In rural Oklahoma, three dogs were left wandering the empty roads, waiting for the humans who abandoned them to return. For days, they clung to hope, taking shelter in a tin culvert beneath the road whenever they needed protection.
A week went by, and the pups were still there, lingering at the intersection. But soon, their luck would change. A kind passerby noticed them and quickly reached out to rescuer Alysse Matlock, who didn’t hesitate to step in and help.
Rescue At Last
When Alysse arrived at the scene, she immediately noticed that Oakley, a Black Lab mix, was in the worst condition. He was the first one she managed to bring to safety, while the other two were caught later.
In the end, all three were rescued and transported to a shelter where they received proper care.
Alysse took Oakley home with her, and the moment he felt her love, he finally relaxed. Not long after, his sweet and lively personality began to shine through, showing how grateful he was to be safe.
“He is such a sweet, smart dog that lives to please people. It angered me that people could be so cruel,” Alysse said.
She began sharing Oakley’s journey on Instagram, both to update followers and to remind people never to abandon their dogs in such a heartless way.
A Fresh Start
As his foster mom, Alysse made sure Oakley was bathed, cared for, and given a thorough veterinary exam.
She reached out to Safe Haven Animal Rescue, which generously agreed to cover all of Oakley’s medical costs during his foster period.
With consistent love and attention, Oakley recovered quickly. He thrived in Alysse’s home, but she knew it was time to help him find a permanent family who would cherish him forever.
One day, a family came across Oakley’s story on Instagram and instantly fell in love. They contacted Alysse and drove all the way from Minnesota just to meet him.
The trip was worth it. As soon as they met Oakley, they knew he was meant to be theirs.
“He was such an easy dog. [He] got along with everyone and anyone from the very beginning!” they shared.
Oakley fit right into their lives, and now he even has his own Instagram where his new adventures are documented for everyone to see.
A Reminder For All
Oakley’s story is a beautiful example of resilience, but it also carries an important message. Just as Alysse said, no dog should ever be abandoned on the roadside.
If circumstances make it impossible to care for your pet, the right choice is to take them to a local shelter. There, they will receive the help and compassion they need until they can find a new home.