, including pancreatitis or acute kidney failure. Fright Night Emergencies You can either buy an affordable emergency pet first-aid kit or create a customized one that meets your pet’s specific needs . Whichever option you choose, make sure to include your veterinarian's contact information and any prescribed medications in the kit. If you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, it is crucial to act quickly. Look out for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, fatigue, restlessness, rapid heartbeat, or difficulty defecating. In severe cases, companions may experience tremors or seizures. If you observe any of these signs, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline immediately. Wishing you and your pets a hauntingly fun Halloween—stay safe and keep it pawsitive!