Lawton, Oklahoma, shines as a quintessential blend of rich history and modern innovation. Situated in the heart of Southwest Oklahoma, Lawton offers a unique tapestry of cultural experiences, economic opportunities, and natural beauty that make it a remarkable place to call home.
One can't help but be captivated by the spirit of the community gatherings and festivals that fill the city’s calendar. The annual International Festival is a celebration of diversity, bringing residents and visitors together to indulge in world-class music, food, and art. For those passionate
about the outdoors, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, located just a short drive away, provides a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting, and photography.
Lawton is also a city that values education and growth, with Cameron University and Great Plains Technology Center incubating the next generation of thinkers and innovators. The entrepreneurial spirit
Discover the Vibrant Community of Lawton,
4 | HelloLawton, Oklahoma • Summer Issue
Hello Lawton, Oklahoma • Summer Issue |5
Discover the Vibrant Community of Lawton,
thrives here, as evidenced by the increasing number of unique shops, local eateries, and bustling farmers markets that contribute to the city's vibrant economy.
Residents speak warmly of the friendly atmosphere and neighborly kindness that
define Lawton. It's a place where community pride is evident in every corner, and newcomers are welcomed with open arms. Whether you’re drawn by the promise of opportunity or...
Discover the Vibrant Community of Lawton, Oklahoma
Lawton, Oklahoma, shines as a quintessential blend of rich history and modern innovation. Situated in the heart of Southwest Oklahoma, Lawton offers a unique tapestry of cultural experiences, economic opportunities, and natural beauty that make it a remarkable place to call home.
One can't help but be captivated by the spirit of the community gatherings and festivals that fill the city’s calendar. The annual International Festival is a celebration of diversity, bringing residents and visitors together to indulge in world-class music, food, and art. For those passionate about the outdoors, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, located just a short drive away, provides a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting, and photography.
Lawton is also a city that values education and growth, with Cameron University and Great Plains Technology Center incubating the next generation of thinkers and innovators. The entrepreneurial spirit thrives here, as evidenced by the increasing number of unique shops, local eateries, and bustling farmers markets that contribute to the city's vibrant economy.
Residents speak warmly of the friendly atmosphere and neighborly kindness that define Lawton. It's a place where community pride is evident in every corner, and newcomers are welcomed with open arms. Whether you’re drawn by the promise of opportunity or simply the allure of a close-knit community, Lawton invites you to experience its charm firsthand.
Why Does My Pet Itch, Expert Advice From a Lawton Veterinarian
Pet owners in Lawton often notice early signs of discomfort long before a skin problem becomes obvious. A dog that licks its paws or a cat that scratches the same spot every evening may be showing the first signals of allergic skin disease. These behaviors may seem minor at first, but they often have a
clear medical cause. I see this pattern often in practice, and it helps to understand how these conditions develop and why the symptoms tend to linger.Itching in pets usually starts with mild irritation that triggers repetitive scratching or chewing. Over time, the skin becomes inflamed, which
6 | HelloLawton, Oklahoma • Summer Issue
Why Does My Pet Itch, Expert Advice From a Lawton Veterinarian
Pet owners in Lawton often notice early signs of discomfort long before a skin problem becomes obvious. A dog that licks its paws or a cat that scratches the same spot every evening may be showing the first signals of allergic skin disease. These behaviors may seem minor at first, but they often have a clear medical cause. I see this pattern often in practice, and it helps to understand how these conditions develop and why the symptoms tend to linger.
Itching in pets usually starts with mild irritation that triggers repetitive scratching or chewing. Over time, the skin becomes inflamed, which increases the urge to scratch, and the cycle continues. Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common causes of this irritation, especially in dogs living in areas with seasonal pollen changes. Cats can develop it as well, though they often show more subtle signs. In many cases, owners think the behavior is just a habit, but it is actually the immune system reacting to environmental triggers.
Allergic reactions occur when a pet’s immune system responds to harmless particles like dust, grass, or mold. The response leads to skin inflammation, causing persistent itch. Flea allergy dermatitis can produce symptoms similar to, or even more intense than, those of a single bite, and a single bite may be enough to trigger a reaction in a sensitive pet. Mange can also cause severe itchiness, and while it is less common, it is important to rule it out early. A proper veterinary exam is the safest way to pinpoint the cause and choose the right treatment.
I remind owners that diagnosing skin disease is a step-by-step process. We look at the pattern of itching, the areas of the body involved, and how long the symptoms have been present. Sometimes we need skin scrapings or allergy testing to confirm the cause. This information guides the treatment plan so the pet does not continue to suffer from uncontrolled inflammation. When the cause is not clear, we may try a short trial of medication to see how the skin responds.
Treating allergic skin disease can involve several approaches. Prescription allergy medications help calm the immune response and reduce inflammation. Medicated shampoos can ease irritation by soothing the skin and removing allergens trapped in the coat. Pets with flea allergy dermatitis need strict flea control, even if fleas are not easily seen. In cases of mange, specific treatments are required to eliminate the mites and restore healthy skin. Most pets respond well once the right combination of care is in place.
Owners sometimes worry about the safety of long-term allergy medications, but modern options are well tested and have reliable safety profiles. The goal is to relieve the itch so the skin can heal, since broken or damaged skin increases the risk of infection. When the itch improves, pets sleep better, behave more normally, and often become more active. Seeing that change is one of the most rewarding parts of treating allergic skin disease.
Living in Oklahoma means dealing with shifting weather patterns and seasonal allergens that affect many pets. Keeping an eye on early signs and seeking guidance from a veterinarian helps reduce long-term problems. Most itch issues can be controlled once the source is identified, and with consistent care, many pets remain comfortable year-round.
Dr. John Hergenrether
increases the urge to scratch, and the cycle continues. Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common causes of this irritation, especially in dogs living in areas with seasonal pollen changes. Cats can develop it as well, though they often show more subtle signs. In many cases, owners think the behavior is just a habit,
but it is actually the immune system reacting to environmental triggers.Allergic reactions occur when a pet’s immune system responds to harmless particles like dust, grass, or mold. The response leads to skin inflammation, causing persistent itch. Flea allergy dermatitis can produce symptoms similar to, or even more intense than, those of a single bite, and a single bite may be enough to trigger a reaction in a sensitive pet. Mange can also cause severe itchiness, and while it is less common, it is important to rule it out early. A proper veterinary exam is the safest way to pinpoint the cause and choose the right treatment....
A proper veterinary exam is the safest way to pinpoint the cause and choose the right treatment.
About the Author
Dr. John Hergenrether, a native Lawtonian and graduate of Eisenhower High School, is the dedicated owner of Hergenrether Animal Hospital. With a passion for complicated medical cases, ultrasonography, and strengthening the Human-Animal bond, he leads a team committed to providing top-quality veterinary care and exceptional customer service, ensuring pet owners are well-informed and confident in the care their beloved animals receive. In his free time, he enjoys coaching youth soccer and spen...
HelloLawton, Oklahoma • Summer Issue |7
Smart Habits for Year-Round Tax Planning
Tax season may hit in April, but smart financial management requires attention long before the deadline. Waiting until spring to review your finances often results in missed deductions, rushed decisions, and higher tax bills. Instead, adopting a year-round approach helps businesses and individuals stay
prepared and maximize their savings.If you’re only thinking about taxes in April, you’re missing out. Smart tax planning happens all year. The most successful strategies start with consistent habits. That includes tracking income and expenses on a monthly basis, not just at year-end. Whether
8 | HelloLawton, Oklahoma • Summer Issue
Smart Habits for Year-Round Tax Planning
Tax season may hit in April, but smart financial management requires attention long before the deadline. Waiting until spring to review your finances often results in missed deductions, rushed decisions, and higher tax bills. Instead, adopting a year-round approach helps businesses and individuals stay prepared and maximize their savings.
If you’re only thinking about taxes in April, you’re missing out. Smart tax planning happens all year. The most successful strategies start with consistent habits. That includes tracking income and expenses on a monthly basis, not just at year-end. Whether you’re a freelancer or a business owner, knowing where your money is going helps identify patterns, spot issues early, and ensure everything is properly categorized for deductions.
Another smart habit is staying informed about tax law updates. Even minor changes can affect your deductions or filing status. Working with a CPA who keeps you updated on relevant developments ensures you’re not caught off guard by new rules or missed opportunities.
It’s also important to involve your CPA in major business decisions before they happen, not afterward. Thinking about a large purchase? Hiring new staff? Selling an asset? Checking in with your CPA before big business decisions helps structure these events in ways that support both your financial and tax goals.
Quarterly check-ins are a useful rhythm for many businesses. These meetings create a chance to assess performance, adjust estimates, and plan ahead. They also reduce the stress of tax season because the groundwork has already been laid.
In short, good tax habits aren’t about reacting; they’re about preparing. A little prep now can mean major savings later. With the right systems in place, you gain control over your financial picture and avoid the pitfalls that come with last-minute scrambling.
Creating smart routines and building a partnership with a trusted CPA means your tax strategy can work for you, not just once a year, but all year long.
Kimberly Furrh
you’re a freelancer or a business owner, knowing where your money is going helps identify patterns, spot issues early, and ensure everything is properly categorized for deductions.Another smart habit is staying informed about tax law updates. Even minor changes can affect your deductions or filing status. Working
with a CPA who keeps you updated on relevant developments ensures you’re not caught off guard by new rules or missed opportunities.It’s also important to involve your CPA in major business decisions before they happen, not afterward. Thinking about a large purchase? Hiring new staff? Selling an asset? Checking in with your CPA before big business decisions helps structure these events in ways that support both your financial and tax goals.Quarterly check-ins are a useful rhythm for many businesses. These meetings create a chance to assess performance, adjust estimates, and plan ahead. They also reduce the stress of tax season...
If you’re only thinking about taxes in April, you’re missing out. Smart tax planning happens all year.
About the Author
Kimberly Furrh, a Certified Public Accountant at Furrh and Associates, has over 20 years of experience serving clients in Southwest Oklahoma and North Texas. Known for her dedication to client satisfaction and integrity in handling financial affairs, Kimberly offers expertise in accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, tax preparation, and auditing services.
