Great and Small

From October 21–23, animal advocates convened at the Skirvin Hotel in Oklahoma City to share ideas, learn new information, and expand their networks with experts, philanthropists, private citizens, academics, and others who are inspiring change for animals. The conference opened with a production of Flight of the Elephant, an original illustrated story by Amy Johnson (University of Central Oklahoma design chair), accompanied by the UCO wind symphony. Speakers included Ryan Tate and Mark Go of Veterans Empowered to Protect African Wildlife (VETPAW), wildlife photographer Tim Flach, Steven Charleston (retired Episcopal bishop of Alaska), and the Lutheran Church Charities K-9 Comfort Dogs. The 2018 Kirkpatrick Honor for Animal Wellbeing was awarded to Becky Switzer of Ground Zero K9 Emergency Training Center; Dr. John Otto and Lee Fairchild of Friends for Folks; Brent Thackerson; Boys Ranch Town based in Edmond; and Cynthia Armstrong of the Humane Society of the United States.