14-05-2025
Woman Sees Puppy on Euthanasia List, Has Just Hours to Save His Life
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A woman from Oklahoma knew she had to step in after seeing an adorable puppy's face on the euthanasia list, managing to save his life with just hours to spare.
Like many people, Taylor Moskalski, 20, loves to scroll social media and read through the latest posts. But she's not as interested in the pictures of people, it's the dogs shared by Oklahoma City Animal Welfare Shelter that she's truly interested in.
Moskalski regularly monitors the images of the dogs who are on the euthanasia list, as she told Newsweek that they're "typically posted on Facebook the day before they're put down." This allows them a few hours to a day to find a foster or adopter before the time comes.
At first, she saw a photo of a senior dog and offered to foster that one, but (thankfully) she was too late, and she'd already been adopted. Then she came across the adorable CJ, a hound mix who had "no interest" and was due to lose his life on May 7.
Copper the rescue dog arriving at his new home and pictured hugging his foster owners.
Copper the rescue dog arriving at his new home and pictured hugging his foster owners.
@ / TikTok
"Typically, puppies get foster commitments first, so we like to pick dogs that get overlooked," Moskalski, of Oklahoma City, said. "At that time, we asked if CJ was still available to foster and he was. I think it was meant to be."
CJ, who is 10 months old, had been at the shelter for several days before finding his temporary home with Moskalski. He was due to be put down a matter of hours after she enquired about him, which is why she feels "so lucky" to have saved his life.
He has also been given the new name of Copper, due to his likeness to the character from Disney's The Fox and the Hound.
"We haven't had him too long yet, but so far, he's settled in great. He's starting to be more comfortable in his kennel, as well as showing us more of his goofy puppy side. He has been very curious about everything and everyone, in a very happy, puppy-like way," Moskalski said.
It's been heartwarming for Moskalski to witness Copper experience so many firsts—from his first toy, to seeing his reflection for the first time. He's become incredibly affectionate and loves receiving kisses.
Unfortunately, Moskalski believes Copper may have been abused in the past because he tends to flinch with certain movements. She hopes that by giving Copper love and support in the coming weeks and months while she fosters him, she can show him that humans can be good after all.
Moskalski told Newsweek: "He's a little awkward with toys since he's just learning how to play with them, but he'll be a pro in no time. He's a super curious puppy who has a lot to learn about the world, and I think with a little bit of training, he will make someone's perfect dog.
"He seems like a medium-energy pup that could fit well into a lot of homes. Being a hound mix, they are expected to be a little more independent, so that's something to consider," she continued.
Moskalski has been documenting her foster experience on TikTok (@ a page dedicated to her other rescue dog, Elliot, who was also on the euthanasia list. A video showing the moment she collected Copper from the shelter has gone viral with over 187,600 views and more than 31,700 likes at the time of writing.
The footage shows Copper's freedom ride, and offering plenty of hugs and kisses to his foster owners when they got him home.
Not only does she hope it can lead to interest for Copper, but Moskalski also hopes it will encourage people to consider fostering a dog in need of a home.
She said: "Fostering is truly such an important factor in the dog overpopulation crisis, and is one of the most rewarding things I've been able to do. So, if you have the space, open your heart."
Copper's rescue story has generated over 360 comments on TikTok so far, as internet users praised his sweet nature.
One comment reads: "He's so happy to be with you guys!"
Another TikTok user wrote: "He's just excited and confused! Thanks for saving him."
While another person added: "Thank you so much! This shelter needs so much love, sooo many perfect dogs need to be saved."
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to life@ and they could appear on our site.
