Fitchburg Community Vaccine Clinic
Fitchburg Community Vaccine Clinic
Saturday, April 26, 2025
9AM-12Noon
Fitchburg Fire Headquarters
33 North Street, Fitchburg
Read Our Latest Newsletter
We’re excited to share the latest edition of our Second Chance Newsletter! It’s packed with heartwarming stories of the animals we’ve helped, along with details on upcoming events you won’t want to miss.
Thank you for being a part of the Second Chance family. Together, we’re making a real difference!
READ NOW
Transforming Lives: One Pet at a Time
Buddy Needs Your Help to Beat Heartworm!
Buddy is a sweet but timid 10-month-old Mini Australian Shepherd who recently arrived at Second Chance. He’s had a tough start—testing positive for heartworm, a completely preventable disease that will now require months of difficult treatment before he can find his forever home.
Heartworm treatment is expensive, and Buddy’s medical care alone will cost around $900. We’re asking for your help to give him the second chance he deserves. Buddy has a potential adopter waiting for him, but his heartworm diagnosis stands in the way of his happily-ever-after! Every donation, big or small, will go directly toward his treatment and recovery.
Let’s come together to help him heal so he can finally have the loving family he’s been waiting for!
Donate today to help Buddy beat heartworm!
Second Chance Community Veterinary Hospitals offer affordable care in North Brookfield, Worcester, Springfield, and Southbridge. Talk to your vet about heartworm prevention—it can save lives!
Cupid’s Karma: Fix Your Ex, Help a Shelter Cat!
This Valentine’s Day, get a little sweet revenge while making a big difference for shelter pets with Cupid’s Karma Fundraiser!
$10 Donation: Your ex’s name will go on display in a litter box at our shelter—a fitting tribute, don’t you think?
$50 Donation: A shelter cat will be spayed or neutered “in honor” of your ex (we promise the cat won’t hold it against them). Your ex’s name gets attached to a life-saving surgery, helping a shelter pet and keeping them out of the dating pool—for good.
Whether you’re ready to laugh, love, or let go, your donation ensures pets get the care they need and spreads a little Valentine’s cheer.
Donate today and let Cupid’s Karma work its magic!
Thank you for helping us turn breakups into breakthroughs—for pets in need!
$50 Adoption Discount for Cats 4-Years-Old and Over
Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places?
Find your true love this Valentine’s season—no swiping required! From now through Valentine’s Day, we’re playing matchmaker with a $50 adoption discount for cats 4-years-old and over.
These purr-fect felines have a dream: to spend their lives with someone special—could it be you? Whether they’re playful, cuddly, or have adorable quirks, each one has a story to tell and so much love to give.
Give a forever home to one (or two!) of our amazing cats and make their Valentine’s wish come true. Trust us, your heart will thank you.
Offer valid now – February 14th at the Second Chance Adoption Center, 111 Young Road, East Brookfield
Be sure to mention this VALENTINE’S SPECIAL to receive the discount.
Share this with a friend who needs a little extra love this Valentine’s!
Meet Our Cats
Give a Charitable Birthday Gift
These days, many parents are throwing “no gifts” birthday parties, where they request that guests attend their party without bringing presents. Whether it’s because their child has too many unused toys or they want to reduce waste, these “no gifts” parties are becoming more and more popular. According to a survey from WhatToExpect done in 2024, 13 percent of surveyed mothers said they put “no gifts” on their party invitations for their children.
If you feel uncomfortable showing up empty-handed to a birthday party, don’t worry! You can still bring a gift – just not a physical one. Consider gifting a child a donation in their honor to an organization or cause that either you want to educate them on or they themselves are passionate about.
If you’re looking to gift a charitable birthday present to a friend, family member, or loved one, consider Second Chance Animal Services! We offer a variety of ways that you can give the gift of giving, including:
- Becoming a Monthly Pet Pal Champion: As a Monthly Pet Pal Champion, you can donate as little as .50 cents a day to pets in need. Your donation benefits pets in more ways than one; by helping them get the medication they need, spayed or neutered, and even rescues at-risk pets. You can include your honoree’s name in your donation, and they will then be honored on the Second Chance website!
- Give a One-Time Donation: A one-time donation in honor of a child’s birthday helps us give pets the care they need to live long, happy lives. Your donation goes toward veterinary care and finding animals their forever homes.
- Purchase from Our Wish List: Perhaps you want to give a physical gift – but for animals! Consider purchasing for our wish list, which has items such as toys, food, leashes and collars, as well as cleaning and medical supplies so we can give local animals excellent care.
At Second Chance, we also offer Party for Pets, a program that celebrates children who give back to and are passionate about animals. When children ask for gifts for our shelter pets instead of birthday gifts for themselves, they’ll be gifted with party favors for their upcoming birthday and a t-shirt. When they drop off their gifts for the animals, they’ll also receive a tour of the animal shelter!
Gifting charitable gifts is great for a number of reasons. If you’re donating to a charity on behalf of a child, you’re teaching them to support causes they care about and give back to their local communities. Your gift can make a lasting impact and impression in the life of a child and the charity that benefits from your donation.
Teaching children to give back and support causes they’re passionate about is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. It’s also beneficial that they learn from a young age to treat pets and animals with kindness and to care about their well-being. Click here to view Second Chance’s donation resources and volunteer opportunities.
26th Annual Auction Gala
Make plans to join us at this year’s 26th Annual Auction Gala on March 29th at the elegant AC Hotels by Marriott Worcester. The event promises an extraordinary evening to support pets in need.
Business owners – This is our most important annual fundraiser and we need your support! Click here to learn how you can become a sponsor or donate an auction or raffle item and show your support for animals!
Ribbet’s Story and Journey to Recovery
When we first introduced Ribbet’s story on November 11, we couldn’t predict the incredible journey ahead for this brave puppy. In the time since, thousands of you have shown your love and support, helping Ribbet overcome unimaginable challenges. You’ve cheered for every milestone, shared his story far and wide, and embraced him as part of the Second Chance family. Thanks to your kindness, Ribbet’s story became one of resilience, hope, and healing. We are forever grateful for the role you’ve played in giving him a second chance, and we look forward to keeping you updated as he begins his new life with his forever family.
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Ribbet is doing amazing and getting SO BIG!
Thursday, January 9th
We received these adorable photos of Ribbet’s holiday visit to the groomer.
Would you like to help a future pet in need?
Tuesday, December 31st
A note from Ribbet’s FOREVER FAMILY ❤️
“Thank YOU! He is such a special little guy and we love him so much. He slept a lot last week and it feels like he grew over night! He’s getting so big already. I have attached some pictures of him being goofy. Thank you all again!”
Thursday, December 18th
Following his latest X-rays, our veterinary team has confirmed that Ribbet’s skull fracture has healed properly, the swelling has resolved, and he is thriving. We are overjoyed to announce that with a clean bill of health, Ribbet has officially been cleared for adoption!
Ribbet’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. After suffering life-threatening injuries that required emergency surgery to remove both eyes, he has made a stunning recovery in the loving care of his foster family, who has now become his forever family. His new family has been teaching him how to play fetch with a jingle ball.
https://youtube.com/shorts/KA8Jutr18rw?feature=share
This is a testament to the resilience of animals and the incredible power of community support. Ribbet has shown us all that, with the right care and love, even the most challenging odds can be overcome. Thank you to everyone who made Ribbet’s second chance possible.
GivingTuesday, December 3rd
Check out our champ Ribbet! He looks fantastic, has put some weight on and look how shiny his coat is! He has his recheck x-rays later this week.
On this GivingTuesday, we say THANK YOU to all our supporters who made his second chance possible. We couldn’t do it without you! GivingTuesday kicks off our fundraising for all the pets who will need us in 2025. We humbly ask for your GivingTuesday support for all the pets who need help. You can donate here on this post, here on our GivingTuesday page: Make Your Giving Tuesday Donation or checks can be mailed to: Second Chance, 111 Young Road, PO Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515.
Boston Globe Tuesday, November 26th
Stan Grossfeld of The Boston Globe takes you behind the scenes at Second Chance as we care for Ribbet.
AS I SEE IT
‘He just needed love’: Blinded by another dog, Ribbet the Labrador retriever rallies those who cared for him
Ribbet lost his eyes in a dog attack. Now discharged from North Brookfield Community Vet Hospital, he continues to spend days at the facility as he awaits adoption, lifting the spirits of hospital staff.
Wednesday, November 20th
Exciting news! Ribbet got his stitches out and he’s headed to his foster-to-adopt home, where he’ll be showered with love and care as he continues his recovery journey. Thank you to all the incredible people who offered to welcome Ribbet into your lives. Choosing a home for him was no easy decision, especially with so many wonderful people ready to give him a fresh start.
In about 2.5 weeks, he’ll be back for a recheck to see how his skull fracture is healing. If everything looks good, he could be cleared for adoption soon! Many of you have asked about his long-term outlook, and we’re happy to report that, so far, there doesn’t appear to be any lasting damage. Follow-up X-rays will give us more information, but for now, we’re celebrating each milestone. Thank you all for being there for Ribbet every step of the way!
Monday, November 18th
https://youtube.com/shorts/KA8Jutr18rw?feature=share
A sweet moment of Ribbet just being a puppy! Despite everything he’s been through, here he is playing with his foster siblings. Later this week, he has his surgery recheck and, paws crossed, he will get his stitches out!
Watching him play like this is a healing moment for all of us. Thank you for standing by Ribbet and cheering him on every step of the way! You have no idea how much your support means to all of us at Second Chance.
Friday, November 15th
Ribbet has been busy exploring his foster home, and he’s proving to be one smart little pup. He’s already learned his way around despite his blindness. His playful spirit is shining through as he becomes more comfortable, and he’s even playing with his foster siblings like a true puppy!
Ribbet now has a new collar identifying him as blind, which will help others understand his special needs and approach him with care. Thank you for being part of his journey and for your support. Your gift is providing for Ribbet’s ongoing care, and donations exceeding the cost of his treatment will help other pets in need of medical support.
Wednesday, November 13th
We are happy to report that Ribbet continues to make progress. Despite all he’s been through, he’s finding great comfort being in the company of the other dogs in his foster’s home. These older dogs have been so loving and super gentle with him. Here they are cuddling together.
Thank you all for your incredible support for Ribbet! We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to your generosity, we’ve fully unlocked the match offered by yesterday’s anonymous supporter. Every dollar raised will go directly toward Ribbet’s care, and donations exceeding the cost of his treatment will help other pets in need of medical support.
Tuesday, November 12th
We’re monitoring Ribbet closely and are cautiously optimistic about his progress. He’s eating and drinking well, and some of the swelling has begun to subside. Thank you for keeping him in your thoughts as he continues his healing journey!
An anonymous supporter, moved by Ribbet’s story, generously offered to match the next $5,000 in donations.
Monday, November 11th
We are sharing this story for two reasons. First, we hope you’ll join us in supporting an innocent puppy, named Ribbet, on his long road to recovery. Second, we want to raise awareness of why shelters and rescues put essential safeguards in place to prevent tragedies and to highlight the risks of giving pets away without screening or proper introductions to other pets in the home.
A few weeks ago, a family adopted Ribbet, a tiny, two-month-old Labrador Retriever puppy, from Second Chance. Ribbet was meant to have a lifetime of love and security, but tragically, his life took a different turn. Against our adoption agreement, the family rehomed Ribbet on their own, placing him in a home with a much larger dog.
The outcome was devastating. The larger dog attacked Ribbet, delivering a bite so severe it crushed his tiny skull and damaged his eyes beyond repair. When Ribbet arrived at Second Chance, our dedicated veterinary team at our Second Chance Community Veterinary Hospital in Worcester, through their own tears upon seeing his injuries, leapt into action. They immediately performed emergency surgery to save his life, and while Ribbet’s injuries required the removal of both eyes, our team remains cautiously optimistic that he will recover from his fractured skull.
This tragedy underscores the vital importance of our adoption policies. Second Chance requires adopters to contact us if they can’t keep a pet, and we mandate meet-and-greet sessions with other pets in the household. These measures are in place to ensure that everything possible is done for each animal’s safety and well-being. When pets are rehomed without these safeguards, they face unnecessary risks that can lead to heartbreaking consequences.
Ribbet’s journey to recovery is far from over, and we have no clear idea of how long his care will be needed or what the total costs may be. We cannot share the initial pictures as they are too graphic but will share his journey and pictures as he recovers. We are committed to providing him with the best possible chance to heal and thrive, but we need your support. Every dollar raised will go directly toward Ribbet’s medical care. Should donations exceed the cost of his treatment, any additional funds will be used to help other shelter pets in need of medical care.
If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing Ribbet’s story and/or keeping him in your thoughts and prayers. Your kindness will give him, and others like him, a second chance at the safety, care, and love they deserve.
Donations can also be mailed to: Second Chance, 111 Young Road, PO Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515
The Importance of End-of-Year Giving
When it comes to donations and volunteers, every little bit helps, especially during the holiday season. In fact, nearly 40 percent of donations to charities and other organizations happen in the months of November and December.
As the year comes to a close, we’d like to remind you just how important end-of-year giving is to a nonprofit like Second Chance Animal Services.
With your help, Second Chance Animal Services is able to provide shelter and care to over 55,000 pets a year. Your donations help sheltered pets get the medical care they need so they are ready for adoption. You also help our hospitals provide subsized rates to ensure that those who qualify have access to the full-service veterinary care. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to support so many animals in the ways that we do.
Many donations made at the end of the year are matched by employers or other participating companies. Check with your employer to see if they are offering donation matches in support of end-of-year giving – this way, you could double your impact!
End-of-year giving is a great way to set us and other nonprofits up for success in the new year. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit and support causes and organizations that you deeply care about. If you’re interested in giving to Second Chance Animal Services, click here. In addition to donations, you can also help local animals through fostering, volunteering, sponsorship, physical item donations, planned giving, and more.
End-of-year giving doesn’t just benefit us – it can also help you! Not only are you making a difference in the lives of precious animals, but your donations may be tax-deductible for the 2024 tax year if made prior to December 31st, 2024.
Any contribution, big or small, makes a huge difference in the lives of animals looking for their second chance. Donate today!
An Update on Our Worcester Hospital: A Call for Patience and Support
Our Worcester hospital has been impacted by fire damage caused by an issue originating outside of our building. For the safety of our staff, clients, and their beloved pets, this location is closed today and will remain closed while necessary repairs and inspections are completed.
We are deeply committed to ensuring uninterrupted care for our Worcester clients. During this time, we are welcoming them to our Southbridge and North Brookfield hospitals, where we are working tirelessly to accommodate appointments and ensure continuity of care. The external issue is being addressed by National Grid and other agencies, and we are collaborating closely to resolve the situation. However, the timeline for reopening remains uncertain, and we want to proactively make arrangements for our patients in the interim.
While insurance will cover some of the damages, we’ve been informed that not all expenses will be reimbursed. We are reaching out to our community for help in getting this location back on its feet. Your support will allow us to reopen stronger than ever, continuing to serve pets and their families with the care they deserve.
If you need assistance or wish to reschedule an appointment, please call one of our locations. We are also monitoring our Worcester phone lines, emails, and texts from these locations to provide ongoing support.
Thank you for standing with us during this challenging time. Together, we can ensure that our Worcester hospital returns better than ever, ready to provide exceptional care for the pets who rely on us.
