Dogs are deeply bonded with people, depending on them for food, comfort, and security, much like children.
When suddenly left to survive on their own, they often stumble into danger. Sometimes that danger is heartbreaking; other times, it’s almost unbelievable.
This is the story of one Florida dog whose misadventure ended with his head stuck inside a jug for nine long days until rescuers stepped in and gave him the chance to start fresh.
Trapped And Running Out Of Time
One summer day, Stacy DeSantis, from the Thelma and Louise Dog Rescue, received an urgent call. A dog had been spotted wandering near Jennings, Florida, unable to free himself from a plastic jug stuck over his head.
Stacy and her colleague, Maria, immediately drove to the scene and set several traps, aided by neighbors who had seen the poor dog stumbling through the area.
For three frustrating days, the rescuers searched tirelessly. Finally, one morning a resident called to report the dog hiding inside his own pet’s doghouse.
Stacy, Maria, and Stacy’s husband, Nick, quickly surrounded the spot. With steady hands, they slipped a leash over him, and Nick used special scissors to cut away the jug.
It was then they realized the truth: the pup had been trapped inside for nearly nine days. If they hadn’t intervened then, he probably would have died quickly. Despite everything, this brave boy was relatively calm and ready to be helped.
Weak and starving, he still greeted his rescuers with calm trust. Overcome with emotion, Maria and Stacy wrapped him in a tearful embrace.
“You’ve got a new life now,” Maria whispered as she stroked his head.
A Spirited Dog With Endless Energy
The newly freed dog was given a fitting name: Jughead.
At the vet, tests showed he was heartworm-positive, so he began treatment while also receiving his vaccinations.
Maria volunteered to foster him first. While she was home, Jughead was affectionate and sweet. But when she left for work, he grew anxious and destructive.
At first she scolded him, until they realized the truth: Jug was suffering from severe separation anxiety.
They later discovered that Jug once had an owner who had gone into a nursing home, leaving him alone and fending for himself.
To ease his stress, Jug moved into Stacy’s home, where other rescue dogs kept him company. Surrounded by playmates, his boundless energy finally had an outlet.
He loved companionship, adored mealtime, and developed a reputation as a food-obsessed clown. Rescuers believe it was his determined hunt for food that led him to wedge his head into that fateful jug in the first place.
Despite his mischief, Jug was a source of constant laughter and joy, yet he was still missing a forever family to call his own.
A Forever Home Found Close To Heart
Two months later, Stacy posted Jug’s adoption listing online. But as applications trickled in, she found herself unable to imagine letting him go.
She didn’t have the strength to say “goodbye” to this dog who brought tears of joy to her face when she rescued him in Jennings two months ago.
After a heartfelt talk with her husband Nick, the decision became clear. Jug, now affectionately called Juggie Wuggie, would stay with them forever.
Even today, Jug hasn’t stopped sticking his head into things, especially if food is involved. The difference now is that he has a loving family ready to pull him out of whatever trouble he gets into.
After everything he endured, Jug’s journey closed with the happiest ending possible: a home where his quirks are celebrated, and his heart is finally safe.