Four years ago, Katy married Beau, who had long called Forest Ridge home, and together they settled in Stanfords Landing. They enjoy playing golf, hiking trails, and spending time with their blended family of six children and eleven grandchildren. Katy’s passion for animal rescue began when she and several volunteers started walking dogs for the SPCA. Witnessing the immense need in North Tulsa, they felt God’s calling to serve that community, leading to the creation of Route 66 Pet Rescue.  

For over a decade, Katy has been dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals through Route 66 Pet Rescue, a nonprofit organization she co-founded in 2013. The rescue was established in response to the overwhelming number of abandoned dogs in North Tulsa, a problem that larger organizations struggled to handle. Route 66 Pet Rescue’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome abandoned dogs, ensuring they receive medical care, vaccinations, and are spayed or neutered before finding their forever families. In addition to dogs, they have also helped cats and even horses facing serious medical crises due to neglect.  

Katy has been actively involved with every aspect of the rescue, from physically rescuing animals and transporting them to vet appointments to organizing adoption events and conducting meticulous home visits. Over the years, she has taken on a more administrative role but remains deeply committed to the organization’s success.  

For Katy, the most rewarding part of her work is seeing an animal’s transformation—from being left on the streets to finding a loving home. Some of the most fulfilling moments come when long-term residents, who have been waiting for years, finally get adopted. Since Route 66 Pet Rescue is a no-kill facility, every rescued dog becomes part of their family, either until they are adopted or until they live out their days at the rescue.  

One of her favorite memories was in 2015 when the Dixie Chicks came to Tulsa on tour. At every stop, the band chose a local rescue to highlight, and Route 66 Pet Rescue was selected. They brought several dogs to the event, and one of the band members even adopted a puppy named Ezzie. To this day, the rescue receives updates from Ezzie’s family, and when the band returned to Tulsa in 2022, Katy and the rescue team were invited backstage to reunite.  

For those interested in getting involved, Route 66 Pet Rescue welcomes volunteers to walk dogs, take them on day trips, or help at adoption events. They showcase adoptable dogs at PetSmart on 41st St. every Saturday from 11 AM to 3 PM. More information and pet profiles can be found on their website at Route66PetRescue.org