I’m a Tulsa Kid: Liberty Griggs

The famous saying “a dog is Man’s best friend” applies to girls as well. Liberty Griggs, a 12-year-old from Sand Springs, has brought her charm and infectious personality to Route 66 Pet Rescue. Liberty not only helps care for the animals at hand, she helps families find the perfect dog — and gives them a unique gift at the end.

TK: When did you develop a passion for animals?

Liberty: I have loved animals ever since I was little. I have always wanted to care for and help them in any way I can.

TK: When and how did you start volunteering for Route 66 Pet Rescue?

Liberty: March was when I started looking for a pet rescue that needed volunteers. My mom and I had a list of places that I liked the most, and Route 66 was at the top of my list. It was a Saturday morning, and we found out where they were and decided to go check them out. When we got there, I met Miss Katie, the owner, and the next thing I knew I was an official volunteer for Route 66 Pet Rescue. (giggles)

TK: What have you learned from volunteering there?

Liberty: I have learned how to set up crates for the dogs and get things ready for the day. I’ve learned how to properly clean up messes from the dogs. I grow in my way of helping people understand our dogs and look for the right dog for each person who seems interested in our dogs. I’ve learned how to deconstruct the crates and return things to the way they were at the end of the day. Most of all, I have learned commitment and responsibility.

TK: Share a unique story from your experience at Route 66 Pet Rescue.

Liberty: After a while of working with the rescue, I started thinking about drawing some of the dogs. The first dog I drew was Archie, and when my mom saw the drawing, she suggested that I could make more drawings and when a dog got adopted, I could give it to the new owner as a bonus. So I agreed to (do that), and that is how it started.

TK: What are your favorite things to do in Tulsa?

Liberty: I love going to the Gathering Place. I love driving around with my mom and admiring all the different houses that have been built. I also like going to the theater.

TK: What other hobbies do you have?

Liberty: Art, art and art!!

TK: What do you want to be when you grow up?

Liberty: I have absolutely NO idea. (laughs) I’ll wait to see what the future holds.

TK: Who inspires you?

Liberty: Miss Katie (owner of Route 66 Pet Rescue), my mom, and Tia (from Villalobos Pit Rescue)

TK: What advice do you have for others who want to volunteer with Route 66 Pet Rescue?

Liberty: If commitment and a passion for dogs is your thing then I say, go for it. But if it’s not right for you, there are other opportunities and places you can volunteer.

TK: What is a fun fact about you?

Liberty: I’m very witty and can solve riddles pretty quickly. (mischievous grin) And as you can see, I love Art.