When we see an animal in trouble, most of us hope we’d step in to help. Sadly, not everyone does.
Whether it’s a pet or a wild creature, those suffering from injury or starvation deserve a second chance. That often means taking action when no one else will.
With wildlife, though, caution is key. Their behavior can be unpredictable, so calling professionals is always the safest option.
That’s exactly what happened in one Florida neighborhood, where residents noticed a strange animal wandering with a jar stuck on its head. They didn’t hesitate to call for help.
Lea Joins The Search For The Mysterious Animal
After Lea Elise Haverstock saw a post about a black “dog” roaming with a glass jar over its head, she didn’t think twice, she knew she had to help.
Though she suspected the animal might not be a dog, Lea still joined the search. It was clear the creature couldn’t eat or breathe properly.
Lea told The Dodo: “There was a post that an emaciated black ‘dog’ was loose with a glass jar on its head. I came out to join that search.”
Photos circulating online showed just how frail the animal had become. It was obvious it hadn’t eaten in days and was running out of time.
Lea continues by saying: “I was distressed knowing this animal, whatever it was, had a jar on its head and could not eat.”
Eventually, a Pasco County Animal Services officer spotted the animal from afar, and they finally realized what it was.
It wasn’t a dog. It was a black coyote. While not commonly seen in that part of Florida, a small population still lives in the area.
A Long Search Ends In A Moment Of Relief
The rescue effort stretched on for hours. The team searched every possible hiding spot, but the animal remained elusive.
Then, they spotted it in an open field. Lea quickly alerted the rest of the team so they could move in.
To their surprise, the coyote didn’t run. The rescuers were able to approach and gently remove the jar from its head. As soon as it came off, the animal could finally breathe again.
The coyote paused, looked back at the team, almost as if to say thank you, then dashed into the woods, likely in search of food.
It had been a long and exhausting effort, but Lea was deeply thankful she had followed her instincts. The experience left her with a powerful message: every animal deserves help, no matter the species.
She said: “Fight for that animal no matter if that is uncomfortable [or if] it puts you in a position where you have to take a stand. Be a warrior for helpless animals, [be] kind, compassionate and brave.”
Every creature deserves the freedom to live. And when we’re in a position to help, it’s up to us to make that choice.
It’s a lesson worth remembering, and one we should all carry forward.