animal, Author at Second Chance Animals

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!

Poorly Drawn Pets

Poorly Drawn Pets is back!

This fundraiser was so much fun, our volunteers are bringing it back again for a limited number of “Portraits.” For a $30 Facebook donation, one of our Second Chance volunteers will create a portrait from a pet photo you provide. Just remember, our volunteers are known for taking care of pets in need, so you never know what you’re going to get!

STEP 1: Make a donation here on the fundraiser

STEP 2: Email your pet photo to donations@secondchanceanimals.org.

Our volunteers will get to work and we’ll post your portrait along with the original here so you can share online.

We’ll drop you an email when your artwork is available for pick-up from our Community Engagement Center located behind our Southbridge hospital – 700 Worcester Street.

Exciting news to share!!

Thursday night at the DCU Center, we received both Best Veterinary Clinic and Best Pet Grooming Company in the 2024 Best of Central Mass Community Choice Awards.

Friday we were honored at the MassMutual Center as a recipient of the Springfield Regional Chamber’s 2024 Super 60 list in the Non-Profit category!

Thank you to everyone who cast your vote for Second Chance. We share these honors with our amazing staff, volunteers and supporters!

Together, we are Transforming Lives – One Pet at a Time.

Cold Laser Therapy at Second Chance

Our Southbridge and North Brookfield Community Veterinary Hospitals offer laser therapy. Laser therapy is an alternative therapy to medicine which offers many benefits. This therapy uses light waves to activate cells and promote growth, proliferation, migration and repair of tissue. This is a pain free treatment that can help with many conditions which include but are not limited to: arthritis, ear infections, ligament injuries, muscle injury, and aiding in post-operative healing. The main benefits include decreased inflammation, decreased pain, and improved tissue healing.

We are happy to offer individual treatments as well as therapy packages for long term therapy. Please call your preferred hospital location if you are interested in this service.

North Brookfield: 508-637-1333

Southbridge: 774-318-1101

Hoodies That Help – Order Yours Today

Snag your limited edition Second Chance hoodie today to help pets in need!

Every year, our limited edition, special color hoodies sell out fast—and now’s your chance to be first in line! By ordering your hoodie, you’re not just getting cozy apparel—you’re making a difference. A portion of every sale directly supports Second Chance’s mission to help pets in need across Massachusetts and beyond.

Two colors to choose from:

At Second Chance Animal Services, we believe every pet deserves a healthy, happy life. From providing life-saving medical care to offering affordable services that keep pets in their homes, we work tirelessly to support pets and the people who love them. What started as a small rescue has grown into a comprehensive organization that’s transforming the lives of thousands of animals each year. Your support through Hoodies that Help will change the lives of pets in need.

Second Chance Expands Programs and Veterinary Team to Address Root Causes of Animal Suffering

Second Chance Animal Services is proud to announce the expansion of its veterinary team and the addition of new programs aimed at tackling the root causes of animal suffering and surrender. This strategic move underscores Second Chance’s commitment to saving more lives by addressing issues before they lead to surrender or abandonment.

As part of this expansion, Second Chance is adding more veterinarians to its team, enabling the organization to offer increased access to affordable veterinary care, preventive services, and essential resources like pet food pantries. These efforts are designed to keep pets healthy and in their homes, reducing the need for them to be surrendered to shelters.

“While adoptions are a critical aspect of animal welfare, they address the problem after it has occurred,” said Sheryl Blancato, CEO of Second Chance Animal Services. “Our focus is on prevention—keeping pets out of shelters in the first place by addressing the root causes of their suffering and surrender.”

Key Benefits of the Root Cause Approach:

– Prevention Over Reaction: By offering affordable veterinary care and essential resources, Second Chance prevents issues that often lead to surrender, such as financial hardship or lack of access to medical care. This proactive approach saves more lives by reducing the number of animals that end up in shelters.

– Keeping Families Together: Financial constraints are a leading cause of pet surrender. Second Chance’s expanded services help families maintain their pets, preventing the emotional trauma of separation and ensuring pets remain in loving homes.

– Reducing Shelter Overcrowding: Addressing the root causes of surrender helps reduce the number of animals entering shelters, alleviating overcrowding and improving the chances of successful adoptions for those animals that do need new homes.

– Comprehensive Care for Lifelong Well-being: The addition of more veterinarians allows Second Chance to provide continuous care, ensuring that pets remain healthy throughout their lives, which in turn reduces the likelihood of surrender.

– Community Outreach Impact and Education: Second Chance’s programs providing services directly in the community such as vaccine clinics help to prevent disease. Second Chance’s educational program in schools help to teach children about safety around pets and responsible pet ownership, the importance of preventive care, and the resources available. This education is also provided at community outreach events to give pet owner this knowledge which empowers the community to make informed decisions, reducing the likelihood of future surrenders and promoting a culture of care and compassion.

– Breaking the Cycle of Surrender: By addressing financial and health challenges at their source, Second Chance is breaking the cycle of surrender, ensuring that pets stay in stable, loving homes where they can thrive.

– Long-Term Cost Savings: Preventing surrenders through affordable care is more cost-effective than rehoming surrendered animals, allowing Second Chance to allocate more resources toward expanding these life-saving programs.

– Holistic Animal Welfare: This expanded approach reflects a holistic model of animal welfare, focusing not just on rescuing and rehoming animals but also on ensuring that pets in homes stay healthy and cared for.

Transforming Lives, One Pet at a Time

The expansion of services and the addition of veterinary staff are central to Second Chance’s new “Transforming Lives: One Pet at a Time” campaign. This initiative is designed to raise awareness and funds to support the organization’s efforts to tackle the root causes of animal suffering. Through this campaign, Second Chance aims to engage donors and the community in creating a sustainable model of animal welfare that ensures more pets live long, healthy, and happy lives with their families.

“We’re excited to be at the forefront of innovative animal welfare solutions,” added Blancato. “Our expanded programs and services are a testament to our commitment to saving lives in a more effective and compassionate way.”

DONATE

Second Chance Animal Services, 111 Young Road, East Brookfield, MA 01515

23 Rescued Dogs Find Forever Homes, Work Continues with More Dogs from Same Rescue Mission

We are pleased to announce that 23 small dogs rescued earlier this month from an overwhelmed owner have all found their forever homes. Seven of these dogs are in foster-to-adopt arrangements as they complete ongoing veterinary care. However, the work is far from over, as the nonprofit has just taken in four additional dogs from the same case that were initially thought to have placements, including one with significant medical needs.

Among the new arrivals is 8-year-old Esmeralda, a timid dachshund mix. She came to Second Chance under-socialized and fearful, but her gentle nature is starting to emerge. Esmeralda required surgery to repair a large hernia during her spay, and pre-surgical bloodwork revealed she is heartworm positive. Her treatment for heartworm, which can take 9–12 months, will be followed by a dental procedure. Her care alone is expected to total nearly $2,500.

The rescued dogs, a mix of Maltese, Poodle, Yorkie, and Shih Tzu breeds, were brought in under urgent circumstances. Thanks to the generous support of the community, they quickly received the medical attention they needed. All but one dog have been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and treated for other medical issues. These once-neglected dogs are now on the path to healthier, brighter futures.

We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from our community. Because of your generosity, the original group of dogs are settling into new homes. Your donations made this possible, and we truly can’t thank you enough.

The total cost to care for these dogs exceeded $15,000. This case reminds us just how critical ongoing support is to our mission. Donations ensure we can continue providing life-saving medical care, shelter, and hope for pets in crisis, like Esmeralda and like Moana, who is awaiting specialized surgery for cherry eye.

We are asking for your continued support.

Your donation today will help us be ready for the next emergency, ensuring every pet in crisis gets the second chance they deserve. Your gift will support the animals still in our care and help prepare for future rescues.

DONATE NOW

Second Chance Welcomes 23 Small Dogs from Overwhelmed Owner

As you may have seen in the news, Second Chance recently stepped in to assist an overwhelmed pet owner, taking in 23 small dogs in need of urgent care. We are currently assessing and treating these pups, and are preparing them for adoption.

The dogs, all under four years of age and weighing 10 pounds or less, are a mix of Maltese, Poodle, Yorkie, and Shih Tzu breeds. The dogs, 14 males and 9 females, are currently receiving the care they need, including spay/neuter surgeries, treatment for fleas, vaccines, testing, and other medical needs. With so many animals needing care, your support is more crucial than ever.

They’re settling in, becoming more social, and finally receiving the love and attention they deserve. Some dogs, like Moana, need extra care, including dental procedures, treatment for ear infections, and surgery for conditions like cherry eye. Your generosity will help Moana and others like her get the treatments they need to thrive.

After another round of baths, they’re looking extra cute, and their fur is beginning to regrow. Some are still a little shy, but they’re blossoming under the care of our team.

These pups are getting healthier every day, and we expect some to be ready for adoption by as early as Friday. We estimate the total cost of care for these dogs to be around $15,000, which includes spay/neuter surgeries, vaccines, and any medical treatments they may need. With your help, these dogs will have a bright future, full of love and companionship.

Your generosity, no matter the amount, will make a lasting difference in their lives. Thank you for being a part of their journey to health and happiness!

News coverage:

Mass. animal shelter needs help after 23 dogs surrendered all at once – Boston.com

23 small dogs surrendered to Massachusetts animal shelter, officials seek help from community – Boston 25 News

Funds needed to support 23 dogs surrendered to local animal shelter – WWLP

Got Space for an Independent Cat? We’ve Got Just the Match!

Not all cats are the cuddly type—some just prefer a good space where they can enjoy their freedom and do their own thing. If you’ve got a barn, workshop, or warehouse in need of a little rodent control, we’ve got a few fabulous, independent cats who would be perfect for the job. These low-maintenance ladies aren’t your typical house cats—they thrive in bigger spaces where they can live on their terms. And during September, their adoption fees are only $50! Here’s the lineup:

Lauren : Think of Lauren as the strong, silent type. She’s not big on affection but will tolerate a head scratch every now and then. Mostly, she just likes her space.

Mittens : Mittens is a bit like Lauren—she’ll let you know when she’s in the mood for a head scratch, but she’s just as happy doing her own thing.

Prada : Prada’s more on the shy side. She’s not a fan of physical touch, but if you’ve got a large, safe space, she’ll find her groove and be right at home.

These cats are perfect for anyone who understands that not every feline is a lap cat. They’re independent, low-key, and ready to take on rodent patrol in exchange for a safe place to live. If you’ve got the room and the right environment, these girls would love a shot at living their best lives with you.

Ready to give one of them a forever home? Reach out to us at adoptions@secondchanceanimals.org to learn more!

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