Spotting wild animals in small towns is not an unusual thing. In fact, it’s somewhat of a daily occurrence there.
Since the human presence is small, animals tend to be more relaxed and ready to move into our territories. What could go wrong?
Well, sometimes that’s a question that is answered too often with the word ‘everything’.
In this story, some locals were shocked after spotting a mysterious animal below the bridge. It was stuck, and when they got a closer look, they were shocked to learn its identity.
It Turned Into A Rescue Quickly
It was a very cold day in Iowa when some locals were walking near the Des Moines River. A resident was just enjoying her day when she spotted something moving in the sludge nearby. It was a pelican that got stuck.
The pelican sat down in the debris under a bridge, and it’s safe to assume that’s how she got stuck in that position.
She tried flapping her wings to get away, but was unsuccessful. Luckily for her, the worried resident and her friend noticed her and they were going to help.
They immediately called Iowa Bird Rehabilitation (IBR). Jenni Boonjakuakul told The Dodo: “Throughout the day, we received several calls. We always ask for photos to confirm we’re talking about the same bird.”
The locals sent the photos and they were surprised to see that it was indeed the same bird. She was stuck in the gunk and was desperate for help.
IBR Volunteer To The Rescue
Boonjakuakul continued by saying: “When river levels drop this time of year, we often see these ‘log and trash jams’ form. They can definitely become hazards for wildlife.”
IBR sent an experienced volunteer to help the poor pelican, and a woman named Rickie was there in a flash.
She used her hardshell kayak to reach the pelican. Rickie bought it to prevent punctures in case she hit something or a bird damaged it.
In the past, Rickie has saved two geese, ducks, and swans, but this was her first time trying to help out a pelican.
Rickie said: “We didn’t know if she could fly, so I didn’t want to approach too quickly and scare her. I also didn’t want to approach too slowly and miss my chance. She was just out of reach of my net when she started to try and get away, and at that point, it became very clear how bad of shape she was in.”
Pelican Is Recovering At The Facility
Rickie was able to place a net on the pelican and the pelican was safely pulled to the kayak. The rescuer then proceeded to place her on it so that she was comfortable.
After that, they got back to the shore, and the pelican was transported to a medical facility. Rickie could just tell that the pelican was exhausted.
She said: “Birds rescued from situations like this are usually completely worn out by the time we get to them.”
Since the pelican could hardly move, she had to be fed the whole time. They gave her splints, and a wheelchair. After a few days of resting and relaxing, the pelican, now named Shrimp, had healed a bit.
Her appetite was also coming back and she was eating a lot better by then. Even though she was still healing slowly, the rescuers were almost certain that Shrimp will make a full recovery. Hopefully, she will be able to fly again soon and go back to her natural habitat.
Woman Adopts Her Perfect Dog, But One Heartbreaking Vet Visit Changes Everything
In the vast sea of dog stories, this particular one had me break into a million pieces! Taylor and Ozzie’s story is real proof of how incredible the bond between dogs and humans can be.
You laugh together, cry together, you share the most intimate secrets and moments, and you just can’t imagine living life without each other anymore! But, what do you do when everything goes wrong? What happens then?
Ozzy’s life story will reveal how truly inspiring the human-dog bond can be, even in what can only be called the worst of times.
Ozzie Was The Perfect Dog
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Taylor adopted Ozzie at just a few weeks of age. She looked on Craigslist for puppies needing to be rehomed and saw a picture of a floppy-eared, brown pup with one blue and one brown eye – and she instantly fell in love!
Ozzie looked like the perfect dog, and the fact that she had to drive from North Carolina all the way to Washington D.C. didn’t stop her! She was inclined to adopt him!
“I was in college, didn’t have that much money, had 3 roommates, was in school full time, played tennis for college full time, and worked part time. How could I fit a puppy into that schedule,” Taylor wrote on Instagram.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The two formed an amazing bond right off the bat! He was just an amazing pup that adapted into the new life in no time. In a way, both Taylor and Ozzie shared the same hobbies and interests.
Both loved hiking, going to the beach, walking in the park, and basically any outdoor activity.
“He is THE adventure guy. He loves to go hiking, to the beach, kayaking, in the snow, to breweries, parks, literally you put him in the car (or on a train, yes, he has been on a train) and he is ready for the adventure,” wrote Taylor.
Every time they had a chance to embark on a new adventure – they took it! Ozzie has always been an adventurous boi, and that really made his new mom fall in love with him even more!
Source: @livingdogfriendly
Years later, Taylor and her partner adopted another dog, Lulu, who became Ozzie’s best friend.
The two formed an incredible bond and really enjoyed each other’s company. Their playtime was practically a zoomie-show, and despite the fact that both were so energetic, they would always end the day with the sweetest snuggling ever!
Several amazing years later, Taylor noticed Ozzie limping, and she immediately rushed him to the vet. Unfortunately, the diagnosis was horrible!
The Devastating Vet Visit
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The vet took Ozzie to do some X-rays, and ten minutes later, he came out with the heartbreaking diagnosis. Ozzie suffered from osteosarcoma – a bone tumor and he only had a couple of months to live.
After receiving the news, Taylor was devastated. She called her husband who immediately left work and came. Luckily, there was one option to extend Ozzie’s life for several extra months – the amputation of his front leg and chemo.
Source: @livingdogfriendly
The couple didn’t think twice. They agreed to subject Ozzie to treatment despite all the hardship and extra commitment that awaited.
But, even through his surgery – Ozzie was just the most enthusiastic, happiest boi! He didn’t take the smile off his face even for one bit. He was a real fighter, and so were his parents!
Ozzie got his own, big bag that Taylor and her husband got just for walks. As he didn’t have so much strength (especially after chemo) to hike and walk like he used to, the couple carried him on their back, sometimes even for several miles.
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A post shared by Lulu & forever Ozzie (@livingdogfriendly)
They just couldn’t stand the idea of Ozzie not being able to enjoy his favorite things – and this was the only way to do it. His mom and dad did everything to make his quality of life better, and despite his progressing disease, Ozzie enjoyed every single moment!
The entire family helped Ozzie during his journey. Taylor’s dad, who was also battling cancer and lived in another state, felt the need to support this big boi. He’d send ice cream for Ozzie after every chemo session, which was just the cutest thing ever.
And, Lulu was just the greatest sister ever. Normally, she’s extremely hyper, but once she realized her brother was in pain, she turned into the gentlest sibling ever.
Your Memory Will Be Preserved, Good Boi
Source: @livingdogfriendly
After months of battling with his terminal disease, Ozzie sadly crossed the rainbow bridge. He lost the battle with cancer in March 2023 and went to eternal sleep.
Taylor and her husband were very heartbroken to part ways with Ozzie, but the fact that this beautiful boi had an amazing life till his last breath helped them cope.
“You touched so many lives, more than I had ever imagined a dog could. The love you gave was ever present and you lit up every room you walked into,” Taylor wrote in the touching Instagram post.
Ozzie was a unique dog, and he indeed made his family’s life so beautiful! Taylor and her family have moved to a new home in Virginia, but if I can say one thing with certainty, it’s that his legacy will certainly be remembered by his loved ones… Forever!
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