Help Archives - Second Chance Animals

Hoodies the Help

Every year our limited-edition special color hoodies sell out fast. This year we partnered with Kerrin Graphics, the team behind all our Second Chance gear, to create our limited-edition Hoodies that Help.

Orders must be placed by December 5 for Christmas delivery. $10 flat-rate shipping is available, or you can pick up your order for free on December 19, 22 or 23 at our Southbridge location.

By ordering your hoodie you’re not just getting cozy apparel, you’re helping pets in need. A portion of every sale supports Second Chance programs that provide life saving medical care and affordable services that help pets stay with the people who love them and give shelter pets a second chance. Your support through Hoodies that Help makes a real difference for pets across Massachusetts and beyond.

A Feast for Man & Beast

As we gather around the Thanksgiving table, savoring the delicious aromas and flavors of the season, it’s only natural to want to share the joy with our furry companions. It’s important to keep our pets’ safety in mind. Here’s some tips to make sure your pets enjoy a Thanksgiving feast that’s as safe as it is delicious.

Turkey Talk:

While turkey is a Thanksgiving staple, it’s essential to prepare it with your pets in mind. Avoid giving them the turkey bones, as they can splinter and cause serious internal injuries. Also, refrain from seasoning the meat with garlic, onions, or other spices that can be harmful to pets. If you want to share the joy of turkey with your pet, offer them a small, boneless, and well-cooked portion. Raw meat is not recommended to be fed to pets.

Sensible Sides:

Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and green beans often find their way to the Thanksgiving table. While these can be safe for pets in moderation, be cautious about added ingredients like butter, sour cream, or marshmallows. Stick to plain, cooked vegetables without additional seasonings to keep your pets’ tummies happy.

Hold the Dessert:

As tempting as it may be to share your pumpkin pie or other sweet treats with your pet, it’s best to resist the urge. Many desserts contain ingredients like chocolate, xylitol, or spices that can be harmful to animals. Instead, treat your pet to a small amount of plain, canned pumpkin—just make sure it’s not the sugary pie filling.

Say No to Onions and Garlic:

These aromatic additions to many Thanksgiving dishes can be toxic to pets, causing damage to their red blood cells and severe anemia. Keep stuffing and other dishes containing onions and garlic out of reach, and make sure your guests are aware not to share these with your pets.

Be Wary of Nuts:

Nuts, a common ingredient in stuffing and desserts, can be a choking hazard for pets. Some nuts, like macadamia nuts, are also toxic to dogs. Keep dishes containing nuts well out of reach, and remind guests not to share nut-filled snacks with your furry friends.

Mindful of Portions:

While it’s a joy to include your pets in the Thanksgiving festivities, be mindful of portion sizes. Too much rich or unfamiliar food can lead to upset stomachs, diarrhea, bloat, or even more severe health issues. Stick to small, pet-friendly portions to avoid any post-feast regrets.

Knowing what foods are pet-friendly and keeping tempting but harmful treats out of reach, you can create a Thanksgiving feast that includes every member of the family, furry ones included.

Wishing you and your pets a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

Step into the Barking ’20s at Cocktails for Tails | November 8th

A Roaring Good Time to Support Pets in Need

Get ready to party like it’s the Roaring 20s—Second Chance Animal Services is bringing back one of our most popular events! Join us for the 4th Annual Cocktails for Tails on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the Spencer Country Inn for an unforgettable evening of fun, food, and fundraising to help pets in need.

The festivities kick off at 4:00 p.m. with cocktails, raffles, and a silent auction filled with exciting items. Then at 5:30 p.m., guests will enjoy a delicious dinner followed by dancing to music from every era with a live DJ.

This year’s theme, The Barking ’20s, brings the glitz and excitement of the Roaring 20s to life with a modern twist. Guests are invited to have fun with the theme by dressing in 1920s-inspired fashion—flapper dresses, pearls, or fedoras—but participation is completely optional. Whether you go all-out Gatsby or just come ready to dance, the evening promises sparkle, laughter, and maybe even a surprise visit from a very special four-legged guest.

All the fun of the Roaring 20s will be right here in Spencer, and every ticket purchased helps pets in need. It’s an evening filled with great food, music, and celebration, all while supporting Second Chance’s mission to provide lifesaving care for pets and the people who love them.

Tickets are on sale now

Prices are $65 per person, $120 per couple, or $575 for a reserved table of 10—perfect for a night out with friends, family, or colleagues.

We’re also welcoming event sponsors and donations of raffle and auction items to help make this year’s event a success. Every contribution supports Second Chance programs that provide veterinary care, adoption, community outreach, and other services that keep pets healthy and in loving homes.

Event Details

What: 4th Annual Cocktails for Tails – The Barking ’20s
When: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Cocktails: 4:00 p.m.
Dinner & Dancing: 5:30 p.m.
Where: Spencer Country Inn, Spencer, MA
Tickets: $65 per person | $120 per couple | $575 for a table of 10
Tickets & Info: www.secondchanceanimals.org/cocktails

Don’t miss this chance to dress up, dine, dance, and make a difference for pets in need.

We can’t wait to see you at Cocktails for Tails: The Barking ’20s!

No Tricks – Just Treats Halloween Contest

No tricks: just treats for very good dogs & cats!

Our Halloween Contest has officially begun and the competition is spooktacular! Eight amazing Second Chance pets are vying for your votes, and every dollar makes a difference for pets in need.

Here’s how it works:
Each $3 vote for your favorite contestant helps feed shelter pets and gives them the care they deserve. The pet with the most votes will win a special gift from our friends at Klem’s.

But that’s not all! If we reach 300 total votes, Klem’s will make sure every single pet at our shelter gets a special treat. That means your vote could bring a smile to all our furry residents this Halloween!

TO VOTE:

1.Click on button, choosing your donation amount.

2.Check the box to “Add note/comment” and type the name of the pet (or pets) you wish to vote for.

3.Consider sharing this link to help our pets!

Take a Peek at Puppy Yoga with the Goldens

They’ve found homes, but you can still take a peek at last month’s Puppy Yoga at Timberyard Brewing Company featuring our Golden rescue.

Sign up for the November 1 Puppy Yoga

10 Lucky Pups Heading to Foxborough for the Pawtriots “TailGate” Adoption Event October 19th

Second Chance is teaming up with the New England Patriots Foundation and the Kraft family for the Pawtriots “TailGate” at Patriot Place on Sunday, October 19! Join us for a fun-filled day of football, family activities, and adoptable dogs looking for their forever homes.

We’re deeply grateful to the Patriots Foundation for shining a spotlight on shelter pets and helping more animals find the love and care they deserve. Events like this make such a difference, not just for the pets who find homes, but for the awareness they build around the importance of adoption and access to affordable veterinary care.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at Patriot Place on October 19 to support this incredible event — and congratulations to all who met your new best friend!

Second Chance is excited to join the New England Patriots Foundation and the Kraft family for the upcoming Pawtriots “TailGate” at Patriot Place in Foxborough on Sunday, October 19. This special event will celebrate pet adoption and give families the opportunity to meet some amazing dogs looking for forever homes — all while cheering on the Patriots!

The Pawtriots initiative was launched earlier this year by the Patriots Foundation to promote adoption and raise awareness about the growing need for loving homes for shelter pets. The kickoff event at Patriots Training Camp was an incredible success, with every featured dog finding a home. We’re thrilled to continue that momentum and bring ten Second Chance dogs to this next big adoption event.

The Pawtriots “TailGate” begins at 11:30 a.m., with the Patriots vs. Tennessee Titans game kicking off at 1:00 p.m.Fans are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to enjoy the game on the big outdoor screen and make a day of it! The event will also include appearances by Patriots Alumni and Super Bowl Champions Brian Hoyer and David Andrews, Pat Patriot, and the Patriots Cheerleaders, along with music, face painting, airbrush tattoos, interactive games, and food trucks — something for the whole family to enjoy.

As part of the event, the Patriots Foundation invites fans to bring pet food, toys, collars, and leashes to donate in support of local shelters and animals in need.

A special meet and greet area will also be set up for families interested in meeting our adoptable dogs. If you already have a dog at home, we encourage you to bring them along for a meet and greet — these introductions help ensure that everyone, both two- and four-legged, is comfortable and compatible, setting the stage for a happy, lasting match.

Abandoned Cats Highlight Urgent Need for Fosters and the Crisis Facing Local Shelters

Last week, two cats were abandoned in a urine-filled crate left at our mailbox in broad daylight. Thankfully, they were discovered right away and are now safe in our care, but this heartbreaking act highlights a painful truth: animal shelters across Massachusetts are overwhelmed, and pets are paying the price.

Our hearts break knowing that someone felt they had no choice but to leave those cats behind. We understand how overwhelming it can feel when you’re struggling and don’t know where to turn. But leaving a pet alone is never safe. It puts them at great risk, and under the law, it is considered abandonment. Most importantly, it does not guarantee that your pet will get the help they need.

Right now, every shelter in the state is stretched beyond capacity. We have faced the agonizing reality of having to turn away young litters of kittens because no foster homes were available. Imagine being forced to say “no” to tiny, fragile lives simply because there was nowhere safe for them to go. That’s the crisis we are in.

The truth is, this isn’t just about shelters—it’s about our community. Every time a pet is left at our door, another pet waiting for help is delayed. We want to help every single animal, but without more foster homes, our hands are tied.

Foster families save lives. When you open your home temporarily, you create space for another pet to enter our shelter. Whether it’s a litter of kittens who need bottle feeding, a cat recovering from surgery, or a dog who just needs a safe place to rest, fosters give us the ability to say “yes” to a pet in need.

If you’ve ever considered fostering, now is the time. Our community needs you. The animals need you. And we will support you every step of the way with training, supplies, and a team ready to answer questions.

Learn more about becoming a foster and sign up here: www.secondchanceanimals.org/foster-care/

Together, we can make sure no pet is left without safety, care, and hope.

August 21 – Klem’s Cares Pet Rescue Night

Shop with purpose on Thursday, August 21 from 4–8PM in-store or online and use code SECONDCHANCE at checkout to support pets in need! 10% of your purchase will benefit Second Chance Animal Services and if we raise the most, we’ll receive 20% back to help even more pets!

Klem’s in Spencer, MA or online at www.klemsonline.com

Enjoy a fun-filled evening with:

Music, raffles, gourmet food demos & wine/beer tastings
Paw Patrol’s Chase & Marshall (photo op 4:30–6:30PM!)
Snobby Snacks Dog Treat Pop-up
Savage Wraps Food Truck
YETI Dog Bowl Deal — just $20–$25 with $100 purchase!
Door prize winners every 30 minutes!
PLUS from 4-6pm our mobile unit will be there with amazing pets to meet and adopt!

Tell all your friends and help us win big for the animals! The more you shop, the more lives we can save.

Local Resident Surrenders 52 Cats to Second Chance

Last Friday, we took in 52 cats from a single local home—one of the largest intakes in in recent history. The cats were surrendered by a well-meaning resident who had been rescuing homeless cats over time but was no longer able to care for them due to medical issues.

Though none of the cats were spayed, neutered, or vaccinated, they were clearly loved and cared for.

Delta arrived with her seven kittens. This family will live with one of our amazing fosters until they are old enough for adoption.

These cats are remarkably well-socialized according Danielle Bowes, our foster coordinator & adoption counselor. Many of them came right to the front of the cage for head boops and attention. Among the group is a mother cat with seven kittens who have already been placed in a foster home.

The cats received exams from Second Chance Shelter Veterinarian Dr. Jackie Celmer and her team, who began the process of updating vaccinations and identifying those in need of further medical treatment. Two underweight kittens and a pregnant mom will also be heading into foster care, while twelve cats are being treated for upper respiratory infections. The rest will soon be scheduled for spay and neuter surgeries.

With this many cats, the medical care quickly adds up. these cats require hundreds of vaccines, two weeks of medication for upper respiratory infections, and specialized care for underweight and pregnant cats. They also need foster care, food, litter, and daily staff support. Based on initial examinations, the total cost is expected to exceed $18,000.

We’re asking for the community’s support to defray this large expense and also, once they are ready for adoption, to adopt these wonderful cats.

Puddles, one of the tiniest of the rescue weighing in at just 1.5 lbs, is being treated for a painful abscess.

Contributions can also be made through the Second Chance Facebook page, or by mail to Second Chance, 111 Young Road, East Brookfield, MA 01515.

We know this pet owner truly cared for these animals but sometimes compassion alone isn’t enough. That’s when we step up, thanks to the support of people who believe in giving every pet the chance they deserve.

If you’re hoping to adopt one of these rescued cats, keep an eye on our adoptable cat page where they will be listed as they become available, alongside many other wonderful pets still waiting for homes.

JUNE 19th UPDATE:

One of the first cats to arrive at the adoption center

Duck was one of the first of the group to be adopted

The flurry of activity continues, caring for this special group of cats and kittens. The first group arrived at the Adoption Center in East Brookfield where some of them have already found homes. Sadly, we learned that the cat that was initially thought to be expecting was found to be carrying a non-viable litter.

Yesterday 7 from the group traveled to our satellite adoption center at the Northborough PetSmart where 5 lucky felines quickly found their new families. River and Lobster are looking forward to finding their forever homes at Northborough PetSmart Saturday with adoption hours from 10am to 1pm. We’ll also be bringing some of this group to the Framingham PetSmart satellite tomorrow ahead of Saturday’s 2-5pm adoption hours.

To see all the available cats, visit our adoptable cats page.

River, 4-month-old male Currently at Northborough PetSmart

Lobster, 1.5-year-old male Currently at Northborough PetSmart

JUNE 26th UPDATE:

Amazing sews! Over 30 of this group of special cats have found homes. The cats that were being treated for URI have recovered. One cat still has an eye ulcer that is not quite healed yet but much improved. The others are doing great and underwent spay and neuter surgery. We are so grateful for your support for this special group of cats.

Here we have Ocean, now called Nyx. His momma says he’s super cuddly with her. He’s such a love and he never stops purring!

July 16th UPDATE:

One month ago, 52 cats found hope when they came to Second Chance from a single home. Thanks to amazing adopters, 34 have already found their forever families!

A sweet mama and her 7 kittens are growing strong in foster care and will be ready next month, but 10 wonderful cats are still waiting for someone to open their heart and home.

Could that someone be you? Come meet them and see if your new best friend is one of them!

MEET SOME OF THE CATS WAITING FOR HOME

Visit soon to help complete their second chance story.
Second Chance Adoption Center – 111 Young Road, East Brookfield
MONDAY 10 am – 3 pm
TUESDAY 10 am – 3 pm
WEDNESDAY 10 am – 3 pm
THURSDAY 10 am -3 pm & 5-7 pm
FRIDAY 10 am – 3 pm
SATURDAY 10 am – 4 pm
CLOSED ON SUNDAY

Love Heals: Bacio’s Inspiring Journey

Seeing Bacio today, it’s hard to imagine the pain he once endured. His days are filled with sunshine, snuggles with his cat siblings, and the joys of living with a loving family. But his journey to this happy ending started with heartbreak.

Bacio, then known as Pogo, came to us with a devastating injury. This sweet, gentle cat had been shot. We may never know how or why, but we knew one thing: He needed urgent care. Our medical team acted fast to relieve his pain. Second Chance surgeons were not able to save his injured leg. But we could save him. And through it all–through surgery, recovery and rehab–this resilient cat never stopped being sweet and trusting. His spirit carried him through.

Once he had healed, the next step was finding him a home. It didn’t take long. His new family saw the same spark in him that we did. They gave him a new name: Bacio, the Italian word for kiss, in honor of the kisses he likes to give. And most importantly, they gave him a new life filled with affection, companionship, and second chances.

Today, Bacio is thriving with his new family. He’s a reminder of why we do what we do.

Every year, Second Chance helps thousands of pets just like Bacio—animals with stories that didn’t begin happily, but can still have a joyful ending.

Watch Bacio’s journey in this short video:

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