COLORFUL
YOU DESERVE A
FEATURES
OKC's Cutest Pets
They're adorable - and accomplished. From a museum official to a politician (sort of) to online influencers, these cats and canines make the city better.
NOW OPEN
Seve, an 8-year-old goldendoodle owned by Mike Hearne of “This Is Oklahoma” podcast. Photo by Charlie Neuenschwander.
PUBLISHER
Kendall Morgan Hammack kendall.morgan@405magazine.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Julie Partin julie.partin@405magazine.com
ART DIRECTOR Jarred Schuetze jarred@405magazine.com
DIGITAL DIRECTOR Alexa Rodriguez alexa.rodriguez@405magazine.com
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Drew Smith drew.smith@405magazine.com
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Vanda Holland vanda.holland@405magazine.com
HOME SECTION EDITOR Evie Klopp Holzer
COPY EDITOR Steve Gill
READER SERVICES
405 Magazine
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PHOTOGRAPHY
Shea Alan
Ely Fair
Kimberly Martin
Rachel Maucieri
Charlie Neuenschwander
Shevaun Williams
CONTRIBUTORS
Lavinia Creswa
Jake Durham
Kristen Grace
Bennett Hill
Matt Kirouac
Linda Miller
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VICE PRESIDENT Kaley Regas kaley@hilltopmediagroup.com
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A moving and powerful story takes shape by presenting the complete, unfiltered past of Cherokee Nation.
A NATION OF
RESILIENCE
Immerse yourself in our stirring history, and learn about the inspiring people who shaped it.
ONE NATION. ENDLESS ADVENTURE.
Cherokee National History Museum Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Welcome to Our Pet Project
Oklahoma City loves its animals. With our low cost of living, commonplace yards or acreages, pet-welcome activities … it is a great place to own a pet.
Our dogs are one of the reasons we moved here. Having pets in some major metropolitan areas can put renters at a significant disadvantage in a competitive market, and we knew we needed a place where our family — even the furry members — could thrive. Watching my dogs playing in the backyard and walking them through the serene neighborhood brings me great satisfaction.
There is nothing quite like the devoted love of an animal. For almost my entire life I have had the privilege of having a companion dog by my side. Jessie (from age 6-22), Rummy (age 25-37), Dottie (current) — all Boston Terriers. And my soul mate rescue mutt, Java, for the last 17 years. I can’t imagine life without them.
No matter the kind of day we have had or the mental state we are in, our pets look at us with eyes of admiration. Their presence and heart are among life’s sweetest blessings, and we truly don’t deserve them. They are, in every sense of the word, family.
Senior writer Evie Klopp Holzer rounded up some of OKC’s cutest and busiest pets. You will meet the city’s “first dog,” the feline ambassadors behind a popular cat cafe, podcast-famous doodles and a museum cat with several hundred thousand social media followers (pg. 34). Photographer Charlie Neuenschwander captured the animals’ personalities flawlessly even though they brought chaos directly into his studio! My own dog, Dottie (pictured), zoomied around the first 10 minutes of her shoot — only taking a break to lick Charlie a bunch.
Also in this issue we are thrilled to introduce you to one of OKC’s grandpas and visionaries (and a retired veterinarian) who masterminded a local amusement park he still runs well into his 90s (pg. 14).
Additionally, we have a colorful home design spread (pg. 30), a mouthwatering preview of comfort cuisine coming to Midtown (pg. 50), a pool bar roundup to ward off summer heat (pg. 52) and a stitch painter making gorgeously unique pieces (pg. 58).
And rounding out our animal coverage, we are excited to bring an update on the massive new MAPS-funded animal welfare and care center that recently broke ground (pg. 63).
I hope this issue finds you surviving the hot summer. Please give your pet extra kisses tonight from all of us at 405!
Julie Partin EDITOR IN CHIEF
Discovering the Unexpected in OKLAHOMA CITY’S HORIZONS DISTRICT
What sets Oklahoma City’s Horizons District apart? Simple: it’s massive. We’re not talking about a few shops and a food truck. This is a place where a waterpark is just the opening act. Okana Resort isn’t just a lazy river and splash pad; it’s a full-blown resort with enough food, entertainment, and sensory overload to keep an entire family buzzing for days.
Just steps away, the First Americans Museum stands as a powerful counterpoint, elegant, contemplative, and profoundly moving. This isn’t your average afternoon excursion. It’s a world-class cultural institution, on par with the Smithsonian, that brings history and heritage to life through exhibits, storytelling, and sacred art.
Horizons is a place where adrenaline and meaning coexist. In the span of a single day, you can feel your pulse quicken on a water slide and then be stilled by the quiet resonance of ancestral wisdom. That kind of harmony, between thrill and thoughtfulness, is rare.
What surprises me most is that all of this is here, in Oklahoma. I didn’t grow up with this version of the city. Back then, “entertainment district” meant a suburban mall with a pretzel counter and maybe a movie theater. But today, I can point to this neighborhood and say, “That’s where it all comes together: culture, excitement, reflection.” And that recalibration of expectations is thrilling in its own right.
My ideal day in Horizons begins at sunrise, with a quiet walk along the river, coffee in hand, letting the skyline stretch awake. Then, a slow wander through the museum, not for an exhibit, but for the simple act of looking. No itinerary. Just art, space, and story.
Lunch is a meal from one of the district’s newest culinary spots–something with spice and possibility. Then it’s on to Okana. I start with the slides, because sometimes joy begins with speed, before drifting into the lazy river with a cocktail, somewhere between an adventure and a nap.
The day wraps up at Smokehouse Social with a tomahawk steak, barbecue, and a few rounds on the golf simulator. Then, I wind down on my private deck, watching the sunset into the Oklahoma River, the city’s pulse now a quiet echo.
MATT PAYNE BIO
Matt Payne, CEO of Matt Payne Media, is a threetime Emmy-nominated filmmaker dedicated to storytelling that uplifts communities. A former TV writer in L.A., he returned to Oklahoma to produce award-winning content, co-founded Prairie Surf Media, and mentors young filmmakers through Scissortail Studios, enriching Oklahoma’s growing film industry.
TRENDING
Fun for the Harvesting
Orr Family Farm's joyous legacy P. 14
Acres of Entertainment
Dr. Glenn Orr of Orr Family Farm
BY KRISTEN GRACE PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER
At the 2025 Strawberry Festival at Orr Family Farm, 93-year-old Dr. Glenn Orr rode through the crowd on his golf cart with a wave and a friendly smile on his face. “This place is a labor of love. It’s what keeps me young,” he said, just as a former employee came up to the cart to shake his hand and introduce his entire family to Dr. Orr, and regale his onetime boss with memories of working here years ago.
The grounds are filled with more than 20 attractions for all ages, a number that continues to expand every year. As the morning sun rose over the farm, families began to gather and the train started up. Kids rode ponies and fed the goats and sheep, spun on the carousel and laughed in the corn maze. Older children squealed down the giant slides, tested the ropes course and shot paintball guns … and of course, there were fair-style games and food, and adorable photo opportunities for everyone.
Orr, a former veterinarian, and his late wife Shari — who passed away from breast cancer in 2011 — originally wanted a small train on their land to entertain their grandchildren. That was the beginning, but they kept upgrading, and in 2003, they decided to share the magical place that they had created with the public.
Each year, over 100,000 people visit the 107-acre operation in southwest Oklahoma City. The year-round glamping site they’ve built
has become a huge favorite from spring to fall each year. Guests can stay in either Conestoga covered wagons or Native American-inspired teepees, both fitted with modern amenities: air conditioning and heating, refrigerators, microwaves and coffee makers. The glamping area features a 19-foot-long swim spa, a firepit, charcoal grills, picnic tables and a facility with bathrooms and showers. There are two fully stocked ponds to fish in. And this year’s new feature, the Polydome, is decked out with a Sleep Number mattress and a state-of-the-art bathtub. The Polydome’s floor-toceiling curtains push back at the touch of a button to reveal a sky full of bright Oklahoma stars to admire while lying in bed with your sweetheart.
A heartwarming legend at Orr Farm is that Orr will personally come retrieve his glamping guests during tornado warnings and offer them safety in his own personal storm shelter. Perhaps it’s this story more than any other that demonstrates why the Farm is a landmark in Oklahoma. Orr Family Farm has survived personal loss, frequent weather disasters and the hard-hitting COVID years, and Orr and his farm seem just as resilient as Oklahoma itself.
→ For more details about your next trip to the Orr Family Farm, or to book your glamping getaway, visit orrfamilyfarm.com.
Girl’s Other Best Friend
Fashions embracing
canine companionship
BY BENNETT HILL
Elle Woods had Bruiser, Queen Elizabeth had her corgis and Demi Moore consistently graces red carpets and talk shows with her constant companion — and celebrity in her own right — Pilaf. Beyond the love and affection showered upon these trusty sidekicks, there’s no denying another ingredient added in abundance to complete the dynamic duo recipe: luxury! Designer pet carriers cradle matching leash-and-collar sets, while food bowls stand in for the finest china. No expense is spared when it comes to our furry friends, and sometimes, those indulgences are a treat for you, too. (Did someone say tennis bracelet as a dog collar?) With an endless selection of canine couture, fashion is no longer limited to us humans — in fact, our furball friends have become the most caring, loyal and stylish accessory of all!
1. Joshua J. Fine Jewelry, Tennis Bracelet: Naifeh Fine Jewelry 2. Moussy, MV Easton Round Pants: Gretta Sloane 3. Sunny Tails, Cloud Leash: Elevate: Pet Boutique 4. Marc Jacobs, Daisy Appliqué Mini Dual Bag: Cayman’s 5. Michael Aram, Bone Dog Bowl: BC Clark 6. Maxbone for Anthropologie, Floral Jumper: Maxbone 7. Haute Diggity Dog, Espresso Muttini: Elevate: Pet Boutique 8. Smythe, Shawl Collar Oversized Blazer: Edit & Co. 9. Ateliers, Sabina Buckle Loafer: Betsy King Shoes
ARTini: Havana Nights
PHOTOS BY ASHLEY SUNDERLAND
OKC’s largest martini tasting, mixed with live entertainment, food and an exclusive art auction, was held at the Oklahoma City Convention Center benefiting Allied Arts. Guests were treated to libations, artistry and live music in the event co-chaired by Kendra Alexander & Leah Roper. Winners of the cocktail and food contest included Deem Laow, OKC Convention Center, Taco Empire and The Winston.
Little Light House OKC Mahjong & Shopping
PHOTOS BY BETSY DUTCHER
A fundraiser benefiting the new Oklahoma City Little Light House location was held at Gaillardia Country Club. Gues were treated to dinner, shopping at exclusive pop-ups and rousing games of mahjong. Speakers include current parents of Little Light House, a specialized education and therapy services for children of all disabilities. Services are provided to children ages birth to 6, completely tuition-free.
The Door I Almost Didn’t Walk Through Changed Everything
What do you do when the pain controls everything?
For years, I lived in survival mode with my days ruled by the cruel jolt of trigeminal neuralgia. It’s the kind of pain that’s triggered by a breeze, a smile, or a toothbrush. I became someone I didn’t recognize: withdrawn, hopeless, and convinced this was my forever.
I chased relief like it was my full-time job, but nothing worked for long. The pain always came back, and each time it did, it stole more of my joy. I tried everything: mouth guards, medications, nerve blocks... Nothing brought lasting relief.
Then someone told me about Be Well. Something about what they told me just felt… different.
I walked into Be Well Acupuncture in Edmond, half-expecting another dead end. But what I found was different. From the moment Dr. Toni greeted me with genuine warmth, I felt seen.
I knew I wasn’t just a diagnosis, I was a person. She listened, really listened, without rushing me or brushing off my pain. She understood this wasn’t “just” nerve pain. It was grief, frustration, fear.
Dr. Toni created a plan tailored just for me. It wasn’t just about treating the nerve—it was about helping my whole body and mind heal.
And then, things began to shift. Not all at once. But enough to get some relief. Enough to smile without flinching. Enough to start living again. This clinic
isn’t just effective, it’s exceptional. The environment is calm, the team is in sync, and the care is deeply personal. They didn’t just help reduce my pain. They gave me my life back.
If you’re living with chronic pain, like trigeminal neuralgia, this is your sign. Be Well is where pain starts to lose its grip, and life starts to return.
Be Well Acupuncture
Real results. Real hope.
Circulation Story
Delivering the skinny on lymphedema
BY LAVINIA CRESWA
When we first feel sick, one of the first things we do is to feel around for any tender swellings or bumps in our neck. A swollen lymph node is a sure sign that you might be coming down with something, but also that your body’s immune system is working properly.
The average adult body has a staggering 600 to 800 lymph nodes. Lymph is the clear, watery fluid that bathes our cells and tissues, collects waste and works to help the body fight infection; lymph nodes filter lymph and trap foreign substances like bacteria, returning clean lymph to the bloodstream. But should the lymphatic system break down, a condition called lymphedema may occur, which can be painful and difficult to manage.
Lymphedema causes swelling (edema) in the soft tissue due to a buildup of lymph. This typically happens in the arms or legs, usually occurring only on one side. Lymphedema may be caused by a congenital issue, but is more likely a result of damage to the lymphatic system from surgery, radiation, infection or trauma.
Paige Sims, physical therapist and owner of Restore PT in Edmond, has focused her career on the treatment and rehabilitation of those with or recovering from breast cancer, many of whom struggle with lymphedema after having lymph nodes surgically removed. Sims is a certified breast cancer specialist who trained at the Physiological Oncology Rehabilitation Institute (PORi) in Colorado, and her clinic is recognized as a PORi Center of Excellence.
She explained how she treats her patients who suffer from lymphedema: “I first work to release any muscle spasms that may be pressing on the lymphatic system. After the spasm has subsided, I perform manual lymphatic drainage, which is physically pushing the lymph toward drainage areas and assisting with pumping the
lymph nodes. I am trying to get the body to be more efficient in using the lymph nodes that are still intact and working.”
Sims noted that this process is the same wherever someone may be experiencing lymphedema. “With manual lymphatic drainage, we are always pushing the fluid in the direction of the heart. I always make sure to also clear the average 150 lymph nodes in the abdomen as well, so the fluid does not pool and become stagnant.”
She also clarified that symptoms of lymphedema may not be as obvious as one would think. “People think lymphedema means your extremity has ballooned up, but symptoms may be heaviness, achiness or tingling in the arm, breast or trunk. If your right arm feels different than your left, that is a lymphatic symptom,” she said. In addition to physical therapy, patients may benefit from a compression garment or a lymphatic pump. The relief patients experience
following a treatment varies, but continues to improve with regular visits.
Sims said that there are only three ways to move lymphatic fluid, with manual therapy being one. “It is important to perform deep breathing exercises, to assist the abdominal lymph nodes and maintain movement with regular exercise.” Each PT visit includes all three strategies to decrease lymphedema.
Sims encouraged anyone dealing with edema to ask for a referral to physical therapy. “Any swelling or edema can be treated with lymphatic drainage,” she said. “It also helps those diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder. Their lymphatic systems get overloaded and sluggish from high cortisol levels, and flushing the system helps with improving their energy level. Any survivor of cancer should also automatically be seen by PT.”
CIRCULATION
A convenient, at-home option to combat edema is to use a vibration plate. These stimulate natural muscle contractions, which assist with lymph movement and promote circulation throughout the body.
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At Jerdan Dermatology, we believe in combining medical and surgical dermatology, aesthetic procedures, and cutting edge research to provide patients with the most thorough evaluation and innovative treatment plan.
Demand for registered nurses is expected to increase 9% by 2030 with approximately 194,500 open jobs projected each year.
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Orthopedic and Specialty Network
Shehan Abeyewardene, MD
Orthopedic Hand Surgeon
10001 S. Western, Ste. 101 OKC, OK 73139
Phone: 405.692.3700
Fax: 405.692.3783
Eric Johnson, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon
9800 Broadway Ext., Ste. 203 OKC, OK 73114
Phone: 405.216.1027
Fax: 405.216.1028
Barry L. Northcutt, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon
9800 Broadway Ext., Ste 201 OKC, OK 73114
Phone: 405.340.4744
Fax: 405.677.8319
Doug Beacham, DO
Pain Management
9800 Broadway Ext., Ste 201 OKC, OK 73114
Phone: 405.424.5415
Fax: 405.419.5413
M. Brandon Johnson, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon
9800 Broadway Ext., Ste. 203 OKC, OK 73114
Phone: 405.424.5417
Fax: 405.424.5418
Nathan M. Odor, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon
North - 9800 Broadway Ext., Ste. 201, OKC, OK 73114
South - 3115 SW 89th Street OKC, OK 73159
Phone: 405.906.4059
Fax: 405.920.6377
Brett Braly, MD
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon 9800 Broadway Ext., Ste. 203 OKC, OK 73114
Phone: 405.424.5415
Fax: 405.424.5416
Nick Johnson, MD
Orthopedic Total Joint Surgeon
North - 9800 Broadway Ext., Ste. 201, OKC, OK 73114
South - 3115 SW 89th Street OKC, OK 73159
Phone: 405.216.1029
Fax: 405.216.1030
Darryl D. Robinson, MD Pain Management
3110 SW 89th, Ste 102 OKC, OK 73159
Phone: 405.703.4950
Fax: 405.703.4955
Ashley C. Cogar, MD
Orthopedic Hand Specialist 6600 N. Olie, Ste. C OKC, OK 73116
Phone: 405.419.5665
Fax: 405.419.5429
Paul Kammerlocher, MD
Orthopedic Foot & Ankle
Surgeon 3115 SW 89th Street OKC, OK 73159
Phone: 405.286.7837
Fax: 405.486.6839
Paul B. Jacob, DO
Orthopedic Surgeon 9800 Broadway Ext., Ste. 201 OKC, OK 73114
Phone: 405.424.5426
Fax: 405.424.5431
Nevin Sam, DO
Interventional Pain Management Specialist
North - 9800 Broadway Extension, Suite 201 OKC, OK 73114
South - 10001 South Western, Suite 101, OKC, OK 73139
Phone: 405.286.2725
Fax: 405.286.2724
Jason M. Leinen, MD, ATC
Family Care & Sports Medicine 3110 SW 89th Street, Ste 102C, OKC, OK 73159
Phone: 405.703.3611
Fax: 405.703.3711
Wade Schwerdtfeger, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon 3115 SW 89th St. OKC, OK 73159
Phone: 405.216.1031
Fax: 405.216.1032
Robert F. Hines, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon 9800 Broadway Ext., Ste 201 OKC, OK 73114
Phone: 405.348.6004
Fax: 405.419.5549
Mac E. Moore, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon
South - 3130 SW 89th St., Ste. 100, OKC, OK 73159
North - 9800 Broadway Ext., Ste. 203, OKC, OK 73114
Phone: 405.692.3737
Fax: 405.692.3707
Daron C. Hitt, MD
Plastic Surgeon - Hand 3115 SW 89th Street OKC, OK 73159
Phone: 405.486.6800
Fax: 405.426.6441
Jeffrey P. Nees, MD
Neurosurgery - Spine 3110 SW 89th, Suite 200E OKC, OK 73159
Phone: 405.486.6720
Fax: 405.286.6485
Ryan L. Nelson, DO
Orthopedic Surgeon 9800 Broadway Ext., Ste. 203 OKC, OK 73114
Phone: 405.330.8847
Fax: 405.330.8849
Sheri M. Smith, MD
Orthopedic Foot & Ankle
Surgeon
North - 9800 Broadway Ext., Ste. 201, OKC, OK 73114
South - 3115 SW 89th Street OKC, OK 73159
Phone: 405.419.5610
Fax: 405.419.5471
Garrett Steinmetz, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon 9800 Broadway Ext., Ste 201 OKC, OK 73114
Phone: 405.486.6985
Fax: 405.486.6986
Clinton G. Wallis, MD
Gastroenterology
North - 6516. N. Olie Ave, Suite A, OKC, OK 73116
South - 3115 SW 89th Street OKC, OK 73159
Phone: 405.486.6960
Fax: 405.486.6961
Michael D. Winters, MD Gastroenterology
North - 6516. N. Olie Ave, Suite A, OKC, OK 73116
South - 3115 SW 89th Street OKC, 73159
Phone: 405.254.3669
Fax: 405.254.3841
Lance C. Smith, MD
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon North - 12344 Market Dr. OKC, OK 73114
South - 8101 S Walker Ave Suite B, OKC, OK 73139
Phone: 405.656.7476
Fax: 405.656.7561
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Meet Dr. Tessa Meyer, MD
PRECISION, COMPASSION, EXCELLENCE
Dr. Tessa Meyer is a board-certified cosmetic surgeon known for her surgical expertise and compassionate care. She completed her general surgery residency at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, followed by a fellowship with the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Her training spans trauma, vascular, minimally invasive, and plastic surgery. During her residency, she served in the COVID-19 ICU and as a senior resident at SHOCK Trauma in Baltimore, earning honors like Chief Resident of the Year and the Patient Advocacy Award.
Dr. Meyer tailors her approach to each patient’s personality and goals, delivering natural results with empathy and professionalism. A former nationally ranked soccer player from Vancouver, British Columbia, she brings the same discipline and teamwork to her practice. Passionate about outdoor activities and community outreach, Dr. Meyer exemplifies a balanced life of skill, service, and dedication.
Contact her today to learn more or schedule a consultation.
Rooms with a View
An Oakdale dwelling defined by distinct, personal designs
BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER PHOTOS BY ELY FAIR
It’s hard to determine which view is better when you walk into Margaret and Tanner Franks’ Oakdale home. Is it the dramatic dining room you see immediately upon entry, with its boldly patterned ceiling and drapes? Or does the River Oaks Golf Course, showcased through the abundant windows lining the back of the house, win the day? The home’s design is just as notable as its desirable location; both are worthy of admiration.
The Frankses purchased the house in 2019. While they loved its layout and backyard views, Margaret Franks said the interiors were a “barrage of brown” that made her yearn for brighter surroundings.
“I wanted something distinctive. I wanted something that kind of showed my personality and style,” she said.
With such goals in mind, the couple hired interior designer Micah Abbananto, who beautifully implemented a transitional style, blending traditional and modern elements throughout the rooms along with many meaningful and personal touches. Abbananto also has a knack for keeping projects focused and organized.
“Micah not only brings creative talent — an eye for patterns and color — but also organization to each project,” Franks said about the experience of collaborating with Abbananto.
“I think that the most stressful thing about building or remodeling can be all of the selections,” Abbananto added. “Hopefully we keep the process moving forward in a way, little bit by little bit.”
The dining room became their starting point, as that room’s design would inspire colors for the nearby living room and kitchen. In the end, they selected a bold palette of green and pink based on the couple’s china, the Royal Crown Derby Imari Accent collection in Cherry Blossom.
“I’ve always loved these wedding china salad plates,” Franks said, referencing those displayed within a bright pink custom cabinet.
A CUSTOM VENT HOOD, PAINTED IN HALE NAVY BY BENJAMIN MOORE, CROWNS THE FANTASY LUX QUARTZITE BACKSPLASH.
THE FRANKS FAMILY REQUESTED "MAXIMALISM COLOR," AND INTERIOR DESIGNER MICAH ABBANANTO OBLIGED.
THE POOL BATH SHOWER PRESENTS FIRECLAY TILES, RANDOMLY ARRANGED IN EARTHY TONES.
“In some ways, they dictated the selection of the curtains and the wallpaper.”
To complement the decor, the ceiling and drapes were outfitted with an emerald Thibaut Katsura pattern.
In the living room, an abstract, street-scene painting — a piece the Frankses purchased on vacation — features dark blues that “speak” directly to the navy design theme in the adjoining kitchen. New appliances were installed, along with blue-veined Fantasy Lux Quartzite countertops and backsplash and a custom vent hood, wrapped in stucco and painted in Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore. Custom cabinets with navy details pull the color throughout the kitchen.
Another highlight is the pool bath’s steam shower, playfully patterned in earthy Fireclay Tile colors, which connects to both the gym and the outdoor patio. Franks said the new gym has encouraged her to adopt a new workout routine, with that dreamy steam shower her daily reward.
“I have not missed a day working out since October,” she said. “Just having it there has been life-changing.”
The home accommodates the family’s two children as well as their friends very well, with a dance studio and theater located upstairs. The outdoor pool and patio add to the fun. Franks loves how the kids often gather at their place.
The extra-functional mudroom, pantry and laundry area round out the home. As the project neared completion, Franks began to experience design decision fatigue, so she encouraged Abbananto to pick the paint colors. It turns out the mauve pink Abbananto selected for the laundry room was Franks’ grandmother’s favorite hue, found throughout her home. Today, that color connection makes Franks smile every time she sees it.
“Design can feel so futile, like it doesn’t really matter — but it’s moments like that that really delight my soul, that what I’m doing is impacting them in more ways than just looking pretty,” Abbananto said.
With its prime location and beautiful views, the Franks home is distinctly theirs, filled with beautiful, playful and meaningful designs. Such a home is easy to admire, inside and out.
ANIMAL COMPANIONS WITH PLENTY TO OFFER
BY EVIE KLOPP HOLZER
NEUENSCHWANDER
PHOTOS BY CHARLIE
S
E S S !
TFrom fluffy kittens to playful pups, Oklahoma City is full of adorable pets. We’re here to celebrate several local pets who give more than just cuteness and cuddles (though they definitely have plenty of those), highlighting the many ways they enhance the well-being of others. Each furry friend presents his or her own unique charm and personality — and purpose to their owners and organizations. They make daily life less stressful, more fulfilling and very enjoyable, serving their people and the greater good of OKC.
RESCUE PET AMBASSADOR
LOGAN HOLT
City of Oklahoma City
Sweet ~ Loving ~ Chill
According to a DNA test, Logan is a mix of three energetic and spunky breeds: chihuahua, pomeranian and pug. However, he prefers a laid-back lifestyle, filling his time with sunbathing and snuggling. OKC Mayor David Holt brought Logan home in April 2017, when the pup was six months old. Like others in politics, Logan has embraced an ambassadorial role, representing the value of unconditional love and the improved quality of life that rescue pets can add to a home. “Lambie” is his favorite toy, and he also enjoys a good bone stuffed with treats (entertainment for hours). If you sneeze, Logan will be the first to come over and check on you, and his caring capabilities go beyond his family. “He loves us, but in fairness, he loves pretty much any lap that provides a warm place to lie,” said Mayor Holt.
OKC'S CUTEST PETS
DREAMY
TEAM
CAFE CATS
Don't Stress Meowt Cat Cafe
Wonderful ~ Plentiful ~ Generous
Cats and cat lovers (who also appreciate a “purrfect” cup of coffee) converge at the Don’t Stress Meowt Cat Cafe. The Oklahoma City and Tulsa locations care for about 80 felines combined, taking in cats who need forever homes. Most are adopted within two weeks, as visitors quickly realize the value of bringing a cute kitty home. OKC’s most notable cafe cats include Tammy, Mr. Pancakes, Kita, Kitty Poppins and Gravy. At the cafe, cats enjoy napping, nuzzling their favorite humans, running on the exercise wheel and chasing toys. Putting 40 cats in a room provides endless surprises, as well as the opportunity for cafe owners to serve their community. Beyond finding homes for their charges, owners donate around $40,000 each year to support cats and humans outside the organization.
DOODLES DUO
SEVE & GREGGS
“This Is Oklahoma”
Loyal ~ Active ~ Superstars
Mike Hearne of “This Is Oklahoma” podcast fame said his goldendoodles, Seve and Greggs, are like his children. And, just like children, each one exhibits a different personality and perspective. Seve is 8 years old and a bit skittish with new people — but give her some attention when she’s ready to receive it and she’ll warm up. Meanwhile, 6-yearold Greggs is jealous of any attention Seve gets, as she prefers to be the center of attention at all times. Hearne said she will “lick everyone’s face off,” given the opportunity. Seve can’t be bothered with toys (chasing a ball is so beneath her), while Greggs can’t get enough. Seve hates the grooming salon; for Greggs, it’s her happy place. However, both adore their twice-daily walks. They’re also both local celebrities, featured in several of Hearne’s influencer collaborations.
OKC'S CUTEST PETS
CHIEF MORALE OFFICER
SIR INDIANA BONES
Skulls Unlimited and The Museum of Osteology
Spoiled ~ Adventurous ~ Mischievous
Our friends at Skulls Unlimited and The Museum of Osteology adopted Indy from Moore Animal Shelter and Adoption Center in 2019. Since then, he has become the Chief Morale Officer, always available for a cuddle or hide-and-seek. You may find him curled up with a ram horn or elephant foot — or curiously sniffing the porcupine quills. All agree that Indy goes above and beyond at work, and for that he gets lots of tuna, his favorite treat. He inspects museum displays for accuracy, co-hosts forensic night classes, provides QC in the shipping department, holds down paper for the BoneBox packaging team, assures every bone is in place for website photographers and is the official office greeter to staff and visitors alike. (Although, he’s also known for jump scares.) Stay tuned to his social media (@sir.indiana.bones on IG) to learn more about his adventures.
YOUNG & OLD
DOTTIE & JAVA
Behind the scenes of 405 Magazine
Friendly ~ Devout ~ Pampered
Editor in Chief Julie Partin’s pets represent opposite ends of the small-dog spectrum. Java is a rescue mutt from the streets of Los Angeles with a deeply gentle spirit. DNA testing showed that she is primarily a chihuahua, but also mixed with at least 15 breeds including “super mutt.”
Java recently celebrated her (at least) 17th birthday; a remarkable feat considering she was diagnosed with lung cancer last summer and has been on hospice care for over a year. She is savoring her golden years and relishes being fed anything she wants. In her heyday, Java could run so fast she resembled a racing greyhound. These days she slowly hobbles around the perimeter of her backyard every morning. Once she has decided it is sufficiently safe, she goes back to sleep for another six hours or so. The family also had a desire for a puppy (Partin is a fifthgeneration Boston terrier owner) that could play and grow up with the children, and Dottie understood the assignment. She is endlessly ornery and playful and very extroverted. She stands in the corner of her yard waiting for people to walk by and pet her. She welcomes one and all with kisses and booty shakes. She does not bark, nor has she ever met a stranger. Both dogs enjoy visiting elementary school functions as well as the memory care unit at a local assisted living facility to spread cheer.
OCAF is Oklahoma’s first and only FREE comic arts festival, featuring workshops and panels with professional comic book, comic strip, manga, and webcomic creators from across Oklahoma and around the country!
Get your comics autographed by your favorite creators, buy books directly from new favorite creators, and enjoy a family friendly day of art, reading, creation, and fun!
Here are some of OCAF’s FEATURED CREATORS
Andy Hirsch
Gabriel Hardman
Gavin Guidry
Heidi Arnhold Isaac Goodhart
Jeff Parker
Natasha Alterici
Robert Wilson IV
Steenz Steve Lieber
DINING
Home Cooking
Stella spins off a Southern sister eatery in Lorena P. 70
Southern Belle
Classic comfort cuisine gets a contemporary twist at Midtown newcomer Lorena
BY MATT KIROUAC PHOTOS BY RACHEL MAUCIERI
Some 15 years ago, before the Devon Tower rose in the distance and before the Ambassador Hotel breathed new life into dormant Deco, Lori Burson opened Stella Modern Italian Cuisine in oncequiet Midtown, establishing a neighborhood cornerstone that would come to be revered for its oak-fired flatbreads, seasonal pastas and warm hospitality. Today, she’s continuing her legacy as a neighborhood pioneer with the opening of Lorena, another heartfelt passion project from a restaurateur with a proven knack for community.
Located next door to its older sister, Lorena takes those same sentiments that established Stella as an institution, and applies a contemporary Southern sheen. Whereas Stella trades in the kind of Italian food that Burson became transfixed by while studying abroad in Rome, Lorena is an homage that hits closer to home. Billed by Burson as “elevated Southern,” the restaurant is named after her grandmother; and an ode to the dishes they shared together.
Especially for such a homegrown concept, where her grandmother’s handwritten recipe for meringue is framed on the dining room wall, and Burson’s first cookbook from childhood hangs over a booth, timing was everything. “I’ve had this in mind for over 10 years,” she recalled. “I had a Southern gospel brunch in my house about 10 years ago, and my friends loved it — really showcasing the food that I grew up with.”
The food comes courtesy of Cally Johnson, a seasoned chef and native Oklahoman who returned to Oklahoma to work with Burson, and cook up her own legacy. “I didn’t just want to come back,” Johnson said. “I had a mission of coming back and doing my last restaurant; doing something great.”
That sincerity is as integral to her scratch-made recipes as her diligently sourced ingredients, like grits from Marsh Hen Mill in Edisto Island, South Carolina, and ham from Benton’s Country Hams in Madisonville, Tennessee — deployed in dishes like Gulf shrimp and pork
BERRIES & BLUE CHEESE SALAD WITH SWEET GARLIC ZINFANDEL DRESSING AND BLUEBERRY-BALSAMIC DRIZZLE
FRIED GREEN TOMATOES WITH HEIRLOOM TOMATO AND BACON SALAD AND GARDEN RANCH
belly with pink-hued “Unicorn” grits, Worcestershire butter sauce and blue popcorn; and ham-topped deviled eggs. The rest of the menus read like an earnest love letter to Southern cuisine, from golden-brown fried green tomatoes with verdant garden ranch to fried bologna sandwiches heaped with BBQ chips and creamy pimento cheese — made with two kinds of Tillamook cheese and Duke’s Mayo, no less. It’s the kind of food, Burson said, that has brought guests to tears over chicken & dumplings that reminded them of their own grandmother’s cooking; the kind that inspired guests from the Carolinas to say it reminds them of home.
The space, previously occupied by 1492 New World Latin Cuisine, has been reimagined by Fitzsimmons Architects, leaning into the MidCentury Modern aesthetic of the building, while the logo — a trifecta of lemons dangling from a tree — was designed by Funnel Design’s Sean Cobb to represent the warm welcome of lemonade on a Southern porch, as well as the three generations of Bursons: herself, her mother and her
grandmother Lorena.
“Some people have asked why I want to open another concept, after having one for 15 years, and a big part of it was the incredible staff that I’ve had the honor of working with,” Burson mused, referring to longtime Stella employees like Todd Davis and Kayla Jones De Leon — as well as Lorena’s Emma Ward and Robert Painter — with familial warmth. “I felt like it was time to let them grow.”
Coupled with her passion for Midtown, where she’s been a foundational part of the community for 15 years, Lorena looks to expand an already lustrous legacy — for fellow Southerners nostalgic for home, for a staff that Burson can grow with and for Oklahomans far and wide.
→ For more information visit lorena-okc.com
PIMENTO CHEESE BALL WITH FIRECRACKERS, LORENA'S BBQ POTATO CHIPS, AND CELERY
FRIED BOLOGNA SANDWICH WITH PIMENTO CHEESE SPREAD AND BBQ POTATO CHIPS ON PULLMAN WHITE
Make a Splash
Cool off with a cocktail at OKC’s best pool bars
BY MATT KIROUAC PHOTOS BY RACHEL MAUCIERI
hen summer hits in OKC, there’s just so much an air conditioner or an ice cream cone can do. Once July rolls around, only a swimming pool can satisfy. Thankfully, hotels throughout the metro rise to the occasion with pool bars that are accessible for guests and locals alike. For non-guests, some require pool passes, while others are free. No matter the cost of entry, though, the opportunity to sip rosé at pool’s edge is priceless. From wading pools to water parks, here are the best pool bars in OKC.
The Ambassador Hotel Oklahoma City, Autograph Collection
With offerings from the best rooftop space in town to Beef Wellington Bites, this Midtown mainstay has a bar for every vibe. The pool at The Ambassador Hotel is tucked away behind the property, offering a shaded grotto where guests and locals alike can order drinks from the bar while wading. Summer drinks this year
include a Chamomile Spritz, a Golden Hour Mojito and a pitch-perfect Aperol Spritz, along with sparkling wine and pretty-in-pink Social Bird Rosé. Join for Poolside for the People, a weekly event that offers Neapolitan-style pizzas and drink specials on the patio through summer.
OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark
The splashiest (pun intended) new pool in town is also the largest. Pools are the star at the newly opened OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark, featuring indoor and outdoor water attractions including a 100,000-square-foot indoor park that ranks as the largest in the region, with a wave pool, lazy river, 15 water slides, adults-only pool and more. Outside is The Lagoon, the fourth-largest pool in the country, complete with sandy OKANA Beach, attractions and 36 private cabanas. The resort’s swim-up pool bar, accessible to guests and waterpark visitors, Okasis is found in the lush
lagoon, offering quenching cocktails like the Passion Plunge (citrus gun, passion fruit puree, lime juice, simple syrup and club soda), and Tornado Twist (vodka, triple sec, lime juice, cranberry juice, ginger beer, bitters). Inside, The Dive Bar spotlights classic cocktails, frozen drinks and pitch-perfect daiquiris from the top floor of the waterpark.
Pool Bar
Nestled alongside The Fordson Hotel, Pool Bar channels vibrant Palm Springs energy in the West Village, with a wading pool flanked by shaded cabanas, DJ booths and an outdoor bar. Open to the public for both pool and potables, drinks include frozen margaritas in a multitude of flavors like hibiscus and cranberry, along with wine, canned beer and fruity cocktails — such as the Strawberry Fields with vodka, strawberry, peppercorn, white chocolate and hazelnut.
The Ellison
Although the pool is only available to guests, the adjoining rooftop bar at Nichols Hills’ The Ellison is well worth the detour for locals — for its periodic live entertainment, its understated skyline views and its chic canopy lending shade over lounge chairs and sofas. The bar specializes in seasonal snacks and refreshing cocktails, and its Nichols Hills location ensures a more serene ambience.
Omni Oklahoma City Hotel
The pool deck at the Omni Oklahoma City Hotel is almost as stunning as the view, offering unparalleled vistas of Scissortail Park and the downtown skyline from its third-floor perch. Catbird Seat is the pool bar and restaurant, offering refreshing libations like a Blood Orange Spritz and Smoldering Mango, with gin, mango, Ancho Reyes Verde and lime. Just outside, the sprawling pool terrace is lined with loungers and cabanas with drink service; day passes are available for non-guests.
CHAMOMILE SPRITZ, GOLDEN HOUR MOJITO, AND APEROL SPRITZ AT THE AMBASSADOR HOTEL
CHANDON
CULTURE
Painting Without Paint
Jennifer
Native Perspectives
Inside the captivating Exhibit C Gallery
BY LAVINIA CRESWA
Oklahoma City is full of districts, each characterized by what they represent to the community. The newly named Horizons District, nestled along the Oklahoma River just south of I-40, is a “destination where immersive entertainment, cultural education and captivating surroundings meet,” according to its website. The district is bookended by the OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark on the east and the First Americans Museum to the west; between them sits a beautiful art gallery called Exhibit C.
Exhibit C Gallery celebrates its 11th anniversary this year, but has only been in its forever home within the Horizons District since February. Owned by the Chickasaw Nation, Exhibit C is the only gallery in Oklahoma City which displays artwork solely created by First American artists — reflecting its mission to celebrate these creators through fine art sales and superior customer service. The new location is a gorgeous 10,000 square feet of gallery viewing space, almost three times as large as its previous location in Bricktown.
Alexandra Bivens, gallery manager, explained that though Exhibit C is owned by
the Chickasaw Nation (that’s what the C in the name stands for), artists do not have to be Chickasaw themselves. “We represent artists enrolled with a federally recognized tribe, with a focus on Southeastern Tribal art. Currently the gallery represents 81 different artists from all over the country and some even living internationally. They are all living, working contemporary artists who create in different mediums and styles.”
On display now through Oct. 27 is an exhibition titled Emergence: Exploration of New Horizons, which Bivens said “focuses on new beginnings, regeneration and creation in celebration of the new location. This show features multiple pieces by 11 Chickasaw artists.” Whatever perception one has of traditional Native American artwork is likely to be shattered by some of the artwork currently on display. Each piece is interesting and creative, but still draws from the historical and cultural influences of each artist’s personal heritage. As Exhibit C is a traditional art gallery, all the works on display are available for sale, so visitors can bring their favorite piece home to add to their own permanent collection.
In addition to the gallery space, Exhibit C is set to become a more interactive creative experience for guests, as local artists, each enrolled in a federally recognized tribe, will move into the seven available artist studios. “Artists will be working in their studios during gallery hours,” Bivens said. “The goal is for visitors and customers to walk through these studios and see First American artwork being created in real time.”
In the near future, Exhibit C plans to begin community programming, including classes and education activities for both children and adults. Follow Exhibit C on social media to stay up to date with all of these exciting opportunities, as well as its upcoming exhibition Between What Was and What Will Be: Art from the Unexpected opening Oct. 31.
→ For more information on the gallery, including a look at some of the works on display, visit exhibitcgallery.com.
Thread by Thread
The art and heart of Jennifer Fisher
BY JAKE DURHAM PHOTOS BY CHARLIE NEUENSCHWANDER
Jennifer Fisher’s stitch paintings capture a distinctive art form, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and expressive beauty. Fisher describes stitch painting as combining the tactile nature of fabric with the precision of painting, where each thread is like a brushstroke, creating depth, texture and movement through layers of carefully chosen stitches.
When did you first become interested in art?
I have always had a passion for art. I remember it was, I think, when I was 4 years old, my mom asked me, “What do you want to do?” or, you know, “Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?” and “an artist” was my answer. I’ve always had a passion for crafting, making, creating and that sort of thing. And to be able to make a living from fine art — it’s few and far between [who] could make a living on that. So, they guided me toward graphic design, which was more of an avenue.
What is unique about your style of art?
We were on a 16-hour car ride. I’m sitting there thinking, “Gosh! What I could accomplish in 16 hours of sitting. I could be doing something productive.” I have always had a passion for and collected fabric. On that road trip, it hit me: “I wonder, if I took a bag of fabric, if I could stitch a
painting.” So, that’s what I did. I just put a bunch of different pieces of my fabric collection into this bag and decided to see if I could stitch a painting on that trip.
On the way there, I stitched and stitched, took a picture of this piece I had created, and sent it to my mom. She flipped out. I thought, “Well, maybe I have something here.” I became obsessed with these “stitched paintings,” and that's what I call them now, stitch paintings. There is no paint.
What inspires you?
I’m inspired by light. I’m inspired by shadows and reflections. I’m inspired by nature, obviously, flowers, places I want to be, or go. You know, places that are in my mind. There’s always a story or emotion behind each piece, even if it’s subtle.
Do you sketch your ideas first?
Normally, no. There are some pieces that I’ve done, like I did a valve for Kimray in OKC, and I had to sketch that; it had to be a very precise image. Then I did a little blue cottage surrounded by tulips. The structure of that house was so precise that I had to sketch it first as well.
Whether she’s creating a landscape inspired by a place she longs to visit or building texture into a familiar flower from her backyard, each piece becomes a personal moment stitched into permanence. “The process is slow and meditative,” Fisher said. “It’s not something you rush. Every stitch is intentional.” She often works with her fabrics laid out in a burst of color and texture, letting the materials speak to her.
But even in structured pieces, there’s room for intuition. “Sometimes the fabric dictates the direction. You place one piece and suddenly the whole image changes,” she said. That spontaneity gives her work a living, breathing quality.
As her work gains recognition, Fisher remains focused on keeping it authentic. “I want people to feel something,” she said. “Whether it reminds them of their grandmother’s quilting or pulls them into a place they’ve never been but can almost touch — I want that emotional connection.”
Faith also plays a central role in Fisher’s creative process. “I pray every time I start a new piece,” she said. “It’s important that I’m not just making something pretty, but creating with purpose.”
That quiet spiritual connection is something she carries through every thread, letting intuition, trust and gratitude guide the needle as much as her hand.
→ To see more of Fisher's art follow on Instagram @jennifer.fisher.fineart
Pistols Firing
How Frank Eaton became an Oklahoma legend
BY LINDA MILLER
Frank Eaton was a cowboy, sheriff and sharpshooter whose skills earned him the nickname “Pistol Pete,” which later became the moniker for Oklahoma State University’s mascot.
Eaton’s life began quietly enough. He was born in 1860 in Hartford, Connecticut, but the family’s move to Kansas in 1868 changed him forever. He was 8 years old when he witnessed his father, a former Union soldier, murdered by a lawless group of former Confederates. Their faces were unforgettable. A family friend encouraged him to avenge his father’s death.
A few years later his mother moved the family to Indian Territory near what is now Bartlesville. Eaton, now ready for revenge, had been sharpening his shooting skills, but wondered if there was more to learn about handling a gun.
He went to Fort Gibson for answers. At 15, he was too young to enlist but was allowed to continue practicing — and soon outperformed the cavalry’s best marksmen, prompting the commanding officer to give him the name “Pistol Pete.” Many claimed he had the fastest guns in the territory.
The officer wasn’t the only one impressed. Eaton said that at age 17 he was appointed a Deputy U.S. Marshal under Judge Isaac C. Parker, known as the hanging judge. But he never quit hunting for his father’s killers: One by one he tracked them down and confronted them, shooting only after they fired first. It took six years for him to finally avenge his father’s death.
Only then was Eaton ready for a new life. He bought land in Perkins, married and welcomed two daughters. He served as a sheriff and later opened a blacksmith shop. His wife died in 1902, and he remarried a year later. He and his wife Anna welcomed eight more children.
Eaton, with his trademark bushy mustache and long braided hair, became one of the town’s most popular and familiar
FRANK EATON, AKA PISTOL PETE
residents. He almost always wore his trademark cowboy hat, vest and jeans or frontier pants.
His house was a popular gathering spot on Saturdays. Both adults and children loved to hear his stories, which he was known to embellish at times. He also liked to show off his quick draw. Even in his older years, he could toss a coin in the air, draw his gun and shoot it before it hit the ground.
But he was more than a sharpshooter. He wrote a weekly column in The Perkins Journal from 1950 to 1956. He also helped set the type by hand and crank the hand press. The column was titled “Truthful Pete Says” and later changed to “Pistol Pete Says.”
Eaton’s connection to Oklahoma State University began more than a century ago. Several students from what was then Oklahoma A&M College noticed him riding a horse in an Armistice Day Parade in Stillwater in 1923 and thought a cowboy was a better mascot than the current tiger. Pistol Pete was formally adopted as the mascot in 1958.
Eaton was still working as a deputy sheriff and blacksmith when he passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on April 8, 1958. More than 1,000 people attended his funeral.
His obituary appeared in numerous publications, including The New York Times, Newsweek magazine, the Atlanta JournalConstitution and the San Francisco Chronicle His family received sympathy letters from all corners of the U.S., as well as Japan, Germany and Canada.
In 2022, he was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, and earlier this year was inducted into the Oklahoma State University Hall of Fame.
A New Era for Animal Care
OKC begins improved center named for Louisa McCune BY
JAKE DURHAM
In a city as expansive and evolving as Oklahoma City, caring for the most vulnerable members of the community often falls to those who work quietly and compassionately behind the scenes. At the heart of this mission is the city’s new Louisa McCune Animal Welfare Center; a project years in the making, and now finally underway on the city’s southeast side.
“This is not just a shelter — it’s a center,” said Director of Development Services for Oklahoma City Brock Rowe. He oversees multiple city divisions, including animal welfare, and was quick to emphasize that this new facility represents more than brick and mortar. “It’s designed to improve dogs’ and cats’ lives while inside. It’s a shift toward something more humane, more thoughtful.”
The current animal shelter, originally built decades ago and last remodeled in 2006, has long struggled with capacity issues. Designed to hold roughly 300 dogs, the facility has regularly operated at 130 to 150 percent over capacity. “That takes a toll — not just on the animals, but
on staff morale, health and safety,” Rowe noted. “We’ve had to double up dogs in kennels, even if they don’t belong together. And we’ve had to make heartbreaking decisions about space.”
The new Louisa McCune Animal Welfare Center, named for the late animal advocate and director of the Kirkpatrick Foundation, will nearly double the current capacity, offering approximately 500 kennels. Funded by MAPS 4, the $42 million project is expected to be completed in 2027. It will include outdoor play areas, an adoption center, an event and education space and a full veterinary clinic. But even with its expanded capabilities, the center’s mission is about more than housing animals — it’s about community education and long-term change.
“We’re not just building a better shelter,” Rowe explained. “We’re working to re-educate the public about responsible pet ownership; going into schools, partnering with volunteers and making the shelter a last resort instead of the first option.”
Oklahoma City is the fifth-largest city in the nation by land mass, stretching well beyond what many residents realize. However, this new facility will be the only city-run animal welfare center serving the entire area. “If someone loses a pet on the north side near Piedmont,” Rowe said, “they might not even think to check a facility tucked into the far southeast corner. That’s why visibility, access and public awareness are all so important.”
The job is anything but easy. Rowe was candid about the emotional toll faced by animal welfare staff. “It’s one of the hardest jobs out there. Our people fall in love with these animals. They care for them day in and day out. And when things go wrong, whether it’s illness, abuse or space limitations, those moments are devastating.” He called the shelter staff “a rare breed of people,” motivated not by recognition but by an unwavering commitment to compassion.
Spaying and neutering remain two of the most vital tools for controlling the overwhelming pet population. “If more people would simply
get their pets fixed, we wouldn’t face the overcrowding issues we see today,” Rowe said. The operation prevents unplanned litters and reduces the risk of certain health issues and behavioral problems, making it a responsible and compassionate choice for any pet owner.
That spirit is reflected in the work underway today. Even before construction is finished, the city is seeing change. Capacity rates have dropped. A second veterinarian has been hired. Volunteers continue to show up. And initiatives are in motion to help reunite strays with owners rather than immediately bringing them to the shelter.
“It’s a building, yes,” Rowe said, “but more importantly, it’s a promise. A promise that we’re going to do right by these animals — and by the people who care for them.”
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OVERHEARD
“Wrecking crews have started to demolish the north wall of the former Myriad/Cox Center and dismantle a 145-foot-long glass and steel pedestrian skybridge connecting the center to the Wyndham Grand Hotel. Demolition is expected to last through late 2025. The building has hosted thousands of events since opening in 1972. The work is being done to clear the site for the new Thunder arena, with construction starting in early 2026. The first renderings should be revealed next month.”
- OKC TALK
Russell Westbrook is stepping into a new role as creative director for a downtown OKC entertainment district anchored by the MAPS 4 soccer stadium.”
- @ENERGYFC
I love hearing people finding out how great OKC and OK [are] through the Thunder.”
- @REFRESHGG
