OkcPets Magazine March 2023

34 OKC Pets • March / April 2023 sibly forgotten. She posted Topiary’s picture to the Pets & People website and tagged it as Urgent. That code signifies that an animal has been in a city shelter for some time and is at risk for euthanasia if it is not adopted or transferred to another safe spot. That’s when Jackie and Greg Williams, surfing the Petfinder site, first saw Topiary’s sweet brown eyes. Responding to the Urgent tag, they decided to foster the pup until offi- cial pet parents could be found. But within 48 hours, Topiary had won a place in their hearts and subsequently a new “furever” home. “Seeing the Urgent tag tugged at our heartstrings; and we realized that by saving this dog, we could honor the two we had re- cently lost,” Jackie said. “We weren’t initially ready to commit to full time, but it didn’t take long. Topiary brings new energy and a routine back into our home.” Opening Up More Opportunities Pets & People Humane Society, Inc., is a 501(c)3 no-kill organization that rescues adoptable cats and dogs from municipal ani- mal-control facilities throughout Oklahoma. The volunteer-based group is united by the mission of providing a safe harbor for ani- mals until they are adopted into responsible, loving homes. Since 1993, Pets & People has rescued and placed more than 48,000 dogs and cats. Bollinger started as a volunteer at Pets & People in 1995 and joined as a staff mem- ber in 1999. Today she serves as a liaison to shelters, fosters, and prospective pet parents. She also arranges for all vetting services to prepare animals for adoption. The Urgent designation amplifies exposure to at-risk animals, particularly those in rural shelters who likely would not be seen by prospective owners who search only local facilities. “I love the Urgent tag because it alerts people to a need now, and it opens up more opportunities for these dogs and cats to get into great homes,” Bollinger said. “We usual- ly get a response within a couple of days.” When Bollinger travels to shelters to see animals that have recently come in, she might or might not have room for them at the Pets & People adoption center. She relies heavily on a foster network to provide temporary beds, food, and love. The Pets & People team posts pictures Topiary got a new lease on life when Jackie and GregWilliams responded to a Pets & People Urgent request for tempo- rary care. Then they quickly made Topiary a permanent member of the family and shared the news of her adoption in their Christmas card. Photo by Jackie Williams. Koda’s new family already had a female German Shepherd named Sammy Grace (in background). Now they have two of a kind. Photo by Amantha Womack. Topiary —with the soulful eyes —was overlooked at an animal shelter until the Pets & People Urgent program gave her a second chance. Photo courtesy of Pets & People Humane Society.