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This Couple Made Their Home A Sanctuary For 12 Rescue Dogs
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This Couple Made Their Home A Sanctuary For 12 Rescue Dogs

Interview With Owner
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In Tulsa, Oklahoma, Rachel and her husband, the couple behind 12dogsandcounting, have built a life centered around rescuing and adopting dogs. Their place is home to 12 rescue dogs, many of whom were once abandoned or in need of urgent care. Through their Instagram and TikTok accounts, they share their journey of rescuing strays, fostering dogs, and offering them a second chance at life.

The couple’s commitment goes beyond just caring for their dogs. They use their platforms to raise awareness about pet adoption and the realities of animal shelters, where overpopulation remains a significant issue. By sharing their experiences, challenges, and the joy of rescuing these animals, 12dogsandcounting has become a source of inspiration for many.

More info: Instagram | tiktok.com

Meet 12dogsandcounting, a heartwarming social media account run by Rachel and her husband

Image credits: 12dogsandcounting

Image credits: 12dogsandcounting

The couple is dedicated to rescuing and caring for abandoned dogs in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Image credits: 12dogsandcounting

Rachel’s journey into dog rescue began when she was just 12 years old. She discovered a dog named Odie on her way to the bus stop and decided to take him in

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Image credits: 12dogsandcounting

“I have personally been an animal lover since I was a kid! My first rescue was a dog named Odie that I found dumped at the local gas station when I was 12. After finding him, it lit a spark in me to help animals in need and the rest is history,” Rachel shared with Bored Panda.

Currently, Rachel’s home is full of lively wagging tails and the joyful chaos of two young children

Image credits: 12dogsandcounting

Image credits: 12dogsandcounting

Managing 12 dogs is no easy task, but Rachel keeps things under control with one simple rule: “Routine is key!”

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Image credits: 12dogsandcounting

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“I am a firm believer that animals (and kids) thrive off of a healthy daily routine. The most difficult part is managing and giving them all equal and adequate training/attention. Again, a routine is so helpful with this, and we have a pretty good program that helps us keep them happy and mentally stimulated all day.”

Image credits: 12dogsandcounting

Image credits: 12dogsandcounting

When rescuing a dog, Rachel and her husband first make sure that the dog is truly homeless

Image credits: 12dogsandcounting

“We take them to the vet to get scanned for a microchip and then post all over social media and hang flyers in the area they are found”

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Image credits: 12dogsandcounting

Rachel and her husband ensure that the dogs are cleaned and treated for fleas and ticks as soon as they bring them in

Image credits: 12dogsandcounting

“After their stray hold is up, we get them vetted – vaccinations, heartworm tested, dewormed, and spayed/neutered. Rehabilitation definitely depends on the individual dog, but I just try to follow their cues and adjust accordingly.”

Image credits: 12dogsandcounting

They take steps to make the dogs comfortable and healthy before introducing them to their other pets

Image credits: 12dogsandcounting

“I think integrating them into the pack is key to helping them recover mentally and emotionally. Having friends is great for them!”

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Image credits: 12dogsandcounting

“The biggest life lesson my dogs have taught me is patience”

Image credits: 12dogsandcounting

“Each dog is an individual and you have to adjust accordingly. They keep me humble and hold me accountable for any holes in their training. Plus, they have taught me about unconditional love.”

Image credits: 12dogsandcounting

“There is nothing quite like the love of a rescue dog!”

Image credits: 12dogsandcounting

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Hidrėlėy

Hidrėlėy

Author, Pro member

Read more »

Fascinated by music, movies and sitcoms, I'm passionate about social media and can't live without the internet, especially for all the cute dog and cat pictures out there. I wish the day had about 40 hours to be able to do everything I want.

Read less »
Hidrėlėy

Hidrėlėy

Author, Pro member

Fascinated by music, movies and sitcoms, I'm passionate about social media and can't live without the internet, especially for all the cute dog and cat pictures out there. I wish the day had about 40 hours to be able to do everything I want.

Gabrielė Malukaitė

Gabrielė Malukaitė

Moderator, BoredPanda staff

Read more »

Hi there! I'm Gabrielė, but you can also catch me responding to Gab, Gabi, Gabert, or Gabe – take your pick. Professionally, I'm the senior community manager over at Bored Panda, helping people share their awesome work and connecting artists with a worldwide audience. Beyond work, you'll catch me traveling, listening to vinyl and diving into movies, art exhibitions, and concerts. I'm a culture buff at heart, always eager to explore and embrace the richness of the human experience.

Read less »

Gabrielė Malukaitė

Gabrielė Malukaitė

Moderator, BoredPanda staff

Hi there! I'm Gabrielė, but you can also catch me responding to Gab, Gabi, Gabert, or Gabe – take your pick. Professionally, I'm the senior community manager over at Bored Panda, helping people share their awesome work and connecting artists with a worldwide audience. Beyond work, you'll catch me traveling, listening to vinyl and diving into movies, art exhibitions, and concerts. I'm a culture buff at heart, always eager to explore and embrace the richness of the human experience.

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Tabitha
Community Member
6 hours ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would so love to do this, or something similar, in my retirement. Dogs and cats. Build a website and do my best to get my small pack members all adopted into wonderful, loving homes. Then go out and save some more and get them into forever homes. Just keep doing it until I physically can’t anymore—-and even then, I’d still be doing the adoption website stuff for whoever takes over the care of my fuzzy babies until every single one has a home of their own. Then I can pass on knowing my work is completed. I have lived with and loved animals my whole life. While there have been rotten humans who mistreated me in my life—-sometimes for nothing more than their own amusement—-animals never have. If I had a choice between living with just humans or just animals for the rest of my life, I know I’d be so much happier living with just animals, and would choose them in half a heartbeat. I mean, I’m sitting here typing this out while every single one of my pets is right here with me keeping me company, either sleeping or playing with a toy. They know they’re safe with me, and everything will be calm and peaceful, so they can relax while keeping an eye on me to be sure I’m safe too.

Robert Williams
Community Member
3 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Wise words my friend! You are right, after a difficult period, we deserve a little celebration! But, as you said, let's keep our feet on the ground and not get too carried away. After all, crypto markets can be cruel and a fall from great heights can be painful. Oh, you opened a short position at 2.8? Interesting move! Let's talk about it! I'm curious to see how this plays out. Are you hedging your bets or going all-in on a correction? Share your strategy and let's ride this wild ride together..wttp..4 474! 076¿00 16. 6.

Tabitha
Community Member
6 hours ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would so love to do this, or something similar, in my retirement. Dogs and cats. Build a website and do my best to get my small pack members all adopted into wonderful, loving homes. Then go out and save some more and get them into forever homes. Just keep doing it until I physically can’t anymore—-and even then, I’d still be doing the adoption website stuff for whoever takes over the care of my fuzzy babies until every single one has a home of their own. Then I can pass on knowing my work is completed. I have lived with and loved animals my whole life. While there have been rotten humans who mistreated me in my life—-sometimes for nothing more than their own amusement—-animals never have. If I had a choice between living with just humans or just animals for the rest of my life, I know I’d be so much happier living with just animals, and would choose them in half a heartbeat. I mean, I’m sitting here typing this out while every single one of my pets is right here with me keeping me company, either sleeping or playing with a toy. They know they’re safe with me, and everything will be calm and peaceful, so they can relax while keeping an eye on me to be sure I’m safe too.

Robert Williams
Community Member
3 hours ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Wise words my friend! You are right, after a difficult period, we deserve a little celebration! But, as you said, let's keep our feet on the ground and not get too carried away. After all, crypto markets can be cruel and a fall from great heights can be painful. Oh, you opened a short position at 2.8? Interesting move! Let's talk about it! I'm curious to see how this plays out. Are you hedging your bets or going all-in on a correction? Share your strategy and let's ride this wild ride together..wttp..4 474! 076¿00 16. 6.

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