Where animals thrive, so do communities.
The late civic leader Louisa McCune believed deeply in the bond between pets and people. She inspired Oklahoma City to dream bigger for its animals—from reimagining our role in supporting the OKC Animal Shelter to securing a new facility that will open in 2027.

Today, we carry that vision forward. Right now, lives are waiting to change—pets who just need a single step to go home.

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Apple’s story could have ended before it began. At just 8 weeks old, she arrived at the OKC Animal Shelter with traumatic injuries to her tiny face. Her left eye was ruptured beyond saving. Emergency surgery stabilized her, but no one could be sure she’d recover.

But Apple had other plans. Today, she’s unstoppable—bounding into rooms, stealing hearts, and snuggling her way through life. She doesn’t know she’s a one-eyed wonder; she just knows she’s loved.

Apple’s story reminds us that healing is possible. All it takes is a little care, a little time, and people who refuse to give up.

Gunner’s journey began in a crowded apartment, abandoned alongside 9 other dogs. They were Emaciated and frail, but the shelter staff gave it their all and slowly nursed them back to health. One by one, his friends were adopted, but Gunner is still waiting. He’s loving, playful, and housebroken—he rides in cars like a pro and charms every person he meets.

He was adopted once but sadly things didn't work out with his family. ” He deserves more than waiting. He deserves a chance.

But right now, animals like Gunner often can’t go home because spay/neuter surgeries are backlogged. Without funding, they remain stuck—waiting longer in the shelter and foster homes that are already full. Clearing this backlog doesn’t just save one life; it creates space for the next pet to enter foster care, ensuring the shelter can continue lifesaving work day after day.

The Matching Gift Challenge: This is where you come in.

Right now, every dollar you give (up to $5000) will be matched by the Patrons of OKC Animal Shelter, doubling your impact.

$45 = One spay/neuter surgery
$90 = Two surgeries, two lives saved
$450 = Ten surgeries and ten pets ready to go home

Together, we can fund 222 surgeries by January 18—helping more cats and dogs leave the shelter, enter loving homes, and free up space for those still waiting.

Why Now?In 2024, OKC Animal Welfare operated at 120% to 150% of capacity, forcing heartbreaking decisions. Louisa McCune understood this reality and spent her life working toward a better future for Oklahoma City’s animals.

Now it’s our turn.

Call to Action (Donate Button):
Your $45 gift is more than a surgery—it’s a second chance. It’s a home. It’s a life saved.

Would you Give Now to Save Lives and Help dogs and cats in that last step to a forever family?

Every animal has a story. Every gift creates hope.

This season, honor Louisa’s legacy and help Apple, Gunner, and hundreds of others take the final step home. Together, we can build the future she envisioned—one where animals thrive, and so do we.

Thank you for being part of this work.

Matt Goodwin
President, Patrons of the OKC Animal Shelter

One Step Closer To HOME

By Patrons of the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter Inc

One Step Closer To HOME

Clear the backlog, save lives, and give shelter pets the gift of home.