animal, Author at Second Chance Animals

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!

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.

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.

By Stan Grossfeld Globe Staff,Updated November 25, 2024

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.

Should You Give a Pet as a Gift?

Second Chance Offers a Better Way Welcome a Pet into Your Family this Holiday Season

In the heartwarming videos circulating every holiday season, the joy of receiving a surprise puppy or kitten is undeniable. The excitement is infectious, and you might be tempted to create a similar moment for a loved one this year. Second Chance Animal Services suggests a thoughtful alternative: consider a shelter visit as the gift of a lifetime.

While those viral videos capture the immediate happiness, Second Chance founder and CEO Sheryl Blancato emphasizes the unseen aftermath of pets surrendered to shelters shortly after festivities. The decision to bring a pet into your family is immensely gratifying, but it’s also a substantial commitment. Extensive research and careful consideration of your family’s lifestyle are critical. Owning a pet is a considerable responsibility, both when they’re young and as they age. Adopting a pet is a pledge for life.

Blancato advocates against surprising someone entirely with a pet. Of course, we hope all our pets will spend the holidays in their new homes, but we want them to find homes with committed, loving families ready to take on the responsibility of caring for their new, furry family member. Being surrendered back to a shelter takes a serious toll on animals. Witnessing them wait for their owner’s return is truly heartbreaking.

To encourage responsible pet adoption, Second Chance recommends gifting a pet bed or bowls accompanied by a note expressing your intent to explore pet ownership responsibly. A handmade gift certificate for a local shelter visit, paired with an informative book on pet care, can be an excellent present for young children. This approach ensures that the decision to welcome a pet is a well-informed and creates a memorable experience of the joy of going to the shelter together to choose the pet.

Join the Pack: How PetPal Champions Save Lives All Year Long

Our mission is to provide life-saving and life-changing services for pets in need. From providing affordable veterinary care to providing shelter for homeless animals, we work tirelessly to help pets live better lives. This would be possible without the generous support of our donors. Among them, our PetPal Champions hold a special place in our hearts.

What Is a PetPal Champion?

PetPal Champions are an extraordinary group of supporters who commit to recurring donations, whether monthly, quarterly, or at a frequency that suits their budget and goals. Their consistent gifts provide reliable funding that allows us to act quickly and effectively whenever pets need us most. Whether it’s providing medical care for a pet recovering from illness or assisting a domestic violence survivor through Project Keep Me, the impact of these recurring gifts cannot be overstated.

The Power of Recurring Giving

Predictable Funding for Vital Programs
Recurring gifts allow us to plan ahead. When we know support is coming in regularly, we can allocate resources where they’re needed most, ensuring pets receive the care they deserve without delay.
Immediate Action in Emergencies
Emergencies don’t wait, and neither do we. With a foundation of steady funding from PetPal Champions, we’re ready to step in when pets are in crisis, whether it’s due to natural disasters, medical emergencies, or unexpected surrenders.
A Greater Collective Impact
When you become a PetPal Champion, your recurring gift combines with others to create a powerful force for good. Together, these contributions transform lives, one pet at a time.

More Than Just a Donation

When you join the PetPal Champions, you become part of a compassionate community dedicated to making a difference. Every recurring gift, no matter the frequency, directly supports:

Affordable veterinary care for pets in underserved communities
Temporary housing and medical care for pets in crisis
Life-saving surgeries and treatments for pets in need
Community outreach and education programs to prevent pet homelessness

Why Now?

The need for support has never been greater. With rising costs and an increasing number of pets requiring assistance, your recurring gift can help ensure Second Chance can continue to meet the growing demand for our services. As a PetPal Champion, you’ll play a key role in helping us tackle the root causes of animal homelessness and keep pets where they belong – in loving homes.

Become a PetPal Champion Today

Joining is easy, and your impact is immediate. Whether it’s $10 a month, $50 quarterly, or another amount that works for your budget, every dollar makes a difference. Plus, recurring giving is convenient and flexible. You can set it and forget it, knowing you’re making a meaningful contribution to a mission you care about.

Let’s transform lives together. Sign up today and join a movement of dedicated animal lovers committed to creating a better future for pets and their families. Together, we can make sure every pet gets a second chance.

Give Love, Give Hope, Give the Gift of a Second Chance

The holiday season is here. As you deck the halls and prepare to gather with your loved ones in celebrations, remember the pets at Second Chance. The need is so great this year. Your gift can provide love and hope to a pet in crisis – giving them the gift of a second chance.

Give a meaningful gift in the name of someone you cherish. A donation in their honor is a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate the spirit of giving.

The need is great. Your contribution, big or small, will directly impact our ability to provide vital care, prevent unnecessary suffering, and keep families together.

What is GivingTuesday?

As the holiday season begins, you may know that Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday are coming up, but did you know that GivingTuesday is also right around the corner?

GivingTuesday began in 2012 with a simple goal: encourage others to do something good. Now, it’s an independent nonprofit and has turned into a global movement celebrated each year the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

Many businesses and nonprofits participate in GivingTuesday, urging participants to give back to their local communities through fundraisers or food drives. The day and movement are all about helping one another and promoting generosity.

This year, GivingTuesday falls on December 3rd. If you want to participate, consider finding a cause, nonprofit, or small business that you’re passionate about and researching what they need; whether that be monetary donations, physical donations, organizers, or volunteers.

There are no wrong ways to participate in GivingTuesday – random acts of kindness and helping a stranger are great ways to give back and inspire others. Learn more about how you can get involved this year by visiting: GivingTuesday.org.

If you’d like to include Second Chance Animal Services in your GivingTuesday plans, we’d be so grateful for your generosity and support. Consider making a donation by visiting our GivingTuesday page here.

Creating a Safe and Joyful Holiday Season for Pets

As Thanksgiving and the winter holidays approach, Second Chance Animal Services reminds pet owners to keep their pets’ safety in mind amid the festive cheer. While holiday meals, decorations, and gatherings bring joy to our homes, they can also pose unexpected hazards to our furry friends. A few simple precautions can ensure a safe, happy holiday season for pets and people alike.

Pets are part of the family, and it’s important to consider their safety during holiday celebrations. A little planning can prevent unexpected pet emergencies. Here are some tips to help you create a pet-friendly holiday environment.

Mindful Holiday Meals

Holiday treats can be tempting for pets, but many common ingredients can harm them. Foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, and bones are dangerous, and even rich, fatty, or spicy foods may cause stomach upset. To let your pet safely join in the festivities, opt for pet-safe treats or offer a small portion of their usual food, helping them feel included without the risk.

Pet-Safe Decorations

Holiday decor adds to the magic of the season, but some items can be risky for pets. Tinsel, ribbons, and ornaments may look like toys but can lead to serious health issues if swallowed. Consider pet-safe decorations and keep them out of reach of curious pets. If you’re decorating with candles, remember that open flames can be easily knocked over by a pet, increasing the risk of burns or fires.

Awareness of Seasonal Plants

Popular holiday plants like poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly are beautiful but can be toxic to pets. Keep these plants out of reach, or choose pet-safe alternatives to prevent accidental ingestion. For those using artificial plants or trees, note that some contain chemicals that could be harmful if chewed.

Creating a Calm Space for Pets

The excitement of holiday gatherings can be overwhelming for pets, especially with new sounds, smells, and unfamiliar guests. Set up a quiet, comfortable space where your pet can retreat when they need a break. Remind guests to respect pets’ boundaries and avoid offering them table scraps. If your pet feels stress during gatherings, Second Chance veterinarians can help with advice on keeping them calm.

Identification and Microchipping

The increased activity around the holidays may raise the risk of pets slipping out the door and going missing. Make sure your pet’s collar has an up-to-date ID tag. For added security, consider microchipping them—it’s a simple and effective way to increase the chance of reuniting if they wander off.

Holiday Travel Prep for Pets

If holiday plans involve travel with pets, some extra preparation will help ensure a smooth journey. Confirm that your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date, and contact your veterinarian to schedule any needed boosters in advance. Pack essentials like food, water, medications, and a favorite toy to reduce travel stress. If you’re staying in hotels or with family, confirm that your accommodations are pet-friendly and secure.

By taking these simple, thoughtful steps, pet owners can enjoy a safe and joyful holiday season with their furry family members. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping pets happy, healthy, and comfortable during the festivities.

Second Chance Community Veterinary Hospitals in North Brookfield, Southbridge, Springfield, and Worcester are currently accepting new patients and offer weekly low-cost vaccine clinics. See our Vet Care page to schedule a holiday check-up or register for a vaccine clinic.

Let’s make this holiday season safe and enjoyable for all family members, two- and four-legged alike!

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