While driving a remote stretch near Noble, Oklahoma, Alysse Matlock spotted something fluffy moving along the center line.
As she slowed, she realized it was a miniature Australian Shepherd.
Worried for the dog’s safety, she pulled over and coaxed gently for the pup to hop in. The frightened dog bolted instead.
Before the moment slipped away, Alysse snapped a quick photo and later posted it on Facebook, hoping locals might recognize the wanderer.
Replies poured in. Others had seen her too.
The Search Gains Momentum
After Alysse shared the picture, Noble residents began chiming in with sightings. No one knew where the dog had come from.
A few days later, the pup, now nicknamed Journey, turned up in downtown Noble, roughly ten miles from the original sighting.
With temperatures dropping, concern grew for her well-being. Someone noted her belly looked enlarged, which suggested pregnancy and that the puppies could be close.
Determined to help, Alysse headed back out to find Journey. She spent three hours trying to earn the dog’s trust. By 1 a.m., exhausted and empty-handed, she went home planning to try again.
Out Of The Cold At Last
The next day, Alysse returned and noticed movement behind a heap of discarded junk. Peering closer, she saw Journey huddled in a makeshift shelter.
“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 attempted to coax her into the car. Journey stayed wary.
Then a break. Alysse and a few kind strangers spotted Journey on a nearby hill and came up with a plan. With patient teamwork and a handful of hotdogs, they finally secured the cautious pup and lifted her safely 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.
An Overnight Surprise
Now safe in Alysse’s care, Journey visited the vet, who confirmed she was due in five to seven days.
Morning brought a twist. Alysse awoke to tiny squeaks. Two puppies had already arrived, and four more followed. Journey was now a proud mom of six healthy babies.
A Safe Place To Grow
In a warm, quiet home, the new family could finally rest. The pause from stress was exactly what Journey needed to recover and care for her litter.
For the time being, mother and pups will remain under watch. If no owner is found, they will be available for adoption through Noble Now Inc. Friends of Noble Animal Shelter.
Thanks to a community that refused to look away, a resilient Australian Shepherd found safety just in time to welcome her pups.
You are all amazing.