Dog Freed From Plastic Jug Immediately Asks For A Hug From His Rescuers

The pup was found running with a dog food dispenser top stuck on his head, but a caring animal control officer and veterinary team were able to safely remove it.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:38pm

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A dog in Maricopa County, Arizona was found running with a plastic jug stuck on his head, obscuring his vision. After a half-hour chase, an animal control officer was able to catch the dog and bring him to the local shelter, where a veterinary team carefully removed the jug. Once freed, the grateful dog immediately climbed into a veterinary technician's lap, seeking affection from his rescuers.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the importance of pet owners being vigilant about securing household items that could potentially trap or endanger curious animals. It also showcases the compassionate work of animal control officers and veterinary staff in rescuing and caring for stray or neglected pets in the community.

The details

When Officer Davis of Maricopa County Animal Care and Control spotted the dog with the plastic jug on his head, she knew it was a risky situation. The jug had a hole in the top, but the dog was still at risk of overheating. It took Davis a half-hour of chasing the dog through backyards before she was finally able to leash him and bring him to the shelter. At the shelter, the veterinary team, led by Dr. Samantha Thurman, carefully worked to remove the jug without injuring the dog. Once freed, the grateful pup immediately climbed into a veterinary technician's lap, seeking affection.

  • On April 1, 2026, Officer Davis spotted the dog with the plastic jug on his head.
  • It took Davis a half-hour to finally catch and leash the dog.

The players

Officer Davis

An animal control officer with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control who spotted and chased down the dog with the plastic jug on his head.

Dr. Samantha Thurman

The chief animal medical officer at Maricopa County Animal Care and Control who led the veterinary team in safely removing the plastic jug from the dog's head.

Jones

The dog who was found running with a plastic dog food dispenser top stuck on his head, and is now available for adoption through Maricopa County Animal Care and Control.

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What they’re saying

“I found the dog, and I just really wanted to get the jug off him as soon as possible. He was hanging out with his friend, and when I approached, both dogs split and ran.”

— Officer Davis, Animal Control Officer

“Thankfully, we were able to work it off. It was just relief, an amazing feel-good moment.”

— Dr. Samantha Thurman, Chief Animal Medical Officer

“When we took it off, we kind of jumped back, not knowing if he was going to attempt to bite anybody. Then the sweet boy just climbed into one of our veterinary technicians' laps and was like, 'Thank you for taking this off my head.'”

— Dr. Samantha Thurman, Chief Animal Medical Officer

What’s next

The dog, now named Jones, is up for adoption through Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. The shelter is looking for a special family for Jones as he adjusts to living in a home rather than on the street.

The takeaway

This heartwarming rescue story serves as a reminder for pet owners to be vigilant about securing household items that could potentially trap or endanger curious animals. It also highlights the compassionate work of animal control officers and veterinary staff in caring for stray and neglected pets in the community.