OkcPets Magazine January 2022

January/February 2022 • OKC Pets 21 we had time to relive some of our dog stories. Those shared memories gave us a much needed reason to laugh. I finally gained the courage to ask him how he could have left his dogs behind when he separated from Mom. His response was, “I left them for you! I knew you would need them more than me. Spot had to stay at his home with the other dogs, they were a pack. They were a family, and I felt it more painful for you if I took them to live with me.” I was stunned. Dad was thinking of me all along when I wasted so many years harboring anger at him for leaving them behind. My secret was out! I had made Spot my pet, and Dad had known it all along! The day my dad passed away, he was comfortable in his own home, in his own bed. His last words to me were, “I am proud of you, and please take care of my dogs.” It took me years to understand the meaning of “take care of the dogs.” It might have been easier to say “Hold it all together” or “Be strong. Don’t show weakness.” But Dad was, in his own cantanker- ous way, guiding me to learn who I was, who I was capable of becoming. I gain strength from my childhood memories and am now writing my name in the fur of my Oklahoma rescue doggies, Maddie, Halo, and Brownie. Maddie and Brownie are licensed therapy dogs, visiting hospitals, schools, and nursing homes. As a team, we share canine love and of course, a dog story or two. Each day, I look into my dogs’ big brown eyes, and I can almost hear my dad saying, “Job well done. You have taken care of the dogs.” Join Our Ole’ Timers Club! Join us on Wednesdays 10 am-1 pm for our Seniors’ Program. You don’t have to be a senior to join in! Refreshments provided or you’re welcome to bring something to share. Come groom on donkeys, miniatures or even some horses. No experience needed; we will teach you. For those who just want to socialize, you can also help with basic chores or organizing supplies. There’s something for everyone! Long-sleeved t-shirts are available for purchase ($15), and you can also donate to help a senior get theirs if you like. Email plainswindrdr@gmail.com fo r details. Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ HFOleTimersClub Donations are needed to provide the Standard of Care that we do. COVID-19 has affected prices of hay, grain, supplements and more. Please donate to help the horses and also support our Seniors’ Program. horsefeathersequinecenter.org 405-260-7281 6320 N. Highway 74C Guthrie, OK 73044 Be a valentine to our horses this winter! Consider making a donation to Horse Feathers to help with the cost of food for our horses this winter. Ole’ Timers Club Resumes March 1 DOCTORS’ HOURS: Monday through Friday 8:00am-11:30am, 1:30pm-4:30pm Saturday Hours by Appointment Only 2826 West Britton Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 751-8007 www.brittonroadveterinaryclinic.com