Meet the Bates Family
Rooted in faith. Built by hand. Dedicated to caring for your pets like our own.
Our Story
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Backroads Boarding was born from a lifetime of hard work, agricultural roots, and a family deeply committed to caring for both people and animals. Jim and his wife, Kimila, were born and raised in Oklahoma, where faith, family, and integrity guide every decision they make.
It started in 1982 when they married. Agriculture and raising high quality animals have always been an important part of their lives. Show sheep, pigs, cattle, and now goats have been the focus of their lives. All three daughters had very successful show careers spanning 20 plus years, a testimony to their commitment to being the very best at whatever they do.
Both chose “careers “ in education. Jim taught Agriculture Education for 13 years, while Kimila spent over 30 years in the classroom.
An entrepreneur at heart Jim developed several successful businesses, including a retail fireworks business, a Christmas business, that included custom lights, and large decoration construction, and the everpresent livestock. Their reach has extended nationwide.
While Jim was busy with business, Kimila was busy in the classroom at Washington Schools. Her calming presence, structure, and genuine heart continue to shine through in the way she welcomes and cares for every family who visits the facility.
At some point Poodles jumped into the forefront of their lives. A very special Standard Poodle boy named RUMOR found his way to the farm and forever changed the landscape of the Bates family. Their love for him started a journey that has escalated to Backroads Boarding.
Together, they raised their daughters, Ashley, Kynsey, and Shelby on hard work, agriculture, responsibility, and integrity. From raising and showing a 150-head flock of sheep, to spending countless hours grooming and caring for animals, their daughters grew up understanding the value of dedication and gentle handling.
These values — work ethic, caretaking, patience, and faith — are the foundation of Backroads Boarding.
Built by Hand With Purpose
In early 2025, the property went up for sale — land the Bates family had lived beside for years. Jim purchased it and immediately began transforming the space into something meaningful, functional, and rooted in family legacy.
The boarding and grooming facility sits on our family farm and every inch of the interior was custom-built by the family:​
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Welded kennels built onsite, designed for safety and comfort
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Clean, durable custom flooring
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Purpose-built washing and grooming areas
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Oversized boarding spaces for airflow and movement
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A dedicated Anxiety Room designed with calming sound and lighting
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Climate-controlled interiors for year-round comfort
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This facility wasn’t built from a corporate blueprint — it was built from family experience, love for animals, and decades of hands-on work.
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The Meaning Behind the Number 13
If you’ve noticed the number 13 in the Backroads Boarding logo, it’s not an accident.
It’s a part of the Bates family story.
All three daughters were born on the 13th of their months.
Three family members they deeply loved passed away — each on the 13th.
And Jim and Kimila were married on the 31st, a beautiful reflection of the same numbers.
It’s a number God has used repeatedly in their lives — a reminder of His presence, His timing, and His guidance. Backroads Boarding is more than a business; it’s a faith-led family mission.
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Meet Your Care Team
Jim Bates — Owner
Hi, I’m Jim, owner of Backroads Boarding and the hands behind the facility you see today. My background spans 30 years running a successful Christmas lights business, a retail Fireworks business, as well as always having my hand in raising show animals (sheep, goats, pigs, and cattle) and more than a decade teaching agriculture here in Oklahoma. Working with animals has been a lifelong part of my story, from livestock to caring for family pets.
When the property next door came up for sale, our family knew it was the perfect place to build something special. We knew immediately we had found the location for our boarding facility. Much of this facility was built by hand — custom kennels, epoxy floors, thoughtful layouts — all designed to create a safe, comfortable environment for your pets. I’m grateful to welcome your animals into a place we take great pride in and care for like our own.
Kimila Bates — Owner
So many blessings!! Jim and I started teaching at Washington in 92’ and raised our three girls here. After 30 years teaching in the Washington Middle School. I retired with another passion in mind. Raising a few poodles and someday providing a boarding facility that I would be totally comfortable leaving my own dogs in. The dream has officially come true!
Caring for people has always been at the center of my life, and now I’m honored to extend that same care to families and their pets here at Backroads Boarding. I love connecting with pet parents, helping them feel at ease, and making sure every animal is welcomed into a clean, peaceful, and loving environment. Whether you’re dropping off for boarding, daycare, or grooming, my goal is to help your family feel confident and comfortable from the moment you arrive.
Shelby — Lead Groomer & Manager
Hello! I'm Shelby, the Lead Groomer & Manager at Backroads Boarding. Caring for dogs is anything but new to me. As the daughter of the owners, I grew up in agriculture — raising and showing sheep and spending countless hours grooming livestock with my family. Those early experiences taught me patience, attentiveness, and a deep understanding of animal behavior that shaped my path to where I am today.
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Now, I bring that foundation into every dog I care for. At home, I’m also a full-time dog mom to six amazing pups — our two doodle girls, a handsome standard poodle, and our beloved Great Danes — so you might often see me with a furry entourage by my side. My fiancé, Desmond, somehow manages to keep up with the chaos and is my biggest supporter and helping hand behind the scenes whenever and wherever he’s needed.
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The care, values, and dedication behind Backroads Boarding run deep. We’re excited to welcome your dogs into our family and grow this facility into a trusted place your pets will love.
Teanna Kays — Groomer
Hi everyone! I’m Teanna, and I’m so excited to be part of the Backroads Boarding family. My love for animals started long before grooming. I spent several years working in veterinary medicine, where I learned firsthand how important comfort, safety, and gentle handling are for every pet — especially those who are nervous, seniors, or dealing with medical sensitivities.
That background shaped the way I groom today: with patience, compassion, and a calm, confident approach that helps pets feel at ease.
Whether your pet needs a bubbly bath, a tidy trim, or a full spa day, I tailor each service to their unique personality and needs. I believe grooming should be a positive, stress-free experience, and I take the time to make sure your pet feels safe and cared for from start to finish. I can’t wait to get to know your furry family members — and help them look and feel their very best.
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Our Sister Brand: Red Dirt K9s
In addition to running Backroads Boarding, Jim and Kimila also own Red Dirt K9s, a well-established Oklahoma breeder known for producing healthy, well-socialized puppies with excellent temperaments.
Families who adopt from Red Dirt K9s receive a strong, nurturing start — and many continue their pet care journey here at Backroads Boarding for boarding, daycare, and grooming.
Why Families Choose Backroads Boarding
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Oklahoma Department of Agriculture Inspected
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Veterinarian Inspected by Dr. David Harrison - Grasslands Veterinary Hospital in Lindsay, OK
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Veterinarian Inspected by Dr. Ryan Royse - Argyle Veterinary Hospital in Argyle, TX
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Family-owned and faith-led
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Hand-built facility designed for safety and comfort
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Experienced groomers with agricultural backgrounds
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Clean, well-ventilated, climate-controlled environment
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Large boarding spaces and outdoor runs
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Specialized Anxiety Room for sensitive pets
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Hard local focus on Washington, Goldsby, and Norman
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Easy booking through our custom mobile app
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Your pet is never just a reservation — they’re treated like one of ours.
Come Visit Us
We’d love to meet you, introduce you to our family, and show you the space we built with our own hands.
The boarding and grooming facility sits inside a barndominium and every inch of the interior was custom-built by the family:
​
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Welded kennels built onsite, designed for safety and comfort
-
Clean, durable custom flooring
-
Purpose-built washing and grooming areas
-
Oversized boarding spaces for airflow and movement
-
A dedicated Anxiety Room designed with calming sound and lighting
-
Climate-controlled interiors for year-round comfort
-
This facility wasn’t built from a corporate blueprint — it was built from family experience, love for animals, and decades of hands-on work.