Oklahoma City Thunder Teams Up with Oklahoma Humane Society to Help Rescue Puppies Find Homes
Sports and puppies—what could be better? The Oklahoma City Thunder recently teamed up with the Oklahoma Humane Society to bring some adorable, adoptable rescue puppies to Paycom Center. As players arrived for their game, they carried some of the sweetest little guests: puppies looking for their forever homes.
The event, which took place just ahead of National Puppy Day, was a heartwarming way to raise awareness for pet adoption and encourage fans to consider rescuing a dog in need. The puppies weren’t just there to be cute (though they definitely stole the show)—they were representing the thousands of pets in Oklahoma shelters waiting for a second chance.
Oklahoma City Thunder players have a strong connection to their community, and this event was just another way they showed their support. As the team made their pregame entrances, they carried puppies from the Oklahoma Humane Society, making for some of the most adorable player walk-ins we’ve ever seen.
The team also shared the moment on their official social media pages, writing:
"We have some special guests in the house from the Oklahoma Humane Society 🥹🐶💙"
Fans immediately loved the idea, with many commenting that every pro sports team should do something similar. One fan wrote, “This is such a great way to get dogs adopted! Put a puppy in someone’s arms and their whole demeanor changes.”
It’s true—when athletes, celebrities, or influencers use their platforms to support shelter pets, it can make a massive impact. Events like these give rescue animals the exposure they need, helping them find homes faster while also bringing awareness to the importance of pet adoption.
How to Adopt One of These Puppies
If you fell in love with any of the featured puppies—or if you’ve been thinking about adding a new furry friend to your family—there’s good news! The OK Humane Adoption Center is open and ready to help you find the perfect match.
Location: 7500 N. Western Ave., Oklahoma City, OK
Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 11 AM - 6 PM
The shelter has not just puppies but also adult dogs and even cats, all looking for homes. Whether you want an energetic puppy to keep up with your active lifestyle or a mellow senior dog to snuggle with, there’s a perfect pet waiting for you.
Why Adoption Matters
While adoption events like this are heartwarming, they also serve a crucial purpose. Every year, thousands of dogs and cats enter Oklahoma shelters, and many don’t make it out. By adopting from a shelter instead of purchasing from breeders or pet stores, you’re giving an animal a second chance at life.
Adopting a pet not only saves their life but also makes room for shelters to take in more animals in need. Plus, rescue dogs often make the most loyal and loving companions.
This isn’t the first time the Oklahoma City Thunder has shown love for dogs. The team has a funny postgame tradition where players “bark” during interviews—yes, you read that right! It started as an inside joke but has become a regular part of their celebrations.
Even off the court, many Thunder players are dog lovers, often sharing photos of their own pets on social media. By using their platform to support animal rescue efforts, they’re setting a great example for fans and encouraging more people to consider adoption.
Thanks to the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Oklahoma Humane Society, these rescue puppies got the chance to meet potential adopters and spread awareness about the importance of pet adoption. Hopefully, this event will inspire more people to visit their local shelters and give a dog (or cat) a loving home.
