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Pets of the Day: May 21

Tag 350

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM)- We're thrilled to report that six of the eight animals we showcased last week have been adopted or placed in rescue groups.  A cat and a dog are still available for adoption.  Here is a look at today's pets that are in desperate need of a forever home.

Tag 350 is an adult black and white female bulldog mix. She may have a bulldog's tough exterior, but she's a real sweetie with a gentle heart.

Tag 363 is an adult male domestic shorthair brown tabby.  This handsome gentleman can't wait to come home to a loving family!

Valley Rescue Mission's Camp JOY now accepting applications

Valley Rescue Mission's Camp JOY now accepting applications

Now in its 40th year of operation, Camp JOY is a 6-week long summer camp for children ages 7 to 11. There will be 3 weeks for girls, and 3 weeks for boys. Every child who enrolls can attend during one week of their choice. 

There is no charge to the families for sending children to Camp JOY. Instead, their week at camp is generously underwritten by supporters from throughout the community.

Camp JOY seeks to provide a camping experience that will encourage Christian growth and have a lasting positive impact on the children.

Local 11th graders build playground for students with special needs

PHENIX CITY, AL (WTVM)- A group of eleventh graders from Central High School spent their free time in a productive way.

On Friday, they finished building a playground for students with special needs at Phenix City Elementary School.

When this project began, the elementary school only had one handicapped swing, which was broken.

Now, the swing is fixed and two new swings were installed along with other accessible playground equipment.

We had a chance to speak with one student who had a big part in this project.

Beer shoplifter pepper-sprays Piggly Wiggly employees

Victoria Owens, 52  source: Phenix City Police

PHENIX CITY, AL (WTVM)- Police say a woman walked into a Ladonia Piggly Wiggly with a plan to get free beer.

But as she soon found out, the plan was doomed to fail, and the situation quickly got out of control.

News Leader Nine's Dante Renzulli first learned about this incident by checking the Neighborhood Watch Group on Facebook.

Police said this started out as a simple case of shoplifting beer- the kind you may expect from an underage minor- except the accused woman is 52-years-old.

Alabama celebrates Prevention Week

(WTVM)- In a typical month, approximately 5.3 million Americans use a prescription pain reliever for non-medical reasons.

This is the type of statistic people around the nation, including the state of Alabama, are trying to bring awareness to during May's Prevention Week.

"Approximately one out of ten people are treated for some kind of emotional or mental illness each year so it's very important that people look how they are living their lives," explains Deborah Owen, Director of the Department of Psychiatric Medicine at the East Alabama Medical Center.

Pets of the Day: May 9

(WTVM)- We're thrilled to report Columbus Animal Care and Control has
vastly improved their euthanasia rate from 80% in 2010 to 32% for the first
quarter of 2013. It's our goal to find homes for as many of these pets as
possible.

Here are just a few of the deserving animals that need your
help:

Tag 393 is a female Domestic Short Haired cat that is more
than ready to have a family of her own. She is sweet-natured and affectionate,
with a very warm personality.

How to make sure your child is safe & secure in their car seat

(WTVM)- In light of the accident that claimed the life of a 15-month-old Columbus boy, we want to make sure
parents know how to properly secure a child in a car seat.

Car accident injuries are
the leading cause of death among children in the United States.

Child safety seats reduce the
risk of death in cars by 71 percent for infants and by 54 percent for toddlers
ages 1 to-4 years old.