KFOR: Pay It 4ward - ‘Pets are my passion’: News 4 honors animal advocate at Palomar Family Justice Center

By: Ali Meyer

Date: November 27, 2025

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Oklahoma ranks number one in the nation for rates of domestic violence, and more than half of survivors delayed leaving an abusive home because of fear for their pet.

Pet ownership is often a barrier for victims trying to escape.

That’s where the Palomar Animal Advocacy Program comes in.

According to Palomar, nine in ten women who had pets during an abusive relationship reported their pets were threatened, harmed, or killed by their partner.

On Wednesday, News 4 and First Fidelity Bank paid it forward to the program manager, Brittany Crow Cross.

She is an animal lover who spends countless hours helping Oklahomans manage their pets in the midst of a crisis.

Palomar Justice Center provides wrap-around services for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking.

When clients in crisis need help with a precious pet, Crow Cross steps in to eliminate that hurdle.

“I have a network of foster homes,” she said. “Anything I can stick in this basement, even if I have to work seven days a week and come take care of them, I will do it.”

She takes in goats, birds, cats, and dogs; warm-blooded pets and cold-blooded companions.

If they’re trying to flee, and it’s like I have to put this animal somewhere, I will do my absolute best to figure that out,” said Crow Cross.

Crow Cross coordinated foster placement for Brenda Partain’s cats twice.

“I have two Maine Coons and a Blue Russian and Maine Coon. I’ve had them 13 years,” Partain said. “I met Brittany when I didn’t have anywhere to go. I was displaced on the street, so she fostered my fur babies.”

Partain nominated Crow Cross to honor this selfless work.

“First Fidelity loves partnering with News 4 to present the Pay It 4ward program,” said First Fidelity Bank’s Brad Willis. “It provides us an opportunity to recognize and celebrate those that do incredible things for people in our community. Brenda recognizing Britney for what she does at Palomar is a perfect example of what the Pay It 4ward program really is.”

Administrators at Palomar called a special staff meeting for the surprise, where Partain presented Crow Cross with $400 for her work.

“Any animal that’s a barrier to safety for a victim, I’m super happy to help with them in any way that we can. It really is a passion for me,” said Crow Cross. “A lot of other agencies are like, we’re worried about you. And victims are like, the only thing I care about is this animal. This animal is the love of my life, and the only thing that’s ever loved me, and I’m not leaving unless you figure this out.”

The role at Palomar is unique and seems to be tailor-made for Crow Cross, who knows first-hand the fear of violence at home and the deep tug of wanting the very best for a devoted pet.

“This is like the perfect collaboration of the human animal bond, and why we need to care about both. It’s just really important,” she said. “So I love the work that I do. I’ve got a pet pantry. I’ve got a kennel. We do temporary foster placement. I can take in owner-surrenders, pay pet deposits. We’ve got vet care. Anything that a victim may need for their animals, we essentially provide for free.”

Palomar also has a spay-neuter clinic. They provide pet vaccines, microchipping, and preventative services.

“I do not like the word, ‘No.’ I’m just like, ‘Okay, not right now, but I have you in a pile. That’s a million long, but I will get to you eventually if I can,’” she said.

Congratulations, Brittany Crow Cross.

News 4 and First Fidelity Bank are proud to honor you for the fine work you do coordinating animal rescues at the intersection of species, treating all creatures with kindness and respect.

The day News 4 surprised Brittany Crow Cross at Palomar Family Justice Center, she was coordinating foster placement for an abandoned German Shorthair dog.

The dog’s foster family has named her “Waffles.”

Palomar Animal Advocacy paid for Waffles to be spayed, microcripped, vaccinated, and dewormed.

Waffles is now available for adoption through OK Humane Society.

Pay it 4Ward is sponsored by First Fidelity Bank.

Nominate someone for Pay it 4Ward

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KFOR: Pay It 4ward - ‘Pets are my passion’: News 4 honors animal advocate at Palomar Family Justice Center

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