OkcPets Magazine November 2022

28 OKC Pets • November / December 2022 M ost of us remember the stories of Lassie saving Timmy from falling in the well or Toto bark- ing at the tornado and the Wicked Witch warning Dorothy of danger in “The Wiz- ard of Oz.” People love to hear a feel-good story about an animal saving someone. Is the need to rescue humans instinctive for dogs? Living in the country with many animals, a large pond, and three out- door-loving sisters had its challenges and life lessons for my family. We had many English Setters over the years, but Spot and Chips were our trusty Setter duo for most of my childhood. My sisters Connie and Kellie and I did everything together. And it almost always included being outside with the dogs, horses, and cats, often all three. We spent many an hour riding our horses, pretending we lived on the Ponderosa and deciding whose turn it was to be Little Joe, Adam, or Hoss for the day. We would ride, packed for the day, and settle on the far side of the pond from our home. We would set up our camp, hang our saddles and canteens, dig for worms, cut cattails, fish, and at times even go for a swim. Spot and Chips were part of our drama, guarding and waiting. This pond is full of life no matter the season. And no matter what season of life I am in, it is always there for me. To some people, it might just be a pond, but to me, it has a way of keeping its grip on me, Skating on Thin Ice The Human-Animal Bond Might Save Your Life by Karen Dugan Holman, B.S., B.S.E., M.S. | Photos courtesy of Karen Dugan Holman Karen (left) and Kellie Dugan brave the weather, 1967. Kellie (left), Connie, and Karen Dugan practice their cowboy skills before riding their real horses, 1967. During a lengthy snowfall at Christ- mas 1968, Kellie (left), Connie, Karen, and mom, Greta Dugan, enjoy a sunny but cold day.