Rachel and her husband turn their love for animals into a lifelong mission

12dogsandcounting: a couple who share a love for animals enough to welcome 12 dogs into their home, documenting the process of saving the four-legged animals on social media

Rachel and her husband, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, have turned their love for animals into a life-changing mission-to rescue and care for dogs in need. Known as 12dogsandcounting on social media, they run a home that shelters 12 dogs, each with a unique and touching story. They use Instagram and TikTok to showcase their work in raising awareness for pet adoption and the struggles of overcrowded animal shelters.

As Rachel explained in an interview with Bored Panda, this love of animal rescue started when she was quite young. She said that at the age of 12, she found her very first dog, Odie, abandoned at a gas station. That was the starting point for her lifelong mission of saving animals.

Today, their house is a boisterous haven, even more so with the arrival of their two young children. Rachel says it is crucial to have a scheduled routine to keep all the animals happy and healthy.

How the dog rescue process works

The dog rescue process is a very careful yet sensitive process. The couple first checks the animal for a microchip through the veterinarian and posts alerts on social media and in the community before determining if the dog is a homeless one. Then the dog is taken home, cleaned, and medically treated. They make sure that each dog gets vaccinations, parasite treatments, and spaying/neutering before it is introduced to the rest of the animals.

Rachel and her husband believe the inclusion in their “pack” is crucial in the emotional rehabilitation of rescued dogs. The approach does make the new members get a feeling of safety and love, therefore, increasing the speed at which the adjustment happens. Each is treated as an individual since care and training are also done according to a dog’s needs.

The best lessons, according to Rachel, the patience dogs have taught her. With each animal reminding her to accept love unconditionally and make adaptable changes, each helps in pinpointing lapses and areas of training needing adjustments and improvement.

Through their stories and images, the couple hopes to inspire more people to consider adoption as an alternative to buying pets. With unwavering dedication, Rachel and her husband are making a tangible difference, showing that the heart of a rescued dog can fill a home with love and joy.