The new year is right around the corner, and Ocala-News.com is taking a look back at the top five feel-good stories from 2023.
5. Inmates in Marion County help shelter dogs find forever homes
Earlier this summer, Marion County Animal Services’ eight-week FIDO (Florida Inmates & Dog Obedience) training program culminated with a meet-and-greet event at the Ocala Mall, and the participating shelter dogs were available for adoption.
Over the course of the two-month program, select inmates taught basic obedience and other useful skills to the shelter dogs to help make them more adoptable.
4. Dunnellon resident wins $1 million prize on scratch-off ticket
In July, a man from Dunnellon turned $50 into $820,000 after purchasing a winning scratch-off lottery ticket from a local convenience store.
The Florida Lottery’s $50 scratch-off game, FLORIDA 500X THE CASH, features two top prizes of $25 million and 160 prizes of $1 million.
3. Dog finally adopted after spending several years at Marion County Animal Shelter
A six-year-old dog named Nala was finally adopted in October after spending more than two years at an animal shelter in Marion County.
Prior to her adoption, Nala spent majority of her time at Marion County Animal Services. Over that two-and-a-half year period, she visited state and local parks, spent time with volunteers, and more.
When the new director at Animal Services learned about Nala’s lengthy stay, she contacted Nala’s original caregiver, who agreed to adopt Nala. After a several-hour drive to the shelter, the two were reunited, and Nala “absolutely recognized” her caregiver.
2. Orthodontist in Ocala goes viral on TikTok
Dr. James Jones, owner and operator of Dr. Jones Orthodontics in Ocala, went viral on TikTok earlier this summer after a video demonstrating his entrance to one of his patients garnered millions of views.
Billed as the “smile makers,” Dr. Jones and his team operate out of a “one-of-a-kind orthopedic practice” that was taken straight out of a Willy Wonka movie.
In the viral TikTok video, Dr. Jones can be seen descending into frame after one of his patients is asked to guess which door he will emerge from.
1. Longest resident in Marion County Animal Services history is finally adopted
A four-year-old dog named Murphy was finally adopted over the summer after spending over 500 days at an animal shelter in Marion County.
Murphy was happy to trade in life at the shelter for a new home with a pool and nearby lake. “It’s Murphy’s DREAM LIFE!” stated Marion County Animal Services in a social media post.
Marion County Animal Services has other animals at the shelter that are still looking for forever homes. To view a full list of the animals available for adoption, click here.
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