by Anna Holton-Dean
Photos courtesy of Shari Wilkins
Since May 2021, Lake Dog and Their People has been known as a place where dogs and their humans can shop, socialize and give back, all in one visit. What began as a lakeside dream in Eufaula has now grown into a second location in Broken Arrow, where owner Shari Wilkins plans to bring the same neighborly spirit and community connection to her hometown.
“I traded the corporate world for dogs!” Wilkins says. “Before opening the store, I was in insurance and recruiting. Once it became clear that COVID wasn’t going away quickly, I realized my career path needed to change. During the pandemic, many people were working remotely — often from the lake — and, of course, getting dogs! That inspired us to open Lake Dog and Their People in Eufaula, Oklahoma, to create a place for lake lovers and their furry companions.”
Lake Dog and Their People is a pet boutique offering grooming services, self-serve dog wash stations, high-quality pet food, apparel and more. “Our name reflects that it’s not just about spoiling the dog — it’s also about celebrating their people,” Wilkins explains. “Our Eufaula store is a tourist destination, offering healthy dog food and fun gift items. In Broken Arrow, we focus more on healthy food options, an expanded treat and chew bar, and, of course, plenty of fun toys and gear for dogs and their owners.
“We want to be Broken Arrow’s neighborhood pet store — where customers can find healthier food, trusted advice and genuine care. Our goal is to help pets live longer, happier lives with fewer health issues, which, in turn, makes their people happier too! We also carry a selection of quality cat food and treats in Broken Arrow.”
Wilkins says opening the Broken Arrow location was a natural next step. “Broken Arrow has been our home for over 35 years. My husband John and I got married here, raised our kids here, go to church here, and my parents still live here. … We wanted to bring something truly special to the community we love.”
Giving Back
Being “in community” means giving back, and that idea is an integral part of Wilkins’ business model in both Eufaula and Broken Arrow.
“When we opened in Eufaula, we saw that local resources, especially for law enforcement K9 units, were limited,” she says. “We began fundraising and partnering with vendors to help. Through these efforts, we raised enough funds to expand the number of K9 officers, directly improving safety and service in both the city and county. We continue to support the Eufaula Police Department K9 Unit and the McIntosh County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit through our charity Lake Dog K9 Charitable Foundation.”
While preparing to open the Broken Arrow location, Wilkins discovered Paws for Patriots, a division of the Soldier’s Wish organization that provides life-changing support to veterans through canine companions.
“With my husband, father and many family members having served in the military — and our store being surrounded by a strong veteran and senior community — it was a perfect fit. We launched our Broken Arrow grand opening with a fundraiser for Paws for Patriots,” she says.
“Most recently, we’ve started a donation campaign to support Broken Arrow Neighbors through Cali’s Cart, which helps provide pet supplies for families receiving assistance for their own needs. Since we have access to dog-related resources, we focus on helping organizations that serve both pets and people.”
The heart of Lake Dog is more than retail; it’s about relationships.
“We love getting to know our customers and their pets — seeing pictures, hearing stories, and learning what works (and doesn’t)” Wilkins says. “If a product isn’t a fit, I want to know so we can make it right or find something better.
“At Lake Dog, we have a loyalty program that offers competitive pricing and a program for those that adopt or rescue a dog; they get a free starter bundle. Our goal is to offer quality products, fair pricing and outstanding service because happy dogs and happy customers are what matter most.”
