Our judges had a difficult time narrowing down the winners for this contest.  If we could have our way, every one wins!!  Here are the winners of our January Rescue Story Contest:

First Place is Luke, sent in by Danielle Carmado:

It was December 2009 when the Tulsa SPCA got a phone call from the Tulsa police department regarding two purebred basset hounds needing to be picked up (due to a drug bust that happened moments earlier). Wade the animal cruelty investigator at the time went and picked up both the “purebred” basset; however upon returning would not stop making fun of one of the bassets. The first dog brought out of his vehicle was in fact a purebred basset who the SPCA named Heather; the second dog that Wade had brought out was a dog with a very bad case of demodex (which is a form of mange) and had a very funny look to him. The dog that came to be called Luke was in fact not a purebred basset but later named as a basset shar pei mix. I remember when the clinic had give Luke and Heather a good clean bill of health to come over to the kennel side to be socialized and trained
At this time in my life I had just started working at the SPCA a few months before as a kennel attendant and just started to grasp dog training and how to properly handle dogs . Out of the two dogs Luke was the one that needed the most training and socializing. I remember there being a point where there was talk about euthanizing him because he was severely dog and people aggressive (especially when it came to certain staff members interacting with him). Two kennel workers however stepped up to the plate and worked with him to accept other dogs and people. If it was not for Andi and Crystal; I probably would not have Luke in my life today.
Now your probably wondering why did I just recently adopt him if I had known him for such a long time. Well between you and me; both Luke and I had to learn and grow just a tad bit more about our self before either of us would make the decision to choose each other (seems very confusing but will all make sense in the end). It took Luke a very long time to accept other dogs fully, at first it was only dogs that looked similar to Heather that he got a long with; but over the course of his stay at the SPCA he eventually was able to be in an outside play yard with a three legged lab. It also took me a very long time to learn about different behavior ques as well as different training techniques that would allow me to work with dogs that seem very challenging.
With having all this dog training and dog handling knowledge under my belt; I was privileged to take Luke on a small outing for the SPCA in the spring of 2011. It was the Arthritis Walk at the TU campus where the SPCA had a small booth. Unbeknown to the event planners, mother nature decided to rain on the Arthristis parade; but I was still determined to bring Luke out. Now considering Luke had not been out of the shelter since being brought there; I had no idea how he would react let alone know what the mixture of rain and strange people and noises would do to him. With confidence in myself and in Luke we made our rounds; and surprisingly he did amazing; especially with strangers. One stranger in particular made my day. It just so happens that this stranger (whom I found out later) was the gentleman who was responsible for putting together the Hound Dog Blues festival that was going to happen later on the next month (an event that was specifically put together to benefit the SPCA). So not knowing that this encounter would be the equivalent of me meeting Angelina Jolie; Luke and I did extremely well. At first Luke seemed cautious but allowed the gentleman to pet him and to give him some pop corn. It was at this moment that I knew all the hard training had paid off. I knew at this moment that Luke could in fact be adopted by anyone; maybe even a family and be happy in a forever home.
So fast forward to Luke at my home. Luke gets along with everyone at my home; including Zoey (our pug) and King Farouk (our cat). I think the only thing that Luke would be disappointed about, is that he doesn’t get to be an archeologist anymore (he loved to dig a lot when at the SPCA). I can’t wait for my son to get a little bit older so him and Luke can go swimming in the summer time together. I picture my son and Luke being life long friends. I think the best thing about having Luke is that I can continue to love and care for him and that he doesn’t hesitate about doing the same in return for me He is always there to see me off to work in the morning; and always there to give me a big hug when I come home. I honestly don’t know how my life would be if I never got to meet Luke or if I never had him in my life. Thank you Tulsa SPCA for allowing me to not only work there, but also to let me take home one on the many dogs I fell in love with.

Second Place is Hazel, submitted by Patty Pidlypchak:

Meet Hazel, the emaciated Chihuahuabreeder-dog who laid in the far corner of a 2′ x 3′ cage, without food or water, awaiting euthanasia. The puppy mill owner intended to discard her, without feeling, after she faithfully fulfilled her mission to multiply his money for over eight years. Waiting, that is, until the tenderhearted Tulsa SPCA cruelty investigator, Wade, opened that prison door and declared, “She’s coming with me!” That changed the course of her life, which changed the course of mine.

Forget furry toys and fancy sweaters; survival was Hazel’s immediate challenge. Having failed on the dry dog food front, I cooked fresh meats but it didn’t inspire her. A soft touch made her fearful. Tender words didn’t penetrate. I watched her get even thinner and my tears didn’t reach her heart. But tripping and spilling the food on the floor was the day it all changed. She scrambled and ate; she searched for more. Of course – in that small, impersonal cage, food was thrown at her! And water? If she had any in that jail, surely it wasn’t clean. I tried several bowls, clear and colored, small and large. Finally, one was approved and she cautiously began to drink.

Slowly, over the last year, Hazel’s skeletal structure has disappeared. No longer can her ribs be counted and those devil horns that hauntingly protruded near her rump have disappeared. She has transformed, like a butterfly, strutting her shiny, muscular body. Having merely existed for years in filthy living conditions, her eyes have dried out; she couldn’t cry about her inhumane circumstances if she wanted to. Throughout the day now, drops in her squinty eyes awake her spirit, allowing her to see again, for a short while.

Hazel has learned about the wind blowing on her face and the grass tickling the bottom of her tiny paws. She experiences the joy of running with a “pack” and understands that a car ride takes her to the park with her loving brother and sister dogs. And those stairs, that used to be scary, insurmountable mountains, are now a pathway to fun places. Hazel snuggles in blankets and in soft, tiny beds that were gotten just for her. No work boots are worn around her; she remembers. And playing with toys? Maybe never. But that’s OK.

Because one day, not too long ago, it happened; Hazel licked my face. She trusts again!

Third Place winner goes to Deets, by Dawn Chase:

Well this is the story about Deets and Chata (aka:little ann), I really didn’t know anything about the SPCA until one day Elaine Palmquist stopped by my work and got a donation and dropped off flyers for a program called Jog for the Dogs. Little did she know that she was about to fulfill my life with not only the two dogs I adopted, but with all the dogs at the SPCA that helped me through a very difficult time in my life. It was over a year ago that I went to my first orientation. I went because my 16 year old golden Yammer “My baby, My heart” was beginning to have health issues and was unable to go on walks anymore, so I thought well maybe I could help exercise other dogs. The first orientation I went to I was so overwhelmed by all the dogs that were there. It broke my heart. I went home and hugged all three of my dogs like no other. Papoose and Verena (a rescue German Shepard) are my other two dogs. I was excited to go back and spend time with the dogs. One day I went and there were these three puppies, Woodrow, Agusta, and Deets. They were so cute, but Deets caught my eye every time and he was the last dog I walked every time because I wanted to spend as much time with him as possible. I use to watch him with his brothers and noticed that he was a very shy dog. When we would go on walks he would sit down and refuse to go any further. So I would have to give him lots of side rubs and treats:) Well soon Augusta and Woodrow were adopted and I asked why had Deets had not been yet. I was told that he just was a shy dog and would not come to people. I so wanted to just pick him up and put him in my car, but I had three dogs at home and Yammer’s health was getting worse and she required a lot of special attention and there was no way I could bring a puppy home. I would of never done that to her. Well in October 2010 I had to put Yammer down, I had to make the decision to put my best friend, my companion, my soul, and my baby to rest. I was so heart broken because Yammer and I had been together for 16 years and she saw me through so much. It was a couple of weeks before I could get myself to go back to the SPCA after that. The first time I went back, Deets was gone and my heart sank. I thought he had been adopted, but he was on a mac outing. I was excited to hear that, but my heart was not ready to bring another dog home. I spent an hour with him every time I went to the SPCA. He got to the point that he knew me and we started to bond:) He would always put his front paws on my legs when we would sit on the bench in the meadow and put his head back saying “I’m ready for my side rub”. The Holidays came and my life got very hectic. I was unable to go as often as I wanted and all I could do is think of Deets. Well things got worse for me and I was separating from my husband and headed for a divorce. This is where the dogs at the SPCA and deets saved me. May be getting too personal, but the jog the dog program gave me a purpose in life. It made me feel good to help these poor dogs and I felt needed by them which with all that was going on in my life it is what I needed most. I have to admit I was so happy to see Deets hadn’t been adopted every time I went, but at the same time felt so bad. That poor dog listened to my problems every time and did nothing but listen and sit in my lap or demand his side rub.
It was in Febuary 2011 that I had did a fun run with jog the dogs at the Post Oak Lodge. I volunteer to take a dog in my car, so we could bring as many as possible. I brought a dog that had been shot in the head and lost his eye because of it. When I got to the event, I was so excited to see Deets. I wanted to run him so bad, but was afraid someone else would chose him, but as soon as he saw me he ran right to me. Pat said that dog belongs with you. I knew right then that I had to take him home. I was at the time living with friends and was unsure how I was going to do this, but I knew that day when I took Taz back to the shelter that I was going to fill out adoption papers because I did not want anyone else to take him. I found a way and he was mine and he has become my baby boy and he is a total momma boy. I was worried though because he was afraid of everything when I brought him home. I worried that he would never be happy here, but every night he would pace the living room then he would jump in my lap and curl up and feel safe. It was the best feeling at a time when I was feeling so alone from my divorce he showed me that I was a good person, because if I wasn’t he wouldn’t of found safety in my lap every night. Though I did worry about him after my ex took his playmate verena, papoose is a big couch potato and did not want to play. When I would come home, he would be all worked up so one day while at the SPCA i checked out Chata(aka little ann) she was a sweet girl and about the same age as Deets so I thought maybe she would be good for him. Well she proved me right. She came in the house and ruled the roost and became Deets courage. She saved Deets and made him brave. She is what I call my rowdy teenager because she tells us all every nite exactly what she thinks. My dogs are my world and nothing is better then coming home to three wagging tails and sloppery kisses. They give me so much when I thought I had lost everything. I also feel the dogs at the SPCA saved me and continue to save me everyday because at a time in my life unblessed with kids and divorced, I felt as though I had no purpose, but I do have a purpose and it is to give the dogs at the SPCA as much love and care and help that I can to help better their life and a purpose to give my three babies at home a great life better then they started life with. Papoose a puppymill dog (I was naive and realize that is what she was), Deets a puppy dumped at a ladies house, and Chata a Latimer dog. Sorry to be so long winded, but it was a story worth telling. Thank you also to Nolan, Astro, the puppy I found in the field, Lancelot, Callahan, and the (unfortunately many to come) many others for letting me love you and help you find a better life.

Two Honorable Mentions to Rosie and Taz:

Here is Rosie’s Story from Emily Peterson:
It was spring break 1997. Early in the morning I went down to the barn to feed our horses. I hear what sounds like a puppy cry. I look around, walkiing along the creek, where it seems the sound is coming from but I don’t see or hear anything. I assume it must be my neighbor’s puppies and their yelping sounds like it’s coming from my barn area. Later that same day, around mid-day, I again hear what sounds like a puppy. I again walk alond the barn area and near-by creek bank but hear or see nothing. Several hours later my daughter, 8 years old at the time, and her friend Emily also hear a puppy’s cries. They investigate and see a tiny creature attempting to scramble up the slick muddy bank on the otherside of our creek and sliding back down into the water. We get our canoe in the water and just as the girls and my husband get close to the pup she slips under the water. Emily thrusts her hand under the water and pulls out the tiny pup. She was no bigger than a guinea pig. We brought her up to the house and put her in warm water to counter the hypothermia. It was two or three days, and a Vet. visit before we knew she would be okay. We named her Rose after the protagonist of the movie Titanic who survived drowning. Over the years Rose was given many nick names such as Flower, Rose Petal, Rose Bud and Auntie Rose. She was the Perfect little dog. On December 12, 2011 my little girl passed away peacefully in my arms. The mystery of where she came from will nver be discovered, however she will be in our hearts forever.

PS, The creek we found her in his on the other-side of the rail fence in the background in this photo.

OUR RESCUE STORY; MY MOTHER AND MINE, by Kathy Mckinley

I CAME INTO THIS HUMAN WORLD WITH A BIG DISGUST OF THE HUMAN KIND. I WAS ROAMING THE STREETS OF TULSA OKLAHOMA WITH A COLLAR EMBEDDED AROUND MY THROAT, WHEN A NICE MAN STOPPED ONE DAY TO PICK ME UP, LATER I WAS TOLD AND HEARD HIS NAME TO BE WADE THAT DID THIS KIND OF KINDNESS ALL THE TIME. HOW LUCKY I WAS HE TOOK ME TO A BIG PLACE WHERE THERE WERE LOTS OF DOGGIES IN RUNS AND NICE FOLKS RUNNING AROUND. TULSA SPCA IT WAS CALLED AND THEY GAVE ME WHAT WAS CALLED A SURGERY TO TAKE THE COLLAR OUT AND ALL I KNOW IS THE COLLAR HURT AND IT WAS A BAD THING TO HAVE. THEN PEOPLE STARTED WALKING BY AND LOOKING AT US DOGGIES AND I DID NOT UNDERSTAND. I WENT TO WHAT THEY CALLED A HOME AND FAMILY BUT I WAS TAKEN BACK BECAUSE I WAS TOO BIG AND WILD FOR THE HUMANS CHILDREN. THEN ONE BRIGHT SUNNY DAY A HUMAN LADY CAME OVER TO MY RUN LOOKED ME OVER AND WANTED ME TO GO OUT IN THE GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER AREA. WOW I WAS HAPPY AND I KNEW SOMETHING WAS DIFFERENT AS SOON AS SHE STROKED ME AND OUR EYES MET, AND SHE SAID SWEET WORDS TO ME. MUSIC TO MY EARS,I WAS IN CLOUD NINE I WAS BUZZING AROUND. I WAS THEN TAKEN BACK TO MY RUN BUT I KNEW SOMETHING MAGICAL WAS IN THE MAKINGS, I DREAMED ABOUT HER AND A FOREVER HOME. THEN ONE OF THE EMPLOYEES CAME TO GET ME OUT AND PUT A PRETTY THING CALLED A SCARF ON AND CLEANED ME UP AND TOLD ME HER NEIGHBOR WAS TAKING ME IN. I THOUGHT LET IT BE THAT LADY THAT SPOKE ALL THOSE SWEET WORDS. WE DROVE TO THE HOUSE WOW IT HAD A BIG YARD.FLOWERS, AND CRITTERS AND THERE SHE WAS THE LADY THAT WOULD BE MY FOREVER MISTRESS, CLOSEST I HAVE BEEN TO DOGGIE HEAVEN, SHE SHOWED ME WITH ATTENTION IN RETURN I GAVE HER LONG LICKS. SHE SHOWED ME THE YARD TOOK ME IN TO A COOL HOUSE AND EVEN HAD A BED FOR ME AND EVERYTHING. JUST ME AND HER. I WAS TOLD ABOUT HER OTHER DOG SHE LOST NAMED SAMANTHA A DOGGIE FROM WHERE I WAS COMING FROM AND I KNEW THAT SHE WAS SAD, HURTING BUT I KNEW I WOULD FILL HER BREAKING HEART UP AND SHE WOULD LOVE ME. NINE MONTHS LATER WE ARE BOTH HEALED AND I LOVE HUMANS NOW BUT NOTHING LIKE MY HUMAN.. NOW I WILL LET MY MOTHER TELL THE STORY, BECAUSE I KNOW I AM HERE TO STAY OUR STORY KEEPS ON.

TAZZIE AS I CALL HIM WAS A VERY SWEET DOGGIE AND ON THE HYPER SIDE BEING A LAB AND GREAT DANE BUT I KNEW THAT TAZ HAD SOMETHING SPECIAL AND NEEDED JUST SOME LOVE AND TRAINING BECAUSE I KNEW FROM THE FIRST MOMENT HE WAS VERY SMART. A VERY YOUNG LAD AND HAD LOTS OF SPUNK.NINE MONTHS LATER HE IS A MAGNIFICENT FRIEND, FAMILY MEMBER AND MY ONLY FAMILY. TAZ I HAVE BEEN TOLD WHEN I LEAVE SITS AT THE LONG BENCH AT FRONT GATE AS YOU WALK IN DOES HE REMEMBER THE LONG BENCH WE FIRST MET ON, OH I AM SURE. PEOPLE TELL ME HE TALKS TO THEM BUT KEEPS ON BENCH BUT NEVER LEAVES THE POST. WHINES AND GREETS ME AS I DRIVE UP. HE LEARNED WHAT TENNIS SHOES WERE EARLY AS I LEAVE SEVERAL ON PORCH, EVERY MORNING HE TAKES TO GATE TIME TO WALK BUT HE MATCHES THEM, FUNNY AND CUTE HIS ANTICS, EVERY DAY IS A NEW ADVENTURE AND THE STORY GOES ON, DOGS DO KNOW MORE THAN HUMANS THINK. THANK YOU TAZ MY BOY FOR SAVING ME AND GIVING ME THE TIME TO HEAL AND NOW YOU ARE MY LIFE AND FILL MY HEART AND LIFE WITH LOVE AND I CANT WAIT TO COME HOME IF I LEAVE. YOUR ALWAYS ON MY MIND. YES LOVE AT FIRST SITE HAPPENS AND I AM LOOKING FOR MANY MORE YEARS TAZ MY BOY. DOES HE REMEMBER THAT BENCH THAT FIRST DAY AND THAT IS WHY HE PICKED THE BENCH HERE, I AM SURE HE DOES. TAZ TAUGHT ME PATIENCE AND DO NOT GIVE UP. I LOVE YOU MY BOY.