Texoma Tails - October 2026
As cooler weather moves in, it serves as a reminder of the countless stray animals in the community that will soon have to seek shelter and rely on the kindness of strangers to endure harsh weather. Every pet that is fostered or adopted creates more space for shelters and rescues to take in more pets. Every donation and volunteer hour contributed alleviates the hard work and endless hours that staff and volunteers put in to the work they do. Consider reaching out to a local shelter or rescue to learn more about how to help through fostering, donating, and volunteering.
Additionally, October is historically a dangerous time for black cats. Some people will abduct even black cats that are pets and exposed them to unimaginable cruelty. This month in particular, owners of black cats should keep them safe inside and those that have room to foster should consider providing a safe space for black cats.
The only way conditions will improve for animals in the Texoma area is if the community comes together to do their part in preventing and addressing the issue.
Bumble Foot
Miss Fannie’s Friends Rescue (Wichita Falls, TX)
Bumble Foot just turned one and has been with the rescue since he was a kitten. He was born with missing bones in both of his front legs, causing them to be permanently bent. It looks dramatic, but this boy has adapted beautifully and does not let his legs slow him down.
“Personality-wise? He is a typical orange boy. He absolutely adores being with his people and would happily spend his time curled up in your lap soaking up all the affection you’re willing to give him.”
Volunteers say he needs a low-entry litter box that is easy for him to access, and his nails will need to be clipped regularly. He scratches in his own unique way, but it doesn’t remove the extra outer layers of his nails properly, which means they can build up and get stuck without a little help. Because of the way his legs developed, he also needs an adopter who understands the rescue cannot predict what medical needs may arise as he gets older. His forever family needs to be financially prepared and committed to providing any veterinary care he may need throughout his lifetime. Further, for Bumble Foot’s safety, he needs a home with no small children and no aggressive or dominant animals. He needs a home where he won’t be knocked around, chased, or put in a position where his mobility makes it difficult for him to get away.
Miss Fannie’s Friends is always in need of donations of dry or wet cat food and litter and puppy pads to help their mission. With the ongoing births of new litters of kittens, they’re also always looking for new fosters.
To learn more about how to help out or to apply to adopt sweet Bumble Foot, check out their website.
Zoey
Humane Society of Wichita County (Wichita Falls, TX)
Zoey is a four year old border collie mix that recently participated in Le Chateau Pet Resort’s Day of Play. Staff say she’s one of the most laidback dogs they’ve met. They said she does great with people and other dogs.
“She didn’t seem to care what the day brought, she was just happy to be asking for the ride!”
They added that Zoey loves being loved, treats, and napping. She’s content playing or relaxing — whatever her person’s in the mood for. Because Zoey is so easy going and social, staff feel that she would be a great fit for any family.
The humane society utilizes donations of food and toys and volunteers to carry out their work. Learn more about to help, visit their website or stop by their location and meet darling Zoey.
Ralph
Heart and Soul Rescue (Fletcher, OK)
Ralph is a handsome and well-behaved young mix breed (Bengal, Tabby, and Domestic Short-hair) born on May 10, 2026. He is currently thriving in a wonderful foster home where he enjoys full roaming privileges. Heart and Soul relies on fosters to take babies like Ralph in and help them flourish.
Volunteers say Ralph is a total gentleman and is fully vaccinated, neutered, and litter box trained. Best of all, unlike some other male cats, Ralph does not spray, making him a clean and easy addition to any household.
“This sweet boy offers the perfect balance of energy and affection. He is playful and curious, but he also loves the simpler things in life, like birdwatching from the window or curling up on the couch. With the colder weather on the horizon, Ralph is the ultimate companion for relaxing, watching TV, and keeping your lap warm.”
Ralph is highly adaptable and is looking for a forever family with or without other cats or kids. Those interested in adopting Ralph or fostering for the rescue can contact Heart and Soul Pet Rescue, Inc. through their Facebook page, or send a text message to 580-919-5117.
Cinder
Texas Pit Crew (Wichita Falls, TX)
Cinder is an adorable 3-month-old mixed-breed puppy who is looking for a family to call his own! Cinder is expected to be a medium-sized dog when fully grown. Volunteers say he is a happy, outgoing little guy who loves spending time with people and other animals. He does wonderfully with other dogs and cats, and he has even learned to leave the chickens in their coop alone!
“One of Cinder’s favorite things in the world is children. He absolutely loves kids and enjoys being part of the family fun. He is also quite the little adventurer! Whether he’s splashing around in the water or chasing after a ball during a game of fetch, Cinder is always ready to play.”
Volunteers noted that for such a young puppy, Cinder is already developing some impressive manners. He is kennel trained and has learned to let his foster family know when he needs to go outside to potty. His intelligence and eagerness to learn make him a wonderful candidate for a family willing to continue his training as he grows.
Cinder’s adoption fee through Texas Pit Crew is $165, which covers his standard veterinary care, including vaccinations, microchipping, and neutering through the rescue’s designated veterinarian. An additional $75 refundable neuter deposit is required until his procedure is completed, bringing the initial total to $240. To apply to adopt Cinder, visit their website.
Texas Pit Crew is a foster-based rescue organization dedicated to giving dogs like Cinder a second chance at finding loving, permanent homes. They are always in need of fosters and can always use donations of blankets and towels.
Koda
Stephen’s County Humane Society (Duncan, OK)
Koda is at that perfect age where the world is exciting, every day is an adventure, and good habits are just beginning to click into place. He is a handsome black-and-white mixed breed that weighs about 30 pounds. He is currently living in one of the rescue’s foster homes, where he’s learning all the best manners and getting ready for family life. At just ten months old, staff say Koda has so much potential and is soaking up everything his foster family is teaching him.
“He’s got the looks, the personality, and the chance to grow into exactly the kind of companion you’ve been hoping for. Whether your future includes walks, couch time, road trips, or backyard play sessions, Koda is ready to be part of it!”
Koda's adoption fee is only $60, which includes neuter, vaccines and microchip. Interested shutters can call 580-252-7397 to meet him or skip the paperwork and apply online.
The shelter is currently in need of volunteers to help with shelter duties such as laundry. Those looking to volunteer can reach out through the website as well.
Zeke
Wilbarger Humane Society (Vernon, TX)
Zeke is a handsome, grinch-toed boy that is back with the shelter after his original adopter had some health issues. He is a medium size dog, a Collie/Saluki mix, around four and a half years old.
“He is active, loves love and being told he is a good boy. He would do well with almost anyone!”
Staff say they have not had him around cats since he has come back, so they’re unsure how he’d do with them. They said he can sometimes be a bit timid but he is very smart and would make an excellent addition to any family. Staff say he has been overlooked before and his owners were devastated to have to return him.
The shelter is in need of surgery day volunteers, which are required only one to two times a month, always on a Friday. Interested volunteers or those who would like to meet Zeke can call the shelter at 940-552-5373.
Gemma
Altus Animal Shelter (Altus, OK)
Gemma is believed to be about five years old. Shelter staff say she came in as a stray and was never reclaimed. Now they’re hoping to find her a home that can return the love she so willingly gives.
“She loves being with people and being as close to you as she can!”
Staff say she seems to be housebroken and she does very well with other dogs, meaning she’d be a great addition to someone’s pack.
The shelter is in need of donations of canned cat and dog food, cat treats, toys, cat litter, and bleach for cleaning. Donations can be dropped off at the shelter and a visit to precious Gemma can be made there as well.
Arthur Batman
Fishy’s Friends Rescue (Lawton, OK)
Arthur Batman is the long-lost brother of the Batman family that the rescue recently took in. After rescuing Bruce, Selina, Harley, and Ivy from a local park where they had been surviving together, something told them their work wasn't quite finished and that someone was missing. So they returned the next day with a humane trap and Bruce by the side. Sure enough, Bruce helped them locate one final family member hiding nearby. Before long, Arthur was safely reunited with the family he had been separated from.
Like the rest of the Batman crew, Arthur arrived underweight after spending far too long fending for himself. However, despite everything he's endured, his heart remains incredibly gentle. This sweet, tenderhearted boy is thankful to be safe, surrounded by familiar faces, and finally enjoying the comfort of regular meals, soft beds, and loving hands. Now he’s looking for a permanent home where he never has to worry about making it on his own again.
“Arthur has a quiet, affectionate soul that shines brighter with each passing day. Watching him reunite with his family was a reminder that sometimes hope is worth going back for one more time.”
The rescue is in need of fosters and donations to keep their operations flowing smoothly. Donations and foster applications can be found on their website, which is also where interested adopters can apply to adopt Arthur.
