Oakley looked lost and distressed when a kindhearted passerby saw him ‘dawdling’ on a country road in rural Oklahoma. The puppy was abandoned there along with two other dogs. Thankfully, it wasn’t the end of their unfortunate adventure.
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Left to fend for themselves
Oakley, the black Labrador mix, had been dumped by the road in rural Oklahoma and wandered the countryside, along with two other dogs, for over a week. He was waiting for his owners to return. Without shelter, the pups slept in a tin tube under the road.
Luckily, a Good Samaritan spotted Oakly and his friends and alerted animal rescuer Alysse Matlock, who headed over as fast as she could.
Matlock was devastated to see the pooch’s condition.
She commented:
He was in pretty rough shape, which broke my heart.
‘He’s such a sweet, smart dog’
Oakley was the first of the three to be rescued. The other two were caught soon after and brought to foster homes where they could recover.
Matlock took Oakley back to her home, where he immediately relaxed and started showing his warm personality. Moved by his speedy affection, the rescuer was furious that someone could leave him all alone.
The animal lover said:
He is such a sweet, smart dog that lives to please people. It angered me that people could be so cruel.
Matlock got in touch with Safe Haven Animal Rescue which generously offered to cover Oakley’s medical expenses while his saviour fostered him.
A loving home at last
Thanks to love, care, and much-needed vet supervision, Oakley’s skin and eye conditions improved and it was time for him to find a permanent home.
Matlock knew Oakley would be adopted in no time as he was ‘such an easy dog’ and ‘got along with everyone and anyone from the very beginning’.
After seeing an Instagram video about the sweet pup, one family was particularly moved by his heartbreaking and inspiring story. They knew they had to meet him and contacted Matlock to arrange it. It was love at first sight.
The kindhearted rescuer said:
They drove all the way from Minnesota to pick him up. He’s been a perfect fit ever since.
To help other dogs like Oakley, you can support Safe Haven Animal Rescue here.
Sources used:
- The Dodo: 'Puppy Abandoned On Country Road Waited Days For Family To Come Back For Him'
