While driving along a remote road near Noble, Oklahoma, a woman named Alysse Matlock spotted something fluffy walking along the center of the road.
As she drew closer, she realized it was a miniature Australian Shepherd.
Worried for the dog’s safety, she stopped her car and tried coaxing it inside, but the pup didn’t understand her intentions and bolted.
Fortunately, Alysse managed to snap a picture and later posted it on Facebook to see if anyone else had seen the furry wanderer.
Sure enough, others had encountered her too.
Rescue Efforts Begin
After sharing the pup’s photo, Alysse’s post was quickly flooded with replies from locals who had also seen the same dog roaming the area.
But no one could say where she had come from.
Several days later, the dog, now called Journey, appeared in downtown Noble, roughly 10 miles from where Alysse first encountered her.
As temperatures began to drop, many concerned animal lovers worried about Journey’s well-being, realizing she needed shelter to survive.
Alarm grew when someone noticed her enlarged belly, suggesting she was pregnant and that the puppies were due soon.
Determined to help, Alysse went out searching for her again, this time fully committed to bringing her to safety.
Once she located her, Alysse spent three hours trying to earn Journey’s trust. But by 1 a.m., with no success, she had to head home and return another time.
Finally Out Of The Cold
The next day, Alysse returned and noticed movement behind a pile of discarded trash. Upon closer look, she saw it was Journey, who had found a makeshift spot to stay warm.
“She’d spent the night curled up in a busted recliner by the side of the highway,” Alysse wrote in a video.
Once more, Alysse tried to get her into the car, but Journey remained hesitant.
Eventually, Alysse and some helpful townspeople spotted Journey on a nearby hill, which sparked an idea.
With teamwork and a handful of hotdogs, the group finally managed to secure the clever pup and safely load her into the car.
“It was such a relief when she was finally caught. All of us strangers that had stopped on the side of the road that morning started hugging,” Alysse told The Dodo.
A New Beginning
Now in Alysse’s care, Journey was taken to the vet, who confirmed that she was expecting to give birth within five to seven days.
But the following morning, Alysse woke up to some unexpected squeaks.
Two puppies had already arrived, and four more followed shortly after. Journey was now the proud mother of six healthy pups.
In a safe and cozy home, the devoted mama and her litter could finally rest, something crucial for her recovery.
For now, the little family will remain under care, and if no owner is found, they’ll be available for adoption through Noble Now Inc. Friends of Noble Animal Shelter.
A heartfelt thank-you goes out to everyone who helped this sweet Australian Shepherd find a warm place to welcome her babies.
You’re all amazing!