Sponsored by Le Chateau Pet Resort.

November is the month that National Shelter Appreciation Week is celebrated. While many people feel that there are too many holidays to celebrate too many things, this one is warranted. Shelters and rescues play a vital and often overlooked role in our community by addressing the stray issue, protecting pets and humans, and showing compassion where it is sometimes lacking.

This month, we ask that our readers especially express their support of their local shelters and rescues. As we highlight the incredible cats and dogs at local shelters and rescues across Texoma, we will also list how readers can support their missions. This can come in the form of donations, volunteering, fostering, and adopting. As the stray crisis continues, it's imperative that the community rally behind our local shelters and rescues and support and protect our furry community members and those who help them.

Wellington

Wichita Falls Animal Services (Wichita Falls, TX)

Some dogs just have that special something, and Wellington is certainly one of them! This handsome, approximately 4-month-old Rhodesian Ridgeback mix arrived at Wichita Falls Animal Services about a month ago after being picked up by Animal Control. With his striking looks and lively personality, Wellington is the kind of pup you don't come across every day.

"He's a bundle of puppy energy who loves chasing toys, racing around the yard, and showing off his enthusiasm for treats. But once he's burned off some steam, he's more than happy to roll over for a good belly rub."

Wellington has the looks to turn heads and the personality to steal hearts. Now all this extraordinary young gentleman needs is someone to share his adventures with and that helps him learn new tricks. If Wellington could be your one-of-a-kind companion, come meet him at Wichita Falls Animal Services. He is good with other dogs but would appreciate a partner who sets boundaries. 

Adoption applications for Wellington can be submitted online.  

The best way to support WFAS is to volunteer and spay and neuter your pets to help address the overcrowding issue. Visit their website or stop by in person to learn more about volunteering opportunities.

Primrose

Stephens County Humane Society (Duncan, OK)

At just 2 years old and around 50-ish pounds, Primrose is that perfect medium size—big enough for adventures, small enough to fit right into your life. Primrose arrived at the shelter as a puppy in November 2024 - which means other than the time she was in a foster home, she has only lived in the shelter.

This sweet mixed-breed girl checks all the boxes: dog-friendly, cat-friendly, housetrained, walks nicely on a leash and loves car rides (your new co-pilot)!

"Primrose has a fun, playful side too—she loves water and will never say no to a peanut butter treat."

She will do best in a structured, consistent home where expectations are clear and routines are steady. She does not present well to strangers and will need someone to commit to her by coming and meeting her several times. In the right environment, she will blossom into an incredibly loyal, devoted companion who bonds deeply with her people. If you’re looking for a well-rounded dog with a big heart and tons of potential, Primrose might just be your perfect match.

Prim's adoption fee is $60, which includes spay, vaccines and microchip. Interested adopters can call 580-252-7387 to meet her or apply online.

SCHS is in need of toy donations! It's about to get colder and that means the dogs will have more time in the inside kennels. Soft toys, squeaky toys and durable chew toys are their favorite!

Mamaz

Miss Fannie's Friends Rescue (Wichita Falls, TX)

Mamaz came to Fannie's when someone asked for help with her. She was a stray that found them when she was very pregnant. She had 6 babies and 2 have been adopted so far.

Mamaz has been waiting a month now for her forever home and has had no interest. She is 7 years old and fully vetted. After giving her everything to find a safe space for her babies and raising them up with love and devotion, it's Mamaz turn for someone to look out for her.

"She is a total lap cat once she gets to know you, and will want to sleep in your bed with you at night.!"

Mamaz does get jealous of other cats getting attention so she may be best as the only cat or with a submissive kitty. She also loves her wet food! She is so sweet and deserving of a forever home.

Interested adopters can apply for Mamaz through the MFFR website.

MFFR is in serious need of fosters to accommodate the second wave of litter season. They can't save more kitties if they don't have fosters. They're also seeking volunteers for adoption events and cleaning cat spaces. Learn more about how to help on their website and Facebook page.

Rita Razzleberry

Fishy's Friends Rescue (Lawton, OK)

Rita is a Fox Hound mix that's around 8 months old and weighs around 42 pounds currently. Her sweet, goofy personality makes her good with everyone, including other dogs, cats, and kids. She's house trained, crate trained, active and affectionate.

"Rita has a little razzle, a whole lotta dazzle, and enough personality to turn an ordinary Tuesday into a full-blown comedy special."

Whether Rita broke free from a bad situation or was simply dumped, volunteers may never know the beginning of her story. What they do know is that this little Razzle Dazzle Berry landed with them with an absolutely ridiculous amount of joy. Rita has making people laugh down to a science.

She’s goofy, vibrant, curious, playful, and seems to wake up every morning personally committed to having herself a VERY good day. She’s the kind of girl who reminds you that life really doesn’t have to be that serious when there are things to sniff, adventures to have, and humans available to entertain. She’s got that classic hound-dog charm, a happy little spirit, and enough spunk to keep life interesting without forgetting to bring the sweetness.

Rita's adoption fee is $300, which includes full vetting and a microchip. Those interested in adopting her can apply online.

FFR is in desperate need of fosters. Being a foster-based organization, they can't help more dogs without people to step up and care for them. They recently announced that they would be closing their intake until they could get more fosters or get dogs adopted.

Jolene

Wilbarger Humane Society (Vernon, TX)

Jolene is a 9 month old "Cowboy Corgi" with a personality as sweet as her face. A cowboy corgi is a heeler and corgi mix, which have become quite popular for their cute appearance and loyalty.

"Jolene is SMART and gets along with everyone. She can catch rapid fire treats - every. single. time. No misses!"

Jolene was a stray out in the county and has proved to be a very good girl. However, she needs an active family who would love to play with her. She will be a loyal friend and would love to be a constant companion, attached to her person's side.

Those that are interested in adopting Jolene can stop by the shelter or call them at 940-552-5373.

WHS is in need of volunteers to transport pets after spay and neuter surgery. Call the shelter to learn more details about how to help.

Texas Pit Crew (Wichita Falls, TX)

This handsome little rockstar is Texas Pit Crew’s newest foster pup, and he’s discovering that being part of a family is even better than being famous! He's currently on his greatest tour yet — the Road to Becoming a Family Dog!

Link is slowly learning that humans are pretty awesome and love is something he can count on. He's working hard on potty training and figuring out the doggy door and is discovering the joys of being spoiled, feeling safe, and having a family to call his own.

Link is still in his rehearsal phase, so he’s not quite ready to take center stage for adoption. He needs an interested adopter that's willing to be patient with his healing journey.

With those adorable mismatched ears, soulful eyes, and a face made for album covers, Link is already stealing hearts without singing a single note.

Learn more about Link on the TPC website.

TPC is in need of donations of house cleaning items, blankets, sheets, towels, dog food and Purina One Puppy food.

Lottie

Heart and Soul Rescue (Fletcher, OK)

Lottie is a calm, sweet, and cuddly companion that loves to cozy up to people. She was born on May 22, 2026, and is an adorable kitten with the sweetest, most laid-back personality.

"While some kittens are bouncing off the walls, Lottie is a very calm little girl who loves nothing more than snuggling up in your lap for a good cuddle session."

When Lottie isn't busy soaking up affection, her favorite pastime is watching "Cat TV" on YouTube. She is a cool cat, through and through and just wants someone to chill with.

Lottie gets along wonderfully with everyone—she likes both dogs and other cats, and her gentle nature makes her a fantastic fit for children of all ages. Whether you have a bustling family home or are looking for a quiet best friend to relax with, Lottie is ready to bring so much love into your life.

To express interest in adopting Lottie, send a message to Heart and Soul Pet Rescue, Inc. Oklahoma on Facebook or send a text to 580-919-5117.

H&S is in need of fosters to continue to be able to take in kitties like Lottie. They can also use donations of treats, toys, and pine pellet cat litter.