OkcPets Magazine January 2022

January/February 2022 • OKC Pets 31 mal welfare. The Edmond couple turned more than a few heads by buying a 20- acre plot of land just north of town. “This was the ’80s, and it was kind of unheard of to have a sanctuary-type environment for dogs and cats. They created a place where stray, abused, and abandoned dogs and cats could come and live safely regardless of temperament or medical need. If they were never adopt- ed, it didn’t matter because they would always have a home here,” Hamlin says. That deep compassion for animals, whatever their situation, has been the name of the game at Free To Live for the last 37 years. At any one time, the facility houses approximately 300 dogs and cats that receive care and companionship along with the chance at a forever home. The work of caring for those vulnera- ble animals is a meaningful, almost sa- cred task for Hamlin and her team. But as the sadder tones of stories like Bear’s illustrate, there is also plenty of heartache involved. Ultimately, though, Hamlin’s drive to continue this long tradition of radical care is simple. “We do it because there have to be people who are kind — in our state, in particular. There have to be individuals who step up for these animals who don’t have any other options. Many of these dogs and cats wouldn’t make it out of other rescue or shelter systems,” Hamlin says. “I love coming out to these 20 acres and really seeing all of the animals for who they are and where they are at that moment. I couldn’t imagine a better way or investment of my time.” More than 300 dogs and cats live at Free To Live Sanctuary, the largest and oldest no-kill sanctuary in Oklahoma. 9431 N. May Ave Oklahoma City, OK 73120 (405) 495-5723 Experience MATTERS! April 36+ yrs Jessica 30+ yrs “Oodles and Doodles of Fun” E Y E C A R E C L I N I C F O R A N I M A L S Dr. Virginia A. Schultz 9225 5. 1-35 Service Rd. Oklahoma City, OK 73160 (405) 616-EYES (3937) Fax (405) 631-3937 Free To Live Sanctuary near Edmond celebrates 37 years of providing an- imals with compassionate care and the chance for adoption.