While driving down a rural road near Noble, Oklahoma, Alysse Matlock spotted something fluffy moving in the middle of the pavement.
As she approached, she realized it was a miniature Australian Shepherd.
Concerned for the dog’s safety, she pulled over and tried to coax it into her car. But the pup, unsure of her intentions, got scared and ran off.
Fortunately, she managed to snap a photo and later posted it on Facebook, hoping someone else had seen the little fur ball.
Sure enough, others had!
Rescue Mission
Source: @pintsizedbuffalo
After sharing the pup’s photo, Alysse’s comment section quickly filled with replies from others who had seen the same dog wandering the neighborhood.
But no one knew where she came from.
A few days later, the pup—now named Journey—was spotted in the heart of Noble, 10 miles from where Alysse first saw her.
With colder days approaching, animal lovers in town grew concerned for Journey’s safety, knowing she needed shelter to survive.
Their worries deepened when someone noticed her belly was distended—Journey wasn’t just a stray; she was heavily pregnant, and her puppies would be arriving soon.
Determined to help, Alysse set out to find her again, this time resolved to bring her to safety.
After finally spotting Journey, Alysse spent three exhausting hours trying to earn her trust. But as the clock struck 1 a.m. and the pup still wouldn’t budge, she had no choice but to try again another day.
Source: @pintsizedbuffalo
Finally Safe
The next day, Alysse returned, determined to find Journey.
As she searched, she noticed a pair of eyes peeking out from behind a large piece of trash. Upon closer inspection, she realized it was Journey—huddled in a makeshift shelter, trying to escape the cold.
Source: @pintsizedbuffalo
“She’d spent the night curled up in a busted recliner by the side of the highway,” Alysse shared in a video.
Once again, she tried to coax Journey into her car, but the wary pup refused to come.
Finally, with the help of a few townspeople, Alysse spotted Journey at the top of a hill—giving them an idea.
With teamwork—and plenty of hotdogs—the rescue crew finally managed to contain the stubborn pup and get her safely into the car.
“It was such a relief when she was finally caught. All of us strangers who had stopped on the side of the road that morning started hugging,” Alysse told The Dodo.
Source: @pintsizedbuffalo
New Life
With Journey finally safe, Alysse took her to the vet, who confirmed that the soon-to-be mama would give birth within the next five to seven days.
But the very next morning, Alysse woke up to unexpected squeaking sounds.
Two tiny pups lay beside Journey, and soon after, four more arrived. Journey had officially become a mom to a healthy, adorable litter.
Source: @pintsizedbuffalo
In the warmth and safety of her new home, Journey and her pups could finally rest—a much-needed relief for the brave mama as she began her recovery.
For now, Journey and her puppies will remain safe, and if no owner comes forward, they’ll be placed for adoption through Noble Now Inc. Friends of Noble Animal Shelter.
A huge thank-you to everyone who played a part in rescuing this sweet Aussie and giving her a safe, loving place to welcome her puppies.
You’re all heroes!