It was an ordinary day in Tulsa when one driver’s routine commute turned into something unforgettable. As they looked ahead, shapes began darting across the pavement.
At first, it seemed like a couple of stray dogs trying to escape traffic, but within seconds, more appeared.
Soon, the driver realized they were witnessing a flood of frightened little dogs, one after another, pouring onto the street.
A Shocking Sight on a Tulsa Road
The driver counted in disbelief. Not four, not six, but twelve small dogs were frantically running in all directions, narrowly avoiding oncoming cars.
Each terrified pup seemed desperate to survive. Their thin bodies and matted fur made it clear they hadn’t been cared for in some time.
The driver’s heart sank, realizing that if someone didn’t act quickly, tragedy was almost certain.
Without hesitation, they reached out to Puppy Haven Rescue, a local group known for stepping in when animals have nowhere else to turn.
When rescuers arrived, the scene was overwhelming. These were not just random strays wandering together.
All twelve appeared to be connected in some way. Small in size, with poodle mixes among them, the dogs shared the same frightened expressions and trembling posture.
It was the kind of discovery that immediately raised painful questions about where they came from — and why they had been left behind.
Signs of Abandonment
Once the dogs were finally gathered, Puppy Haven Rescue’s team began piecing together the situation. Every single one of the twelve was male.
To the president of the organization, Breanne Luiskutty, this fact was not just unusual — it was telling.
When rescues see a group of small-breed males discarded together, it often points to one sad reality: breeding.
Backyard breeders will sometimes keep female dogs for producing litters while discarding the males once they are no longer useful.
In this case, the sheer number of abandoned pups suggested exactly that kind of neglect.
The dogs’ condition confirmed the suspicion. Each one was dirty and smelled of neglect, their fur tangled and sticky.
They were thin, clearly not fed properly, and wandered with confusion as if the world had suddenly shifted beneath their paws.
None of them understood what was happening — only that their lives had been turned upside down.
Sadly, Puppy Haven Rescue has encountered many similar cases over the years.
Once animals stop being profitable, unscrupulous breeders see them as disposable. These twelve sweet souls had likely been thrown away, expected to fend for themselves on busy streets.
The thought of what could have happened if no one intervened was heartbreaking.
Despite the trauma, Puppy Haven Rescue managed to bring ten of the twelve into their care immediately, securing safe foster homes to begin the long process of recovery.
Volunteers prepared food, water, and soft bedding, giving the dogs the first real comfort they had likely felt in a very long time.
A New Beginning Filled With Hope
That first night in foster care was difficult. The dogs cowered in corners, trembling at every sound, unsure if this new environment would hurt them too.
Some refused to eat, while others pressed their bodies tightly against one another for comfort. But as the hours passed, a gentle shift began.
With soft words, patient hands, and warm blankets, the fear started to ease.
Within a few days, the changes were remarkable. Dogs who once froze in terror were now slowly exploring backyards, sniffing the grass with curiosity.
Some curled up next to their foster families, soaking in affection they had never known before. Others clung to their canine companions, finding courage in numbers.
For perhaps the first time in their lives, these dogs felt the meaning of safety.
Rescue workers couldn’t help but feel a mixture of sorrow and relief. Sorrow for what the dogs had endured — the loneliness, the abandonment, the betrayal.
Relief that they would never again face danger alone on the streets.
“Your heart breaks for what they’ve endured,” Breanne reflected, “but it also comes with a sense of relief that they no longer have to suffer.”
Over the coming weeks, each dog will receive grooming to remove the mats from their fur, medical care including vaccinations and neutering, and plenty of time to heal both physically and emotionally.
Only when they are ready will they be placed up for adoption, their second chance finally within reach.
The hope is that every single one of these twelve boys finds a family who will see their worth, protect them, and love them unconditionally.
They have survived abandonment, fear, and uncertainty — but their story does not end there. Puppy Haven Rescue believes wholeheartedly that each one deserves a lifetime of happiness.
And soon, thanks to the kindness of strangers and the determination of rescuers, that dream will finally come true.
When these sweet pups are ready for adoption, you’ll be able to apply here. If you’d like to help more animals at Puppy Haven Rescue, you can show your support with a donation here.