Sandy's Sanctuary and Animal Rescue

Sandy's Sanctuary started as a safe place for senior animals to live out their golden years, receiving love and care from founder Sandy Rode. Living in Guthrie, Oklahoma, Sandy saw first hand the consequences of the pet overpopulation problem. There simply aren't enough kennels in municipal shelters for all the cats and dogs coming in, and too many are losing their lives as a result of humans not being responsible with their pets.In 2022, Sandy began fostering orphaned kittens alongside her senior dogs. Not long after, she accepted a couple adult cats who just needed a bit of extra time to find a home. By 2023, it was clear there was definitely a need for another rescue in Guthrie to help provide a halfway home for animals seeking a second chance at life.By late 2025, with a board of directors and established volunteers, Sandy took the next step in animal Rescue; Non-profit status and kennel licensing for the state of Oklahoma. Now officially an Oklahoma 501(c)(3) Rescue with a focus on the importance of Spay/Neuter and core vaccinations, Sandy's Sanctuary and Animal Rescue INC seeks to provide a little extra time and space to animals searching for their Forever Families.

Visit our Facebook page for the most recent rescue updates!

Adoptable Dogs

Old Lady

+14 year old Spayed Female
Chihuahua

The little Old Lady is pocket sized, and ready to retire to a comfy bed in a quiet home. She'd like to spend whatever time she has left on this rock spoiled absolutely rotten, and loved beyond measure. Prefers to be a pampered pooch, for sure. Old Lady gets along well with cats and dogs, and kids would be ok as visitors, but not 24/7 (she needs her beauty sleep!).She has cateracts, but seems to get around just fine. Slow, but thats to be expected when you were there for the dawn of time.

Gary

11 year old Neutered Male
Parson Russell Terrier Mix

Gary came to us from OKC Animal Welfare's euth list. He is a bit of a grumpy old man at times, but in an endearing way. We think the best family for this senior would be a quiet home, and maybe an older home. Kids really aren't his speed, and netiher are other rowdy dogs. He tolerates low energy polite pups, and gets along well with cats, preferring to spend most of his time in our main cat room.

Lydia

8 year old Spayed Female
Black Lab / Greyhound mix

Lydia is an older girl who was saved from euth-list at OKCAW. She is now looking for a low energy, older home to retire in. She definitely has a preferance for older women, and the quiet life. Lydia is starting to show her age, but does love to run alongside a bike, or zoom around the backyard with a tennis ball whenever she's not napping on the couch with her foster dad.Lydia has lived with other dogs in the past, but has become barrier reactive, meaning that if a neighbor has dogs in their yard, she will be very reactive to those dogs specifically. Being an only pet in a home without children really would be the best place for this girl to live out the rest of her life.

Myah

7 year old Spayed Female
Pitbull Terrier

Myah is a fairly reserved middle aged girl who'd love a couch to nap on most of the day. She's happy to join you outside, so long as you're up for lazing around immediately afterwards. Myah is good with kids, cats and a few other dogs, but there should be no livestock at her forever home. She's familliar with a doggy door, and is fully housetrained, but doesn't like to share a bed with other dogs. She'd prefer her own space for bed time.. unless she's the only dog crawling in bed with YOU!

Tex

Adoption Pending

6 year old Neutered Male
Doberman

Tex came to us when from a family who had special needs children. While Tex had been a good boy, and hadn't harmed anyone, it was clear he was not comfortable with the smallest and most fragile child. For everyone's safety, he came to rescue instead.This sweet boy is great with other dogs, very good on a leash, and overall a polite gentleman. He knows sit, and is fully house trained.

Walker

6 year old Neutered Male
Walking Coonhound

Walker was an old mans dog, and he really does enjoy the chill company of an older guy who'd like to spend his afternoon on a porch. Easy going vibes all the way. Walker is good with kids, cats, and most other dogs- he's not a fan of being jumped on or barked at, and will flee dogs that make him uncomfortable.Totally house trained, great on a leash, and over all very patient. A super good boy who'd love to have a family again.

Spider Mite

Adoption Pending

4 year old Neutered Male
Chihuahua Mix

Spider is the kind of dog that will likely pick his person. He's all sassy and little dog brass until he meets someone he likes- then he wants to be in laps, carried like a baby, and doted on. Spider gets along with all other dogs and cats, but really isn't a fan of children.Spider's "type" seems to be older women who coo at him and will offer him snacks 😏

Sunshine

Adoption Pending!

3 year old Spayed Female
Terrier Mix

Sunshine entered the rescue terrified of everyone and everything thing. She actually spent nearly 2 months living in our back cat room because she was too scared of the other dogs and humans coming in to the rescue.She has now decided polite strangers and their dogs are ok, so long as no one is too rowdy. She actually enjoys the cats a lot, and we think a home with kitties would be perfect for her!

Anna

Adoption Pending

3 year old Female
Chiweenie

Anna is a sweet, friendly little girl who wants to be everyone's best friend. She loves all dogs, big and small, and gets along great with cats. Kids would even be ok in Anna's forever home- she's that easy to get along with!Anna has been doing ok with pee-pads in the rescue, but it will be VERY important that her new family keep up with routine. She has a bit of a weak bladder, so she may need to wear pants to bed at night to prevent accidents.Anna is still waiting to go for spay, and will be available for adoption as soon as thats been completed.

Nova

4 year old Spayed Female
Pitbull Mix

This beautiful girl came from the stars, and she's truly out of this world! ✨ Nova is a little shy at first, and scared to be pet until she knows she can trust you not to hurt her. Once she's comfortable, she's sweet as can be, and super gentle.Nova LOVES other dogs, and would prefer to go to a home that already has a confident, outgoing dog. She is ok with cats, but older children are a little more her thing. Rowdy young kids who yell are still scary for her.

Tater

1 year old spayed Female
Black Lab Mix

Tater and her sister Spud were found alone on a dirt road in the country. Tater had a horrible gouge on his back, likely from a barbed wire fence. It has mostly healed, but due to not getting vet care for so long while injured, the wound had started healing incorrectly, so her skin is not smooth around where it was.She is still a sweet, gentle puppy who doesn't know she looks any different than the other dogs at the rescue. Tater is good with cats and other dogs, but loud kids are a little scary for him right now. Slow intros are KEY!

Popcorn

Adoption Pending

5 month old Neutered Male
Pit/Standard Poodle

Popcorn is a total goofball. He's a very outgoing little puppy most of the time, and any time he's not out making friends, he's probably sprawled out for a big nap, or playing in mud. He has been doing very well with using a doggy door at the rescue, but understands pee-pads too. Since he is still very young, building a routine with him will be key for a new family!Poporn grew up around cats, and is fantastic with dogs of all sizes.

Adoptable Cats

Ryder

4 month old Spayed Female
Shorthair Tuxedo

Must have another young kitten at home!

Ryder is probably the sassiest kitten we've ever met! This girl knows what she wants, when she wants it. She's super playful and chatty- she will let you know if you aren't paying her enough attention.While she has been raised around other cats and kittens, we've found that she takes a while to warm up to a new cat. She's all hiss-n-spits at new kitties for a few days before deciding they might make an ok playmate. Definitely a brat, a toy thief, and a little miss bossypants. Ryder is ok with dogs, and we think kids who are gentle would be totally fine with her.

Kira

1 year old Spayed Female
Short Hair Tortie

Would like to go home with Snickers.

This itty bitty trouble maker is a big purr machine, and tiny monster. She's super playful one minute, then sugar sweet the next.Kira is a very needy girl. She would do best with a kitten friend or playful young adult cat at home if you want to know peace 😂 She doesn't know the meaning of personal space, and is VERY outgoing- harness training with this kid has been a breeze.

Snickers

1 year old Neutered Male
Gray and White Tabby

Would like to go home with Kira.

Snickers is a bit of a special case! One of his brothers unfortunately nursed on his bottom parts when their mother was killed. This did damage to him, and he needed reconstructive surgery. He pees a little differently, and looks like a female from behind, thats all! He was also pretty small for his age, and looks closer to the size of a 4 month old kitten.This sweetheart LOVES to cuddle- with people, and other cats! He must go to a home either with a friend, or to a family who already has a cat in the house.

Mars & Reese

1 year old Neutered Males
Sealpoint & Snowshoe Siamese

If you'd like some boys who don't understand what personal space is, do we ever have the pair for you. Foster Mom says if Reese and Mars could keep her in bed all day, every day, they would! 110% cuddle bugs, these boys are up for adoption a second time after being returned due to allergies in the home.Mars and Reese are good with kids and cats, not sure about dogs. But really what they're best at is giving snuggles and headbumps, and talking your ear off!

Jane

1 year old Spayed Female
Brown Tabby Short Hair

Jane is the biggest sister in her litter, and can be a little shy at first. Once she knows she's safe, she warms up fast and wants to you pat her booty as often as you'll tolerate. She's a very silly kitten who likes feline company in the rescue. She's often found hanging out with her sister Parrot, Fluff or any of the adult cats. She has been ok with the dogs in the rescue, and we suspect she would be totally fine with polite children as well.

Parrot

1 year old Spayed Female
Brown Tabby Short Hair

Parrot is much more shy than her sister Jane, but gets along with all the cats and dogs at the rescue. She'll come over to hang out, but it will take her a while to trust you enough to cozy up with you. She'd rather snuggle her sister!She is still a friendly kitten, but it's hard for any human to compete with home much she likes her sister's company 😂

Fluff

1 year old Spayed Female
Black Short Hair

Fluff is a snuggly girl who loves her kitty friends. She is a total sweetheart who loves to give kisses and be held all day! If you're wondering how we tell Fluff apart from the 6 other black cats in the rescue, she is our one black kitten who kinda has crazy eyes. There's just a hint of Unhinged in the way she stares at you, but we promise her gaze is full of love.... really intense love.Dogs are totally ok with Fluff- big, small, young, old! She doesn't care, it's someone to play wit and nap on top of. Kids would be GREAT, so long as they're gentle! She doesn't mind being carried around like she's a stuffed animal.

Penny

1 year old Spayed Female
Tabby Short Hair

Penny was broguht in from a feral colony at around 4 months old. She's not quite as snuggly as most other kittens due to her late socialization, but she does still like human company! She's just more of a passive companion who'd like to lay claim to the back of your couch while you watch TV, and have Her Spot on your bed at night.Penny gets along great with cats and dogs of all sizes, but would prefer kids be older and less rowdy/grabby. She's not afraid to set boundaries.

Mabel

Only Adoptable with Dipper
ADOPTION PENDING

1 year old Spayed Female
Medium Hair Gray and White

Mabel has the SOFTEST fur you've ever felt! This pretty princess loves her booty paps, stealing your pillow at night, and wrassling her pudgy, needy brother Dipper.Mabel has recently completed treatment for FIP! 🥳 She is currently in Observation, and any adopter will need to fully understand what that means prior to adoption.

Dipper

Only Adoptable with Mabel
ADOPTION PENDING

RAW Diet Only! Currently eating Viva.

1 year old Neutered Male
Short Hair Snowshoe Siamese

Dipper is a big charmer, and bigger snuggle bug. He's also the worlds biggest cry baby 😅 If he can't see his sister Mabel, you WILL hear about it! Super vocal, and super affectionate, this goofball looks like he's always smiling. He's been doing great on harness training, and would be happy to live with any other animals so long as his sister Mabel is at his side.Dipper is currently doing well on a RAW ONLY diet (Viva) due to his Irritable Bowel Disease.

Sweet Girl

1.5 year old Spayed Female
Gray Short Hair

Mostly Blind!

Sweet Girl is only 1 year old, but clearly had a very hard life outdoors. The world has been painful and very scary, so she was very slow to settle in at the rescue. She currently lives in our Shy Cat room, and has made friends with Goldy and Mister, two other very shy kitties.Due to her limited sight, Sweet Girl will need a very patient adoptive family, and humans who understand that changing furnature around on a blind girl makes life extra tricky 😂 She would prefer no rowdy dogs or rough children in her home, but gentle and polite ones may be ok with slow introductions.

Bean

1.5 year old Neutered Male
Short Hair Tabby and White

Bean is quite literally bean shaped. He's a soft, chonky boy who loves to lay around in his cat tree all day. He can be playful, but he'd much rather doze the day away 😆 This handsome, round boy gets along with kids, cats and dogs just fine! Easy going, and slow going, he's the perfect cuddlebug lap cat for any family. Have you got some space on your couch for this magestic little lump?

Priscilla (Reba)

2 year old Spayed Female
Shorthair Dilute Torbie

Priscilla is a friendly former feral kitty who has decided inside life is pretty ok so long as there's lots of toys. She is pretty outgoing, and quick to chase any string or ball you offer.Other cats and polie dogs are ok, and even kids are alright so long as they understand that Priscilla will set boundaries and expect them to be respected.

Nemo

2 year old Spayed Female
Medium Hair Calico

Special Needs!

If the name didn't give it away, this pretty girl has a special leg situation. She is effectively a tripod due to her little leg, but has some additional deformities in her shoulder area. This means that she hops around, and is not the fastest cat by a long shot 😅 It does makes grooming a little tricky for her, so she will need brushing (which she loves!). A low entry litterbox that has a wide base is ideal for her needs.Nemo tends to be an easy target for a bully. Despite this, she still enjoys other cats who are gentle and mild mannered. She really gets along well her roommates Ziggy & Milo, and if an adopter was open to a trio, they would be perfect! Easy going dogs have been ok so far, but loud children are not her speed at all.An adopter should expect Nemo to hide for the first week... then she'll be at your side, asking you for Brushies. 💖

Black Bird

2 year old Spayed Female
Black Shorthair

This beautiful girl has round cheeks and a round tummy. She loves her wet food just as much as she loves cheek rubs and booty pats.Black Bird is good with cats and polite dogs, and is even friendly with gentle children.

Cherry Blossom

3 year old Spayed Female
Brown Tabby and White

Cherry came to the rescue nursing kittens, who have now gone for their spayneuters too! 😉 She is very playful, and loves to chase any kind of dangle toy or stick. When its her foster mom's bed time, Cherry is quick to climb in with her for a good cuddle, and to watch some videos together.Other cats, calm dogs, and human kids should be fine so long as they are gentle. Communal play time will help this beautiful momma settle in fastest.

Kim

3 year old Spayed Female
Dark Calico Short Hair

Kim was part of 17 cats that came in to the rescue from an urgent situation. This sassy, bossy girl wants to rule your lap like the throne she feels entitled to.Kim recently completed some treatment, and our vet thinks for her health, being an only pet in her future home would be ideal.

Ziggy & Milo

3 year old Neutered Males
Short Hair Tabby and White

These charming brothers belonged to one of our amazing volunteers who unfortunately passed away recently. 💔 We always take our animals back, so they have returned to their original bottle momma's house. She has reported that both boys LOVE other cats, giving headbumps, and sleeping on her chest.Ziggy and Milo took a couple weeks to adjust, but are now ready to find a new family who will love them just as much as their late Cat Dad did 🥺

Maxine

3 year old Spayed Female
Short Hair Tabby

Maxine came to rescue along with her adult daughter, who is still learning to trust humans. Maxine is a chatty lovebug who will greet you at the door, asking for cheek rubs and pets on her head.Polite children and other pets are ok, but Maxine has a sore spot on her back near her tail that she does not like to have touched. Good cat manners are appreciated!

Sally

3 year old Spayed Female
Dilute Gray Torbie

Sally was part of the 17 cats that came in to the rescue from an urgent situation. This sweet girl likes other cats and warm sun beams, but would prefer to be away from any rowdy dogs in her new home. She is a pretty independant cat, who enjoys the occassional cuddle with her low-energy, low volume humans. Her eye is about as healed as it will ever get.

Ariel

3-4 year old Female
Snowhoe Siamese

Ariel came to us from an independant rescuer who knew her care was above what she could provide. Ariel successfully has completed her FIP treatment, and is currently in observation. She is currently on track to be considered cured on September 20th 2026. She is blind in one eye.She is smart, snuggly, and very playful. Ariel tolerates other cats with a long introduction time, but can absolutely be a bully to a shy kitty. Another bossy cat has been ok in her foster home!

TJ

4 year old Neutered Male
Russian Blue Mix

This handsome gentleman was one of the 17 cats that recently entered rescue from an urgent situation.TJ tends to be a bit of a bully to other cats who don't give him lots of space, and may be best as the only kitty in his household. He is ok with polite dogs if given proper time to get used to them, and is a little more patient with female cats. TJ is affectionate and loving to humans, and would be fine with children.

Handsome Henry

5 year old Neutered Male
Short Hair Brown Tabby

This boy is as chill as they come, and would love to hang out with you! He loves chin scratches, cheek rubs, and a good ol' fashion sun beam to laze in.Henry is ok with other polite pets, so long as they don't force touch upon him- he likes to go at his own pace. Kids are also ok so long as they respect boundaries! He'd make a wonderful pet for a family who wants a cat to be involved in everything they do.

Sandman / Echo

6 year old Neutered Male
Bluepoint Siamese

FIV+

Adoption Pending!

Don't let that grumpy face fool you, Sandman is a total sweetheart. He's gentle, patient, and so so loving. His time outside may have left marks on his body and ears, but he never lost his softness. Sandman is FIV+, which means his immune system is not that of a normal cat's. Should he get sick, an owner needs to be prompt with a vet visit.

Jaime

6 year old Spayed Female
Short Hair Torbie

Jaime is a fairly low energy kitty who likes her cozy hidey holes and naps in the afternoons. She's a little slower to warm up to new folks, and prefers to come to you, rather than being approached for cuddles. You've just gotta work to win her favor 💖 Jaime likes to spend time with other cats who respect personal space, but loud children and excitable dogs really aren't her style.

Other Adoptable Animals

Seraphina

2 year old Female
Sulcata Tortoise

Seraphina and Dune were surrendered by their owners when the concluded they did not have the time or respources for 2 young sulcatas (they already owned several large adults, and their time was being taken up by a child).Seraphina is a very outgoing and brave. She happily greets you each morning, will eat out of your hand, and really enjoys her sunshine time when the Oklahoma weather is about 80F.Needs:
80+ year commitment.
Outdoor and indoor enclosures.
Consistant heat + humidity.
Fresh veggies and grasses daily.Additional Concerns:
She has some pyramiding in her shell. Her adopter must be aware of the condition, why it occured, and how to prevent it's progress.Any adopter must have plans for her entire lifespan- both with time and her future size having been accounted for.

Dune

1 year old Male
Sulcata Tortoise

Dune and Seraphina were surrendered by their owners when the concluded they did not have the time or respources for 2 young sulcatas (they already owned several large adults, and their time was being taken up by a child).Dune is the more shy of the two, and occasionally gets bullied away from food by Seraphina. For this reason, we are totally ok with them going to seperate families. He loves his cave, and enjoys short bursts of time outdoors in the Oklahoma sun.Needs:
80+ year commitment.
Outdoor and indoor enclosures.
Consistant heat + humidity.
Fresh veggies and grasses daily.Additional Concerns:
Any adopter must have plans for Dune's entire lifespan- both with time and his future size having been accounted for.

Animals in Foster Care

All puppies and kittens must receive appropriate vaccines and boosters prior to adoption.
It is law in Oklahoma that ALL cats and dogs adopted out by rescues must be spayed or neutered, and be vaccinated against rabies. These things take time (and money!), so while you are encouranged to enquire about any of the pictured animals in foster care, please be aware it may be several weeks before they are ready to be adopted and come home with you.

Looking to foster an animal?

Crookshanks

3 year old Spayed Female

This grumpy girl raised her kittens in the rescue, but would really rather not deal with humans touching her. Unfortuantely, that makes it very difficult to medicate her injured eye. It's taking time to earn her trust.

Jack

2 year old Neutered Male
Black Shorthair

Jack has had ongoing eye problems for a while now. After 4 months of treatment, the eye is looking much better. Jack is exceptionally lovey and friendly. He likes to play with kids, cats and dogs! He will need daily eyedrops likely longterm.

Booger

1 year old Spayed Female
Black Shorthair

Miss Booger appears to be FIP cat number 3 this year. Not what we want for any cat, but thankfully, she's got a crew with experience to help her through treatment!Booger is friendly, cuddly, and very social with cats and dogs!

Azule

1 year old Male
White Pitbull Mix

This itty bitty Pitty boy is only 25lbs, great with cats, super dog friendly, and LOVES kids! He came to us from OKCAW, where he was euthlisted and escaped 5 minutes AFTER his deadline 😬 close call! He has a doggy cold, and will be able to go for neuter soon.

Unnamed Tortie

7 week old Female
Dilute Tortie

This little kitten is currently being treated for ringowrm and an upper respitory infection. She'll need to complete her vetting before she's able to be adopted.

Mister

4 year old Neutered Male
Orange Bobtail

This shy boy came with a note that said 'afraid of everything', and while that may seem true at first, he has really blossumed in our Shy Cat Room. He especially loves Sweet Girl, and the two can be found snuggling in the laundry, the closet, or any box.

Meatloaf

6 year old Spayed Female
Tabby Shorthair

Meatloaf has grown very used to staying in our shy cat room with her friends Mister, Ron and Goldie. She DOES enjoy being pet, but takes a long while to get used to new humans in her space. She is around 18lbs 😳

Volunteer with Sandy's Sanctuary

We are always looking for volunteers to assist with daily and special tasks!

Whether its helping walk dogs, picking up poop in the yard, medicating sniffly kittens, driving animals to vet visits, or assisting with adoption events - we could always use some extra hands. We are a small rescue trying to tackle a big overpopulation problem, and it's going to take a village to keep everything running smoothly. And yes, cuddling the animals is definitely one of the perks of volunteering with us! 😉Students seeking to complete community service hours are welcome to do so at the rescue with signed parental permission.Please download the form below and fill out all sections. You will be required to print and bring the completed form to the rescue or event on the first day you are volunteering. If you have not already arranged a day to volunteer, please contact Sandy by text (see CONTACT page) to arrange the dates you'll be volunteering with us.

Contact Sandy's Sanctuary

Please understand that currently we cannot intake every animal we are asked to. Space is limited, and not every animal matches what we have foster homes for. 😔 We often must help what is already in our care, before we can assist more animals.If you have found a stray within city limits, please contact the local animal control to notify them. It is generally accepted that a stray animal should serve a 72h stray hold before being rehomed. You can have any animal scanned for a microchip at your local vet clinic or Petsmart store. Thank you for caring for an animal.Please reach out if you have physical donations needing dropped off. If you are wanting to visit the rescue and sanctuary, an adoption application or foster application must be filled out in order to be given our address. This is to prevent animals being dumped on rescue property, and ensure we know who is coming to see us!

Sandy can be reached during waking hours, availability depending.

[email protected]or[email protected]

Sandy's Sanctuary Alumni

Happy Tails! 🐾
These pets came into rescue and have since found their forever homes.
This page serves to show all the lives made better- both 2 legged and 4 legged!

Paris

Harmony

Bijou & Bonnabelle

Typheus

Briar Vine

Snowball

Polar Bear

Vodka

Monk

Romeo

Dot

Happy

Charlie

Chunk

Ponzu

Moonflower

Sophie

Faith

Sleepy

Leona

Holly

Dopey

Jameson

Robin

Rachel

Poppy

Todo

Pat

Aster

Buddy B

Peaches

Sweet Pea

Banjo

Doc

Simba (Moop)

Numi

Bambido

Grande Mac

Lily

Crystal

Taz

Dahlia

John & Paul

Zinnia

Derby

Rose

Scotch

Rascal

Pompom

Dottie

Tess

Reese's Pieces

Jayden

Nubs

Toffee

Gummy Worm & Gummy Bear

Noodle

Jordan

McPollo

Captain Kirk

Vincent

Lin & Spock

Veronica

Nola

Pia

Mr. Chen

Schmitty & Johnny

Billy & Klara

Peanut

Victor

Christmas Carol

Scottie

Chaste

Tara & Timmy

☆ ★ 2025 ★ ☆

Reese & Mars

Twix

Paulie

Hansel

Gretel

Winnie

Goldie

Pepe

Kate

Andy

Lucky

Mango

Pierre

Sassy

Mia

Ozzy

Ghost

Bubba

Soos & PoohBear

Spruce & Martha

Aros & Damon

Fifer

Baxter

Kristin

Missy

Oaks (Nanners)

Brody

Amos

Josie

Kyomi

Knuckles & Tails

Moses (Woodford)

Leela

Leo

Candy Cane

Lily

Astrid

Mai-Tai

Star

Annie

Cheeto

Arlo

Sonny

Jamie

Tango

Juliet

Zara

Sonic (now Snoop)

Gunter (now Max)

Jasmine

Holly & Hazel

Hugo

Gizmo & Gandalf

Piglet (now Gemma)

Suzy

Mr. Peanut

☆ ★ 2024 ★ ☆

One Eyed Pete

Noel

Fynn

Ruby

Cassie

Penny Lane

Clarence

Lulu

Cody & Corey

This page updates as more animals find homes! 💕