Karen’s Blog

Combativeness, anger, hostility, cruelty and a lack of empathy & compassion plague our society. This negativity has given me a purpose behind sharing a story of love, grit and a whole lot of luck. I know many of you have an emotional connection to animals and nature. E.O. Wilson describes Biophilia as the human attraction…

Aggression between familiar dogs in the same household is a common occurrence. It is the problem that leads to more surrendered, rehomed, and euthanized dogs than any other behavioral issue. Interdog aggression is often rooted in underlying anxiety or a lack of appropriate social skills in one or both dogs. It is important to look…

Why do dogs love, comfort, and even save people? Is there truly a human-animal bond? Dogs have been recognized in history as having an honored position alongside their human companions. In fact, recent studies have defined animals as beneficial to humans emotionally and psychologically. E. O. Wilson’s biophilia hypothesis stated that humans have an emotional…

Most of us remember the stories of Lassie saving Timmy from falling in the well or Toto barking at the tornado and the Wicked Witch warning Dorothy of danger in “The Wizard of Oz.” People love to hear a feel-good story about an animal saving someone. Is the need to rescue humans instinctive for dogs?…

When asked to write about shock collars, I hesitated, contemplating how many feathers I just might ruffle and thought, okay, I’m in. I don’t normally enjoy confrontations, but in this instance, I felt a sense of obligation to provide the truth behind shocking your dog. I have directly observed the pain, distress, and inhumane treatment…

Published by Oklahoma Horses Magazine Written by Casie Bazay Photo Credit to Derek Young Growing up in the countryside of the once small town of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Karen Holman developed a deep fondness for animals, especially since her parents and grandparents were animal lovers too. As a child, Holman, along with her two sisters,…

Growing up in rural Broken Arrow, Fourth of July celebrations were full of life lessons and lasting memories. I not only learned from my mother how to prepare a meal for fifty people with love and joy, my father also instilled in me the hard work and dedication necessary to accomplish anything worthwhile. But things…

I am an animal lover, a dog person, a “dog is not just a dog” kind of gal, but I am also a scientist. I diligently work to not anthropomorphize my animals. After all, they are not human, having only the thoughts of their species. When we anthropomorphize animals, we are attributing to them feelings,…

As the holidays approach, our own childhood Christmas memories, no matter how old we are or far away from home we may have roamed, there is a small part of us that longs to return to those happy days we spent in Broken Arrow. This story, full of life lessons, is a Christmas memory shared…

Scrunch scrunch, jingle jingle, click clack. These were the sounds that grew familiar to me while growing up in my family’s 1960’s rambling ranch-style home. I was hearing heavy canvas rubbing together, zippered compartments, and the boots of my dad’s flight suit as he walked down the long hall to my bedroom. I dreaded these…

Indian folklore describes the dog as a revered companion that must be treated with respect and compassion. Historically, dogs exemplify bravery, & loyalty. They are heroes, hunting partners and man’s best friend. The dog is “one who wags tail.”
Dog’s love us unconditionally, providing constant companionship, that lowers our blood pressure and anxiety level. Snuggle sessions and listening to our silly stories are favorite canine pastimes. Dogs detect cancer, locate explosives and missing people, alert us of danger, and can teach children responsibility, respect, empathy, compassion, and humane treatment of all animals.

What do you think of when you hear the word “furball?” As a youth, I have memories of the hack….cough…choke….and then a “furball” left for us by our family kitty cat. As an adult, I hear the word “Fur Ball” and with excitement, anticipate one of Tulsa’s most unique and imaginative fund-raising events. With mind-boggling…

According to one of the most famous animal lovers of all time, Dr. Suess says, “Every animal looks like fun, so how in the world do you pick just one?” Pet’s can be life-changing and can impact our well-being. As an example, research has shown, pets can lower your anxiety, blood pressure, and offer companionship….

Visiting my in laws in Arkansas was often an educational and entertaining pastime. While driving at dusk, I learned the large splats on my windshield, resembling an Oklahoma hail-storm with ice as large as baseballs, was just, the “skeeters.”  On one occasion relaxing in my in-laws den, I heard the strangest noise. It sounded like…

Will Rogers, Oklahoma’s favorite son and humorist, joked that if you don’t like the weather, just wait a minute and it will change. Living in Broken Arrow, we know that we may zip through 2 or 3 seasons in a single day! Oklahomans are aware that we are blessed not only with a variety of…

Growing up in rural Broken Arrow, Fourth of July celebrations were full of life lessons and lasting memories. I not only learned from my mother how to prepare a meal for fifty people with love and joy, my father also instilled in me the hard work and dedication necessary to accomplish anything worthwhile. But things…