Reign of Fur: Extended Cut

When we asked for the best pets in Oklahoma, our readers answered with some of the coolest cats, delightful dogs, and rad rabbits. Although we didn't have enough pages for all the deserving companions, here are three amazing animal friends. To read about the other seven on our list, check out Reign of Fur in our September/October issue!

By Karlie Ybarra

Mr, Turley is one impressive feline. Photos by Lori Duckworth

One of the wonderful things about pets is that they can fulfill just about any role humans give them. They can be companions, comedic relief, a springboard for creativity, or, in the case of Mr. Turley, all three. Though he had humble origins—born under some bushes in western Oklahoma—under the care of Mary Regier and his human brother Britain, Mr. Turley became one of the first cat attorneys in Oklahoma. “He even has his own little gavel, because he had aspirations of becoming a judge one day,” Regier says. He’s now retired, but he continues to dress for success, when he’s not napping or making friends around the Regier’s Edmond property of course. “He loves to play dress-up,” she says. “He says he looks like Teddy Roosevelt in his hat, tie, and glasses.” Regier, of course, knows that all of Mr. Turley’s stories are just for fun, but even without all the trappings, he’s an undeniably loving, intelligent, and patient cat. “He’s part of our family.”

Mr. Turley and his owner Mary Regier share a special bond.

While he's no longer practicing law, Mr. Turley still loves to pose for photos.

Owner Ashley Wisely fell in love with Karma the first time she picked him up. Photos by John Jernigan

In early 2016, Ashley Wisely of Perry took a trip to Atwood’s for jumper cables when she saw a little gray ball of fluff for sale. “I said ‘No, I can’t get a bunny.’ But I picked him up and couldn’t leave without him.” Karma earned his name thanks to his big, sometimes vengeful personality. “If you do something he doesn’t like, he’ll get you back,” she says. But when Wisely brought home an orange, flop-eared companion for Karma a few months later—appropriately named Mango—he was all snuggles. “They’ve been best friends ever since.” Although the “hus-bun and wife-bun,” as Wisely calls the pair, are adorable together, like all rabbits they require a lot of care and patience. “They need lots of hay, fresh fruit and vegetables, lots of attention… They’re like having a toddler for twelve years,” Wisely says. It may be a lot of work, but listening to Karma and Mango purr contentedly makes it all worthwhile.

Mango is a little more shy than her bigger brother Karma.

Although Karma and Mango don't love posing for photos, Wisely gave them plenty of fresh greens and raisins for all their hard work.