The story of the heartwarming and once-homeless odd couple, Cinnamon and Felix, now has a happy ending – the inseparable goat and dog will soon be living out their years together in the grasses of a local Johnston County farm. The Wake County Animal Center had reached out to a long-time national rescue partner and a local foster family they’d previously worked with, and by the end of the week, these now viral, four-legged friends will be arriving at a new forever home.
“I’m so excited they will be living their dream life in Johnston County with their new family,” said Shinica Thomas, chair, Wake County Board of Commissioners. “The Wake County Animal Center has a fantastic rescue network and they focused on the best solution for this pair after getting custody of them. This was the best outcome we could hope for!”
When Chris and Mariesa Hughes of the Mr. Mo Project got word from the Wake County Animal Center about the unlikely friends, they knew they might know of a perfect home. The couple, who lives in New York, runs a national rescue organization that specializes in finding homes for senior dogs. A foster family in North Carolina that they’d been working with for almost 10 years had plenty of space for dogs. While Felix is only a 1-year-old Bulldog mix and definitely not a senior dog, the family also had a small herd of goats that would be ideal for Cinnamon, who’s likely one to three years old. The Wake County Animal Center had worked with this family previously as well, so all agreed it was the perfect match.
“We are so blessed to be able to foster Felix and Cinnamon!” said Jacqui Bankes, the new proud owner of the dynamic duo. “As their forever foster, we are excited to keep them together and also integrate them with our other goats and dogs, after appropriate testing and quarantine. Thank you to Wake County and Mr. Mo Project for making this possible for us!”
The Hughes and their non-profit have agreed to pay for Cinnamon and Felix’s health care for the rest of their lives. Felix received all the necessary preventative care and has been neutered by the Animal Center veterinarians.
Their story began on March 13 when they came into the center after their owner became unable to care for them any longer. They were living together at a home in Raleigh when the city’s Animal Control team brought them to the Wake County Animal Center for temporary housing.
Quickly, Cinnamon and Felix's incredible friendship captured the hearts of everyone at the shelter. It wasn't long before their story was spreading all over the social media and in national media including The Washington Post and People Magazine. After the center announced that they were looking for a rescue partner, the outpouring of love and support was incredible, with thousands of people liking, sharing, and retweeting their story and dozens of animal lovers calling in to offer their help.
“We are so grateful for this support from our community and partners,” said Wake County Animal Center Director Dr. Jennifer Federico. “This was possible due to all the continuous efforts of our staff, volunteers and community. This unbelievable duo will live together and enjoy their friendship.”
But just because Cinnamon and Felix have found their forever home doesn't mean that there aren't plenty of other furry friends at the Wake County Animal Center. If you're looking for a new companion to brighten up your days, be sure to visit our Center at 820 Beacon Lake Drive, Raleigh. The shelter is open for adoptions daily from noon to 6 p.m. seven days a week. There are 75 dogs and 17 cats, as well as two rabbits, five guinea pigs and three rats available for adoption. You might just find your own unlikely best friend!
