Double Your Impact for Pets
Your gift will help 2X as many pet to find or stay in their home with the people they love!
Help 2x as many pets with your year end gift thanks to a generous supporter who is matching gifts up to $15,000.
Twelve Stories of Hope and Healing in 2025
Celebrate the 12 Days of Second Chances with us. Throughout the year, your support has changed lives. Join us as we look back at amazing stories made possible by caring supporters like you.
DAY 1
Freckle’s Reunion
Freckles, a two-year-old cat, went missing in April of 2024, leaving his family devastated and searching for months with no answers. In January of this year, a quiet gray cat arrived at our Southbridge hospital for what was supposed to be a routine neuter appointment. To our surprise, he was already neutered. A quick microchip scan revealed the truth. It was Freckles.
From the moment we identified him, the entire team felt the excitement build. While he waited with us, Freckles was calm and quiet. Suddenly, he began meowing at the top of his lungs.
We soon learned why. His family had just walked through the door. He knew they were there before we did. There was not a dry eye in the building as Freckles leapt back into the arms of the people who never stopped loving him. Thanks to a simple microchip and a little luck, he is home again. Seeing this family reunited reminds us why we work so hard to keep pets out of shelters and with the families they love.
DAY 2
Buddy’s Second Chance
Buddy arrived at Second Chance as a timid ten month old Mini Australian Shepherd who had already faced more challenges than any young dog should. He tested positive for heartworm, a preventable disease that required months of treatment and gentle care. His future was uncertain, but our team, generous supporters and one very special foster refused to give up on him.
With patience, quiet days of recovery, and lots of love, Buddy began to trust the world again. Last week, he got the happy ending we had all been hoping for. His foster officially adopted him, giving this sweet pup the forever home he deserved. Buddy’s story reminds us why we do this work and how healing begins when a pet is surrounded by compassion and support.
DAY 3
Access to Care Saves Lives
Joey’s family faced a terrifying emergency. Their beloved pup had vomited up three rocks and was still very sick. Fearing another blockage, they rushed him to an emergency clinic—but the cost was out of reach. Desperate, they turned to Second Chance.
Within hours, Joey was in surgery at our hospital, where our team carefully removed a large rock lodged in his small intestine. Thanks to affordable, accessible veterinary care, Joey is now back home—safe, healthy, and loved. Stories like Joey’s are only possible because of supporters who make our mission a reality. Together, we keep pets and their people together.
DAY 4
Help for Toast
At just two-years-old, Toast had been through a lot in her young life. This sweet cat was surrendered to us on New Year’s Eve and was found to have a mass on her upper eyelid. Surgery was planned, but we soon discovered she was pregnant. Toast went into foster care to safely have her kitten, and once her baby was weaned, she was finally ready for the procedure.
Due to the mass’s location, Toast needed her eye removed to ensure her comfort. We were worried but the biopsy results brought wonderful news: the mass was benign! Toast was cleared for adoption and quickly found her forever home. Through it all, Toast remained the sweetest cat, and thanks to supporters like you, she now has a happy, pain-free life.
DAY 5
Gwinnie’s Happy Ending
Gwinnie is one of the sweetest souls you could ever meet, even after everything she has endured. This one year old American Staffordshire terrier mix was found by a Good Samaritan on the side of a remote road. She was weak, dangerously thin, and missing her ears due to a cruel act. It is a miracle she did not lose her hearing.
Despite her painful past, Gwinnie never lost her gentle spirit. She remained patient and affectionate through every exam and treatment, soaking up every bit of kindness she received. Gwinnie tested positive for heartworm, a preventable but life threatening disease, but thanks to timely treatment and compassionate care, she completed her recovery. Today, Gwinnie is healthy, loved, and happily adopted, a living reminder of how resilience and support can change a life.
DAY 6
Homebound to the Rescue
For many seniors, a beloved pet is a lifeline. Unfortunately, fixed incomes and limited transportation can make even basic veterinary care feel impossible. Without help, pets can suffer and families face heartbreaking choices they never expected to make.
Our Homebound to the Rescue program steps in before that happens. By working with community partners and property managers, we bring essential pet care directly to the doorsteps of seniors at no cost. From vaccines and wellness exams to preventive care, this program keeps pets healthy, safe, and right where they belong, at home with the people who love them.
DAY 7
A 52-Cat Rescue
Earlier this year, Second Chance stepped in to help 52 cats from a single local home, one of the largestrescues in our history. A kind hearted resident had been trying to save homeless cats but, due to medical issues, could no longer keep up. The cats were clearly loved, but they arrived unvaccinated, unfixed, and in urgent need of care.
Among them were a mother cat with seven kittens, two underweight kittens, a pregnant mom, and many cats suffering from upper respiratory infections. Over the following weeks, our team coordinated foster placements, medical treatment, vaccines, and spay and neuter surgeries. Thanks to the incredible support of our community, every one of these cats received the care they needed and has now found a loving home. This rescue is a powerful example of what happens when compassion and community come together.
DAY 8
Community Vaccine Clinics Keep Pets Healthy
Preventive care saves lives, but access can be a challenge for many families. That is why Second Chance brings low cost vaccine clinics directly into the communities that need them most. By meeting people where they are, we help protect pets who may not be able to reach one of our hospitals.
At a recent Community Vaccine Clinic in Holyoke, 99 pets received critical protection in just one day. Thirty nine cats and sixty dogs were vaccinated, and thirty nine pets were microchipped, giving them an extra layer of safety. From rabies to distemper and parvo prevention, these clinics are a powerful way to keep pets healthy, families together, and communities safer.
DAY 9
Scarlett’s Journey HOME!
Some journeys take longer than others, but every pet is worth the wait. Scarlett spent more than 500 days in our care as we searched for the right home for her. Through it all, our team and volunteers never gave up on her, because at Second Chance, we are committed to giving every pet the time and care they need.
We were so thrilled when Scarlett finally found a home and family of her very own. Her story reflects our promise to remain proudly no kill, with a 99 percent save rate, and to stand by every animal who comes through our doors. Scarlett’s happy ending is proof that patience, compassion, and unwavering commitment change lives.
DAY 10
The Future of Animal Welfare
The future of animal welfare is being shaped today. At our Southbridge veterinary hospital, students from Bay Path Vocational Technical High School recently had a rare hands on opportunity to assist after an emergency C section brought seven newborn puppies into the world.
As the puppies stabilized, students helped keep them warm and comfortable, learning firsthand what compassionate care looks like in real world situations. Our Southbridge hospital is home to the Bay Path Veterinary Educational Center at Second Chance, where future veterinary professionals gain meaningful experience while helping animals in need. We are honors to be a part of building a stronger, more compassionate future for pets and the people who care for them.
DAY 11
A Second Chance IN PROGRESS for Loki
Not every second chance ends with an adoption right away. Some take time, patience, and a community that keeps believing. Loki has been with us since December 2023 and is currently our longest resident. While his journey is still in progress, our hope for him has never faded.
Our staff and volunteers dote on our longterm residents, enriching their lives and their spirit while they wait. Loki needs to be the only pet in an adult only home, which can make finding the right match take longer. Stories like Loki’s remind us how grateful we are for the supporters who continue to share, advocate, and stand by pets until the right person comes along. With your help and support, Loki’s story will have the happy ending he deserves.
DAY 12
Ducky & Misty
Some second chances arrive quietly, and others arrive carrying years of pain. Duck and Misty remind us why this work matters so deeply.
Ducky, a three-year-old Bulldog, came to Second Chance after being passed from family to family. Beneath her wagging tail was serious pain caused by a ruptured eye and chronic discomfort she had likely endured for far too long. Surgery to remove her eye offered her relief and a fresh start. Despite everything, Ducky remains sweet, affectionate, and eager to love. Once she heals, she will be ready to find the forever home she has always deserved.
Misty arrived just this past weekend. This one-year-old French Bulldog is nervous but incredibly gentle. She is facing multiple medical needs, including the removal of her right eye like Ducky, a spay, airway surgery to help her breathe more easily, and treatment for a severe ear infection that may require additional care. Her journey is just beginning, but she is surrounded by a team committed to giving her comfort, healing, and hope.
Duck and Misty represent the heart of our mission. Whether a pet’s second chance ends in adoption or is still unfolding, we are here for every step, thanks to supporters like you.
None of these stories would be possible without of the generosity of compassionate supporters like you.
The new year is almost here and we hope we can count on you to be by our side.
This holiday season, you can help a nonprofit that can help animals in a truly unique way. We are so much more than a shelter. It’s our mission to make it affordable to people to care for their pets so they never have to face the heartbreak of surrendering a pet.
Your gift fuels our pet food pantry, helps seniors keep their beloved pets fed, provides low-cost vet care, and livesaving shelter services. Donate now to jumpstart our holiday support and transform an injured pet’s life and get its tail wagging. Thanks to our supporters we have already helped more than 59,000 pets this year and hope to increase that number next year with your support.
Donate now and your money will go twice as far thanks to a generous match from a longtime supporter.
More Than 59,000 Pets Already Helped in 2025
With one month still to go, we are humbled to share that Second Chance has already helped more than 59,000 pets this year. This milestone surpasses last year’s record of 56,000 pets helped and reflects both the growing reach of our programs and the increasing challenges facing pets, families and shelters across our region.
This year has brought an extraordinary number of pets through our doors. To have already helped over 59,000 pets is remarkable, but it is also deeply troubling how many families and shelters are struggling. We are privileged to make such an impact, but the challenges continue to grow as more pet owners face financial hardships and more shelters operate at capacity.
Our four community veterinary hospitals are experiencing unprecedented demand from pet owners who rely on affordable care to keep their companion animals healthy and at home. At the same time, our pet food pantry program has seen dramatic growth as well. Through this program, Second Chance distributes pet food to local human food pantries, so families do not have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their pets. Even with this support and with all the programs Second Chance offers, some local pet owners still find themselves unable to keep their pets due to financial constraints. These situations are heartbreaking for families and for our staff who work to keep pets and their people together whenever possible.
Shelters across the country continue to face severe overcrowding. Second Chance is taking in as many pets as possible while also providing the resources and care that prevent unnecessary surrenders. The need, however, continues to outpace available resources.
This historic year has also brought significant recognition for Second Chance and its impact on pets and the community. We were once again honored with multiple Best of Central Mass awards in both the Pet Grooming and Veterinarian categories. Second Chance received the Super 60 Nonprofit Award from the Springfield Regional Chamber, earned the 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, was awarded a four-star rating from Charity Navigator and was also named a Top Nonprofit on greatnonprofits.com.
In addition, we are so proud of our very own Dr. Lisa Nowicki who was recognized with the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association Merit Award for her dedication to advancing veterinary care and improving the lives of pets in need.
These honors reflect the commitment of our entire team and the generosity of our supporters. They remind us that behind every award is a pet whose life was changed for the better.
As we expand programs to meet the rising demand, we are facing significant financial pressure. We are asking for your help to ensure that lifesaving services remain available to every pet that needs them.
Every gift makes a direct difference. Whether it keeps a beloved pet with their family or provides critical medical care for a pet in crisis, support from the community is the reason we can keep saying yes.
We welcome support of any kind. Many donors choose to become Monthly Pet Pal Champions, providing ongoing support that helps us respond to emergencies and plan for the future with confidence. Whether you give once or choose to give monthly, your generosity plays an essential role in helping pets in need.
Donate now and your donations will be matched up to $15,000 by a generous longtime supporter. Donations can also be made by mail to Second Chance, PO Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515.
Thank you for standing with us during this extraordinary year. Together we will continue to change lives and create brighter futures for pets and the people who love them.
You can help 2X with a Giving Tuesday Gift
Would you skip your cup of coffee if it could help provide a pet with life-saving surgery or assist a neighbor who can’t afford cat food?
Our friends at Tito’s Handmade Vodka know how much a second chance can mean for a pet in need. That’s why they are matching donations up to $5,000 for Giving Tuesday so you can help 2X the pets with your gift!
There’s no need to wait until Giving Tuesday. Donate now and your gift will be matched to help give 56,000+ pets in Massachusetts and beyond the second chances they deserve.
We need your help to feed more pets!
Did you know that donating pet food to food pantries is one of the simplest ways to keep pets OUT of shelters?!
Right now, more of our neighbors are skipping meals, cutting medications in half, or turning off their heat so they can afford to take care of their dogs or cats. For many, it won’t be enough & they’ll still have to say goodbye to a pet they love. YOUR donations today could help us change that.
Last year, Second Chance Animal Services gave enough pet food to local food pantries to feed 16,000 dogs & cats, helping keep them out of shelters & with those who love them the most. Now, we have a chance to double the number food we donate to local pantries each year.
Each week volunteers come to our tiny, overcrowded building to prepare pet food to distribute to 20 Massachusetts food pantries. With just a little more space, we could store much more donated food. We could host more food prep volunteers, more often. In short, we could feed thousands more dogs & cats each year. We’ve got the plans in hand, and we’ve already raised close to $50,000 of the $250,000 we’ll need. Now we just need you!
Together we can help keep more pets hungry and happy….and at home with the people who love them. Now is the time to give. Can you help?
Please watch the video for details. We know times are tough for many and if you aren’t able to give, we’d ask that you consider instead sharing this email with friends and family. Every bit helps.
We—and innocent pets like Kyla—are so grateful for your help and your support. Thanks!
Some Heroes Have Four Legs, But They Need a Human to Believe in Them
It’s been six months since Second Chance Animal Services rescued 27 small dogs from a heartbreaking situation with an overwhelmed owner. While many of these dogs have found loving homes, a few are still waiting—for someone special who understands that healing takes time.
These dogs didn’t grow up like most. They missed out on early socialization, and everyday things like walking on a leash, greeting strangers, or even understanding the concept of a couch are completely new. They’re learning what it means to feel safe, to trust, and to be loved.
They’re not broken. They’re just discovering the world for the first time.
They’re adorable and people fall in love with their photos, but it takes more than love to help them thrive. They need time, patience, and consistency. These dogs didn’t get to live normal lives before, and now they’re making up for lost time.
Some of the dogs have been returned due to behavioral challenges, not because they were “bad” dogs, but because they weren’t ready for environments that expected them to know things they’ve never learned.
Take Dash, for example. He bonded deeply with his new owner—so deeply that he began guarding her from everyone else. He wasn’t trying to be difficult; he was scared and doing what he thought he needed to do to stay safe. Dash is now back with Second Chance, learning to feel secure in a world that once overwhelmed him.
Dash is a great example of how trauma can affect behavior. He’s not a bad dog—he’s scared and trying to protect the only thing he knew. He’s now learning that he’s safe, and that there’s a bigger world out there where he can feel secure.
These dogs are not for everyone. But for the right person, they will be everything.
They need experienced, patient adopters who understand that progress may come in inches, not miles—but who also know the deep joy that comes from watching a frightened dog grow into their confidence.
Lily’s new home is filled with big toys and even bigger love. Every day, she shows us what a little patience and a lot of heart can do.
This journey is one that some at Second Chance know firsthand. One of these dogs, Lily, was adopted with full awareness of the challenges she faced. It took four months just to get Lily to understand housebreaking rules, but now she’s doing great. She loves her human and her canine and feline siblings, and she’s getting better every day.
She’s still frightened of strangers but typically seeks the safety of her humans or canine family. She slowly gets curious, and as long as people give her space, she’ll eventually come forward out of curiosity. In time, she’s expected to be more accepting of strangers in the house. She is the sweetest.
Once she discovered the doggie toy box, it was like a whole new world opened up. Now, she’s obsessed with carrying around stuffed animals twice her size and chewing on toys meant for much bigger dogs. She brings laughter with her antics every day, and it’s heartwarming to see her discovering joy in things she never had before. Being part of her new world is a true honor.
These dogs may not come housebroken. They may not know how to greet you with a wagging tail. But with the right person, they’ll give something far more rewarding: the transformation that comes from trust, built one gentle moment at a time.
If you’re the kind of person who believes in second chances—and you’re ready to be the steady presence these dogs need—we’d love to hear from you!
Adopt. Foster. Donate.
Help us write the next chapter in their story.
Those interested in adopting or fostering can learn more on our Adoptable Dogs page.
Donations are also welcome to support continued behavioral training and care for dogs like Dash who are still on their path to a forever home.
A Crisis in Animal Welfare: Why Adoption Rates Are Falling—And How Second Chance Is Leading the Way Forward
In communities across the country, animal shelters and rescues are sounding the alarm: adoptions are down, intakes are up, and the system is buckling under the weight. It’s a crisis unlike anything we’ve seen in years—and it’s not just about numbers. It’s about people, priorities, and the hard questions facing animal welfare today.
Fewer people are stepping forward to adopt pets, and the reasons are as complex as they are concerning. Many families are hesitant to take on the commitment of a pet in uncertain times. Rising costs of living, concerns about long-term responsibilities, and the fear of unexpected veterinary expenses are leading more would-be adopters to walk away—and more families to make the heartbreaking decision to surrender a beloved pet.
At Second Chance Animal Services, we believe that simply asking people to adopt more isn’t enough. We need to change the landscape of animal welfare to address the root causes of the crisis. That’s why we’ve chosen the road less traveled—an approach that doesn’t just focus on finding homes, but on keeping pets in their homes in the first place.
Through our Access to Care initiative, Second Chance provides affordable veterinary care, vaccine clinics, and pet food support to help families weather tough times. We know that the number one reason people surrender pets is lack of resources. By removing barriers to care, we’re tackling one of the biggest drivers of shelter overpopulation head-on.
While some larger groups have turned to free adoption promotions in an effort to increase placements, we approach this trend with thoughtful caution. While well-intentioned, these campaigns can strain smaller shelters and rescues that depend on modest adoption fees to fund lifesaving work. These smaller organizations are often on the frontlines in their communities, offering individualized care, local support, and flexible adoption options that national campaigns may overlook.
Free adoption promotions can be helpful when used thoughtfully—for example, when a donor steps up to cover the fees as a way to inspire more adoptions. That kind of support allows us to remove barriers for adopters while still ensuring we can provide quality care for every animal.
We believe every pet deserves a loving home—but we also believe that home should be ready, informed, and supported. Adoption fees, while modest, help cover the cost of medical care, spay/neuter surgeries, and vaccinations. More importantly, they symbolize a commitment—a small but meaningful investment that shows an adopter is ready to take the journey with their new companion.
At Second Chance, we’re not waiting for a national solution. We’re creating one right here in Massachusetts and beyond. Our model is built on prevention, access, and community. It’s not the easiest path, but it’s one that’s changing lives—both human and animal—every single day.
We invite our community, our supporters, and anyone who believes in the power of the human-animal bond to stand with us. The future of animal welfare isn’t just about getting pets adopted. It’s about building a world where fewer pets end up in shelters to begin with.
Second Chance Animal Services: Taking Action. Changing Lives. Leading the Way.
An Update on 13 Adorable Malinois Puppies
Last year, thirteen adorable Malinois puppies came to us after their pregnant mother was rescued by a kind pet owner. Thanks to your support, we provided the care they needed until they were ready for adoption, ensuring each found a home suited to their unique needs. Today, all 13 puppies—including Pancake, the last to be adopted—are thriving with their loving families.
As they approach their first birthday in April, some of their adopters have shared heartwarming updates and photos.
“He’s a great dog! Great markings, personality and very intelligent”
“We are so thankful to have adopted Pancake, now known as Watson! He LOVES to learn new skills, has mastered giving us the “puppy eyes” to get whatever he wants, and is always keeping us laughing at his very silly, yet very serious personality. Some of his favorite things are going to work with me, hanging out with us while we do barn chores, and trying to get away with some sort of trouble! He’s our best boy!”
“Forest (formerly Toast) is doing amazing!!! Getting big!”
“We adopted Oatmeal, who has been renamed to Jasper. We love him so much, and he loves us too, especially his brother dog, Milo. :)”
“My pleasure to give you an update on Loki ( a.k.a. Waffle). He is doing great! We keep him very active and attend Obedience and other dog training activities. He is doing good with other dogs and people and is very good with my pack at home. He is a big puppy now! We absolutely love and adore him. So pleased. I am so pleased with Second Chance Adoptions as well as Second Chance Vet Hospital in NB. You have all been the best!”
“Coco is doing very well! He is 82 pounds and loves to chew his beds and his brothers toys lol. He loves to go for long walks, run around the yard, drink water from the faucet and play with his human brother. He brought lots of happiness to our family.”
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!
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!
