A driver in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was cruising down the road recently when something unexpected made them hit the brakes. Out of nowhere, a small group of dogs darted across the street — and then more came into view.
What began as a couple of pups quickly turned into a scene of disbelief: 12 terrified puppies, all running loose and at risk of being hit by traffic.
Realizing the urgency, the driver called Puppy Haven Rescue, hoping someone could save the scared dogs before it was too late.
“They were absolutely terrified of cars,” said Breanne Luiskutty, president of Puppy Haven Rescue. “They were just running, disoriented and confused.”
As the team arrived and began to assess the situation, something unusual stood out: all 12 dogs were male, small-breed mixes — many with poodle-like features.
“Given the breed and the number of dogs, it’s likely they came from a breeder,” Luiskutty explained. “We’ve seen it before — backyard breeders who abandon dogs when they’re no longer useful.”
Sadly, this kind of heartless dumping isn’t rare. These dogs, who once may have been used for profit, were left dirty, hungry, and scared to fend for themselves on a busy road.
Puppy Haven Rescue was able to take in 10 of the 12 pups and quickly placed them into foster homes, where they could begin to recover.
“The first night was tough,” Luiskutty said. “They were nervous, unsure of their surroundings — but they were safe.”
Now, just days later, the transformation is already beginning. The once-fearful dogs are starting to explore, cuddle with each other, and even accept affection from their foster families.
“It breaks your heart thinking about what they’ve gone through,” Luiskutty said. “But there’s also comfort in knowing they’ll never have to live like that again.”
In the coming weeks, the pups will be vaccinated, neutered, and groomed. Then, one by one, they’ll be ready for adoption — ready for families who will choose them not for what they can provide, but simply for who they are.
“We just want them to find homes where they’ll be loved and protected for life,” Luiskutty said. “They deserve that — every single one of them.”
To apply to adopt one of these dogs or support Puppy Haven Rescue’s mission, you can visit their website here. If you'd like to support other animals at Puppy Haven Rescue, you can make a donation here.
