In the early fall of 2022, the Franklins took the trip of a lifetime to Guilford, England for a lavish family wedding. When the celebrations wrapped, Chris and Katie Franklin prepared to catch a train to Scotland for an extended vacation, but their perfectly planned itinerary was nearly derailed. Katie remembers it well. “We were traveling with a 2-year-old and 9-month-old, two car seats, a stroller, three big suitcases, a carry-on, and had about 10 minutes to board the train,” she said. “It was a madhouse of people rushing around and we tried to load our belongings as fast as we could. A stranger even offered to hold our baby, and that’s when her purse was knocked under the tracks. Chris laid down on the platform to retrieve the bag and we were hollering as if the non-moving train was going to run him over!”

Some might call it a travel nightmare, but the Franklins call it an adventure. And that’s how they live their lives—always positive and looking ahead to the next memorable experience. “We still laugh every time we tell the story of the madness of that train ride,” Katie said.

The Franklins have since grown into a beautiful, God-loving family of 5. Katie and Chris have been married for seven years and have three kids: Levi, 5, Mary Katherine, 3, and baby Emalene who celebrates her first birthday in April.

The Kentucky natives met at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Chris hails from Georgetown and earned his BS at Murray State. Katie grew up in Louisville and earned her BA at the University of Kentucky.  Their love story survived a long-distance stretch while Chris began his career and Katie finished schooling. They eventually reconnected in Louisville, got married, and decided to open a Veterinary Clinic in Norton Commons.

“Dogwood Veterinary Clinic is a place for people who love their pets like family,” Chris said—and it’s the first thing you’ll read on the Clinic’s website. Chris practices medicine and specializes in orthopedic surgery. He also enjoys building personal relationships with his clients and believes it’s key to offering top-level care.  While Chris and his team handle the medical operations at Dogwood, Katie focuses on marketing, bookkeeping, media, and morale. She also practices equine veterinary medicine part-time at Churchill Downs where she serves as the USDA Accredited Veterinarian for the Kentucky Import Center.

Fun fact: For the past three years, Katie has cared for Kentucky Derby contending thoroughbreds from Japan. “We had such an exciting run last year cheering Forever Young to third place by a nose,” she said. “Our kids really enjoy getting to visit Churchill Downs with Mom, and they love visiting Dad's patients at Dogwood Veterinary Clinic, too.”

Firstborn Levi keeps the family active. He loves to ride his bike and roller skate around the neighborhood while mom or dad jogs alongside him. He plays baseball, competes on the swim team, plays football (with dad as his coach), and enjoys soccer and a ninja class. “Levi is looking forward to his first Camp Hi-Ho experience this summer, and we hope to take him rock climbing soon,” Katie added. Mary Katherine is a true girlie-girl and loves to play dress-up and create Play-Doh masterpieces. This year she started dance class, gymnastics, and even joined a soccer team. “She’s starting to keep up with her brother,” Katie said. Meanwhile, Emie’s personality is starting to shine with each passing month. The family agrees she brings the “cuteness, giggles and snuggles.”

And what would a family of veterinarians be without a pet? A miniature Dachshund named Poppy completes the Franklin family. “She is a whole vibe and we all just love her,” Katie said. “She cozies in my bed as if it were her own and she adores the kids as much as they adore her.”

The Franklins are active members at Westport Road Baptist Church. Katie teaches 3–4-year-old Sunday school, and Chris teaches the 4th and 5th-grade Sunday school classes. Levi and Mary Katherine participate in weekly, kid-friendly bible study classes focused on scripture and building a relationship with Jesus. “It has been so sweet to watch them blossom in their friendships and knowledge and to have an amazing church that loves on our kids,” Katie said.

They also love the community in Glen Oaks. The Franklins bought a home on Championship Court in November 2022. They were previously living in a condo above their Dogwood Veterinary Clinic in Norton Commons but decided they wanted more space for the family to grow. Glen Oaks has been the perfect fit for the Franklins. They are active on the swim team, attend neighborhood events, and have enjoyed getting to know their neighbors. The early snowfall in January was another reminder that moving to Glen Oaks was a great choice. “We had the best time sledding by the playground,” Katie said. “When we first arrived and saw so many families enjoying the great hill, I thought, ‘This is what neighborhood dreams are made of!’”

As for their next big adventures, Chris is training for his first marathon, Katie is decorating the home and honing her floral arrangement skills, and the kids are looking forward to their annual summer vacation at the beach with their cousins in Watercolor, Florida.