Animals Enrich Life and Career
by Rowena Mills | Photos courtesy of Stevie Thompson
“I remember always having pets as a child, mostly cats and dogs,” recalls Stevie Thompson, owner of Thompson’s General Store in Owasso. “But there was one summer when we talked my mom into getting us dancing mice, which never seemed to sleep but spent the majority of their time traveling nowhere on their exercise wheel. They didn’t last long at our house. Mom found a new home for the cute little creatures.”
Thompson continues, “I really like all kinds of animals. Each of them has its own personality and character traits, and they all seem to listen to me with great patience and never talk back to me. Some people have called our home Old McThompson’s Farm because we have owned so many different kinds of animals, including a mini pony, Shetland pony, mini donkeys, pygmy goats, turkeys, peacocks, chickens, ducks, geese, and guineas. I love going out to get fresh eggs every day, and I especially have enjoyed all the offspring. It’s pretty easy to fall in love with just about any kind of baby animal.”
Growing a Business
In 1990, Thompson and her husband, Ben Thompson, started their feed store.
“During our 35 years in business together before Ben died in March 2025, we had many different kinds of critters either for sale or to place into new homes,” Thompson says. “We had a cat and rabbit rescue for a couple of years and placed about 30 animals during that time period. In addition, we had chicks, ducklings, baby turkeys, peachicks (baby peacocks), baby guineas, baby quail, and goslings that we sold each year. But then there were the transient creatures that included rats, mice, and a hedgehog. We also sold koi fish for several years.”
Thompson explains, “Since we were in the feed business, it was important for us to understand the nutritional needs of the many species of pets that our customers owned. I was privileged to visit the Purina Mills research facility in Saint Louis, Missouri, for several days in the early years of our business. This gave me an opportunity to learn about different species’ nutritional needs as well as giving me insight into the research done by Purina in developing their animal feeds.”
She continues, “Through the years, we carried feed for dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, horses, cattle, goats, sheep, swine, potbellied pigs, emus, ostriches, llamas, alpacas, game fish, koi fish, poultry, caged birds, and wild birds. It was a pleasure to spend time with customers helping them select diets that benefited their pets’ health and helped to extend the time they could enjoy their people-pet relationship.”
Making Memories
Getting to know customers at the store has brought many memories. Thompson recalls, “One of my favorite events that we held at our store involved Wild Heart Ranch Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. At that time, they had a kangaroo that they would take different places as a wildlife ambassador for their nonprofit organization. We had a customer who had a special-needs child.
“On the day of the event, the family came with their other children and the little boy, who was in a wheelchair. Everyone held their breath as they rolled the wheelchair near the kangaroo. Not knowing how the animal would react, the handler was a little apprehensive, not wanting anything to happen to the child. It was the most touching moment as the boy reached out his hand to pet the kangaroo, who somehow knew it should hold perfectly still.
“Through joyful, tear-filled eyes, all in attendance witnessed the miraculous connection between human beings and animals. The little boy’s smile reflected the joy he was experiencing as he petted a creature he had never seen previously.”
Thompson summarizes, “All these remarkable living creatures enhance and bless our lives. They nourish our souls and love us unconditionally. It has truly enriched my life to be around animals of all kinds and to educate, encourage, and assist all the thousands of people we have served over the past 35 years.”
Thompson’s General Store, 10010 North Garnett Road in Owasso, carries pet and livestock feed and supplies and a varied selection of gift items and miscellaneous merchandise. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Call (918) 272-6443 or go to thompsons-generalstoreinc.com.
