For the first time in her young life, Cerenia feels safe. Her eyes are brighter now. Her tail wags a little more each day. And while her past was filled with pain, her future—thanks to kind strangers—finally looks promising.
The sweet, mangeridden pup is one of 11 dogs rescued from heartbreaking conditions on a vacant property in Sequoyah County earlier this month. Left with no food or water, and barely any shelter, nearly 30 dogs were discovered living among squatters—suffering, starving and clinging to life.
It was a desperate situation. That’s when the Sequoyah County Sheriff ’s Office called in reinforcements.
Sequoyah County Sheriff Larry Lane said Deputy Jeff Neighbors did a great job on this case.
“We get more animal calls than criminal calls, and since there are no leash laws in rural areas, and we have no dog pounds or shelters, Deputy Neighbors realized that this was an extreme issue and was able to find a place to take them,” Sheriff Lane said.
The Oklahoma Animal Alliance stepped in to coordinate with the Tulsa SPCA, which quickly agreed to transport and take in 11 of the most urgent cases. When rescuers arrived, the dogs were found with severe skin infections— some with open, bleeding wounds caused by a combination of demodectic and sarcoptic mange. Many are less than a year old, yet all bear the physical scars of prolonged neglect.
“Their condition is heartbreaking,” said a Tulsa SPCA spokesperson. “But their spirits are incredible. Even in pain, they wagged their tails. They knew they were being saved.”
Despite the dire circumstances, the rescue mission offered a glimmer of hope. The twohour transport back to Tulsa was eerily silent. SPCA staff said it was the quietest transport they’d ever experienced— almost as if the dogs understood they were finally going somewhere safe. Now, the focus turns to recovery.
Veterinarians are working around the clock to treat the painful skin conditions. Most of the dogs are too ill for basic testing—only one was healthy enough to undergo a heartworm test, and sadly, she tested positive.
“These animals have a long road ahead,” the SPCA said, “but we won’t rest until every single one of them gets the care they need.”
That care doesn’t come cheap. Medical treatment, food, shelter, and ongoing rehabilitation for these 11 dogs— and others like them— requires substantial resources. The Tulsa SPCA is urging the public to help continue their lifesaving work.
“You can give these dogs the second chance they deserve,” the organization shared in a plea for support. “Whether it’s a one-time donation or a monthly commitment, your gift means hope, healing and a future.”
To donate and become part of the journey from suffering to safety, visit tulsaspca.org/donate. Contributions can also be mailed to Tulsa SPCA, PO Box 581898, Tulsa, OK 74158.
