Help Archives - Second Chance Animals

100 Pet Challenge

You can help keep 100 pets out of shelters…and with the people they love.

One of saddest things is watching a pet owner walk out a shelter door in tears, leaving behind a bewildered and often scared pet they love, but could not afford to keep. Second Chance is more than just a shelter, providing access to affordable veterinary care, a pet food pantry program and more to help keep people and pets together.

Since the shelter was founded 22 years ago, time and again owners coming to our shelter door to say goodbye to a beloved pet told us they could not afford to keep their pet. Some could not afford veterinary bills when their pet was suddenly taken ill, others had lost a job or a spouse and could no longer provide basic care and food. For seniors on fixed incomes, veterinary care for an ill pet can quickly add up beyond their budget. Covid has wreaked havoc on many household budgets. With your help, pets can get the help they need and stay with the people they love.

Second Chance Community Veterinary Hospitals provide access to affordable veterinary care to underserved communities and brings services directly to pets in the community through the Homebound to the Rescue program and local vaccine clinics. Our pet food pantry program distributes pet food to local food pantries so no pet goes hungry.We created this special challenge for the Global Giving Accelerator. From now through April 23, our project will be vying for bonus prizes. When you make a donation through this post, you can help Second Chance secure additional funds so we can help as many pets as possible.

Bemis Farms Nursery Grab & Go Kit Fundraiser

Garden for Good!

4 delightful projects to choose from – created by Bemis Farms Nursery of Spencer

$35 per kit – proceeds will benefit pets in need through Second Chance Animal Services

Pick-Up Info: June 5th – 12 noon to 1 PM at Bemis Farms Nursery, Spencer, MA

Please make plans to pick up your Grab & Go Kits at this time. Pick-up hours may be extended slightly based upon the number of kits ordered, but will only be available for pick-up on this date.

ORDER TODAY

Ready to Adopt? Get the Inside Scoop

Adoption Center Supervisor Aimee offers advice for would-be adopters

Lately we are hearing how difficult it can be to find a pet to adopt. With people spending more time at home, pets are being adopted faster than ever before. We recognize how frustrating searching for that special new family member can be right now, so we’re here with the inside scoop on how our adoption process works.

Did you know that the adoption page of our website is live? That means the animals you see listed under our adoption pages are exactly who we have available. The moment a pet is adopted they no longer appear on the site, so we recommend checking frequently.

Small biographies are created for each animal as we learn their personalities. It is a good idea to read these biographies closely before heading to the shelter. Sometimes pets require special arrangements such as no other animals or no children, or even no beards! In these instances, we have learned what frightens a dog or cat most and will actively avoid placing the animal in a home that will cause them stress.

Adoptions are on a first-come-first-serve basis because the adoption process hinges on a face-to-face interview. We need to see everyone who will be living with the animal interact to make sure everyone gets along. Once you are in an interview area with an animal, our focus is on how the animal reacts to you. We’re hoping to see positive interaction: wiggly tail wags from the pups or purring head boops from the cats. From you we are hoping to see patience and a friendly demeanor that invites the animal’s trust. This sometimes takes a while.

If you have another dog, we do require the two animals to meet. Some animal personalities simply don’t mesh and we want to be sure both dogs get along to move forward. Nobody wants a dog fight in their home and we need to be reasonably certain of everyone’s safety.

Assuming the pet interview goes well, we do same day adoptions, so you can expect to go home with your new family member provided all requirements have been met. If you rent, we need to see proof from your landlord that you have permission to bring an animal home. The adoption survey can be done through our website or in person, and our adoption fees are based on age.

We do our best to match personalities but keep in mind that the kennel is not like a home environment for these animals. Their whole lives have turned topsy-turvy. It is going to take some time and care before their true colors begin to shine. That calm dog here in the kennel could become the most exuberant creature in your home.

We love each animal that enters our care and want to be certain they find their perfect forever home. Sometimes, however, an adoption does not work out which is why we have a lifetime return policy. If you have questions or needs after an animal goes home, please feel free to call us. If we don’t answer the phone right away, it just means we’re busy feeding or cleaning the animals in our care. Leave a message and we’ll get right back to you! We’re here to help.

This is why we do what we do…

Caring for some very special pets.

CHANCE

One-year-old Chance came to Second Chance in need of so much help. This poor pup was so uncomfortable. He was born with entropion – a genetic abnormality that made his eyelids curl in, causing hair to rub on the surface of his eyes. He was so uncomfortable. He also suffered from ear infections his whole life, which scarred his ear canals so badly that we could not even fit a q-tip into his ear canal. His ears were very painful from the scarring and recurrent ear infection.

Second Chance surgeon Dr. Kristen Cormier has been helping Chance – performing surgery to correct the entropion followed by a total ear canal ablation surgery. This TECA surgery involves the complete removal of the ear canal, leaving only the flap (pinna) to make Chance much more comfortable.

Update from Chance’s surgeon, Dr. Cormier.

“Chance went to his foster home yesterday! Before he left I went to say goodbye and he gave me his paw and held it there as a thank you 😊 It’s hard to see but it was so sweet and sincere. He is much more comfortable and playing like a puppy now.”

Chance’s surgeries were extensive but seeing this sweet dog so happy yesterday makes it all worth it and is a perfect example of why we do what we do.

TURNER

Two-year-old Turner recently came to Second Chance from an overcrowded shelter in Georgia. Dr. Jackie tells us he also suffers from entropion – his lower eyelids are curling in so hair is rubbing on the surface of his eyes. He is very sweet, despite how uncomfortable he must be.

He’s scheduled him for surgery next week so he can finally be free of pain from this condition. After recovery, he will be available for adoption.

We are so grateful to be able to help pets like Chance and Turner thanks to the support of generous donors. You can help give a pet with extensive medical needs a ‘second chance’ by making a donation today.

May – A Project Good Dog Success Story

“As the coordinator for Project Good Dog at the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office I have seen many dogs in need come through our door, none more frightened and shut down than May. May was a seven month old Hound mix who Second Chance rescued from an unfortunate situation that left her with extreme anxiety caused by the trauma she experienced at such a young age. May was fearful of everyone and everything. Going outdoors, just three steps down the hall, was like running a marathon for her. When she finally did get outside she would do backflips on the leash trying to get back in. We couldn’t get her to eat, to come out of her crate, to interact at all.

I was so afraid we wouldn’t be able to help her, shedding tears over this poor puppy, not knowing what to do for her. Then one day I climbed in her crate with her to say goodnight – yeah I wasn’t giving up on this girl – and Miss May gave me kisses! I was so shocked and it was at that moment I knew she would be okay.

Gradually with plenty of patience, time and consistency May came out of her shell and grew to trust us. Every small accomplishment by May made all of us at Project Good Dog so happy as we knew how difficult it was for her and how far she’d come. When she barked for the first time we all erupted in cheers. When she began to play with the other dogs we looked on in silent awe of this strong, beautiful girl. In the eleven weeks May spent at Project Good Dog she learned not only her basic commands, but how to have fun, how to trust, how to love. She learned how to truly be a dog.

Fast forward five years and May is amazing, living in her forever home with me! I just couldn’t let her go when she completed the program, I knew she needed me. As it turned out I needed her just as much. Today May is silly, quirky, affectionate and playful. She loves to go outside in her yard and she is an absolute nut for food of all kinds! May makes me laugh every day, and with her strength and resilience she has taught me so much more than I could ever teach her. I truly have no idea where May would be without Second Chance and Project Good Dog.”

Second Chance’s Project Good Dog pairs behaviorally needy shelter dogs with inmates who provide them with 24/7 care and training. They work with the dogs on socialization, basic obedience, housebreaking, and sometimes a trick or two. Not only does it provide benefits to the dogs but it also has positive results for the handlers who learn patience, compassion, responsibility. Many of the inmates say that it also gives them a focus while they transition back into the community. The training the dogs receive while in the program helps them to be more adoptable and stay in their homes. We asked the handlers how they felt about the program and the responses were all positive.

Walking Off Leash – Virtual Book Signing Fundraiser

Here’s a chance to get a signed copy of Walking Off Leash mailed to your home.

Sheryl & Joe were planning to host their first book signing at Second Chance’s now postponed annual dinner auction. With 300 copies ready to go, they are making these copies available as a special fundraiser to help pets in need right now.

https://app.donorview.com/o467o

Purchase price: $22 (includes shipping and tax)

100% of the proceeds of Walking Off Leash will be donated to Second Chance to help pets in need in Massachusetts and beyond.

Paperback and eBooks editions are also available online through Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sheryl-Blancato/e/B085P2WDZ1

Please Help Give Two Special Pups a ‘Second Chance”

It may be the holiday, but we’re helping two special pups who need a ‘second chance.’

Emma came to Second Chance in December after both her owners passed away and family was unable to keep her. This sweet girl is facing some serious health challenges. She will need to undergo surgery to have several masses removed and then undergo treatment for heartworm disease before she can find her forever home.

UPDATE: Emma had her surgery and is doing well. She will be heading home very soon with her new foster to adopt family! When Emma completes her heartworm treatment, she can be officially adopted.

UPDATE 2/13/21:

Emma’s foster sent us a wonderful update this week. Emma is doing great. She has lots of company and she’s fitting in.

Her foster plans to adopt Emma when she completes her heartworm treatment.

Thank you to everyone for your support for this sweet girl!

Please donate now to help give Emma a ‘second chance.’

Dimples is a sweet 3 month old puppy with a dislocated and broken hip. She was rescued from an overcrowded shelter in Alabama that did not have the means to help her. She flew to Massachusetts so Second Chance can help give Dimples a ‘second chance.’ We are hopeful that our surgeons can repair the joint at our North Brookfield hospital. We won’t know how extensive the damage is until we perform the surgery. Dimples may need additional care from a specialist.
Her surgery is scheduled for Monday, December 28th.

UPDATE:

Dimples had a successful surgery late Monday and was resting comfortably after her Femoral Head and Neck Ostectomy. Her femoral neck was already broken all the way through and had a lot of inflammation and some scar tissue build up in the joint that had to be removed to get to the surgical site. Dimples is now recovering at home with one of our amazing fosters! There is some concern for the other femur. She could develop the same necrosis or deterioration of the femoral neck on the other side so we will be rechecking her in the next weeks.

UPDATE: 2/8/21: Dimples had her recheck and our vets cleared her for adoption. She was officially adopted by her foster this month. She’s pictured here stopping by for a nail trim before adoption day. Thank you so much for your support!

Please donate now to help give Dimples a ‘second chance.’

Keeping you and your pet healthy

Second Chance Animal Services takes the health and safety of staff, volunteers, hospital clients and adopters seriously, especially at this unprecedented time.

Our staff now wear masks and are washing their hands with increased frequency in addition to daily temperature checks to ensure that they are healthy for the protection of all. Our veterinary hospitals have remained opened throughout the pandemic with precautions in place. Hospital clients remain in their vehicles while we care for their pets. A veterinarian calls to discuss each pets’ medical care and pets are redelivered back to their owners along with any medication, if necessary. Our spay/neuter program was limited for a short time due to supply issues but has now resumed. Our adoption center has also remained open during the pandemic, limiting visitors to one family at a time and disinfecting in between.

As of 5/25/20, we have entered our phase 1 plan. The current guidelines that have been in place throughout the pandemic continue. Spay/neuter is now fully resumed at our Springfield and Worcester locations and remains limited at our North Brookfield location to accommodate the increased need for emergency surgeries. We are prioritizing clients with cancelled appointments followed by scheduling new patients.

Our plan will closely follow the phase plan for the state, so please watch our website for additional changes in restrictions. We expect all of our current programs that are on hold including walk in vaccine clinics, spa days and mobile adoptions to be back in full operation shortly.

Thank you for your patience as we weathered this crisis together. We are grateful for your support and cooperation and are very proud to have continued to serve pets throughout this pandemic and look forward to resuming all services as we move forward.

No Dog Days

Special guest blog post by Mike, Second Chance Volunteer

If you know me, you know I have a few passions, I love music, vegan food and most of all I love animals. I have been volunteering and working with animals for most of my adult life. Working at shelters, farm sanctuaries and tabling events as an advocate for animals. So, when Diane asked if I would like to write a post about what it is like not being able to volunteer at the shelter during these insane times. I thought it would be therapeutic at least.

Let me first tell you that I am in an essential business, the plumbing sales industry, so I have been able to get up and go to work up until recently when we had a positive test of an employee. I am now in quarantine, so until recently I have not had a lot of downtime. That said, not being able to volunteer has been dreadful for me. Besides the obvious things like feeling good about doing good or the sense of purpose that it gives me, I just simply miss getting to know the different animals at the shelter. I feel like I make a group of friends every time I walk in the door. Every dog I walk or kitty I pet, its like a level of socializing I just don’t get any other way. And though my cats Harry and Millie are extremely happy with my constant attention, I know how well they have been treated their whole lives. They have it pretty good. But connecting with a dog that has trouble trusting people or seeing dogs like Rocco and Yogi finally find a home, these are experiences you can’t get in any other way. To not have this in my life has been extremely difficult. I used to visit the shelter on Wednesdays on my day off and I can honestly say I can feel it every Wednesday when I wake up, because I can sleep a bit later now. I will lay and bed thinking at this time I would be walking a dog or playing with a kitten or even listening to the stories from the other volunteers or staff about their animals. Because, face it we could all talk about our pets for hours with no one even listening. So, again saying this has been a difficult time for me and I know many others would be a massive understatement.

I know that someday this will be over, and we can return to some version of “normal” and with so many challenges ahead I know this, I will not take the opportunity to help the voiceless for granted. Because they are not voiceless to me.

I wanted to close with this. I work with some older guys and some of them say that they don’t want to retire because “they wouldn’t know what to do with themselves”. I usually laugh at them. This is something I cannot relate to because I know exactly what I would be doing with all that time. I would be doing what I wish I could be doing with all this time now. Volunteering. Walking Dogs, petting kitties and doing my best to make sure all of them get a Second Chance.

I hope all of you are safe and healthy and know that we are all in this together…

Be Well!

Mike, Harry and Millie

Emergency Matching Gift Fundraiser

Second Chance is weathering the COVID-19 crisis and remains committed to the pets in our community.

We urgently need your help! Our hospitals remain open for emergency, urgent and chronic veterinary care. Our adoption center remains open to take in pets in need. Our pet food pantry remains open to supply much needed pet food to local food pantries.

So many of you reached out asking how to help. Your compassion is amazing. Right now, monetary donations are needed most, allowing us to quickly meet the most urgent needs of pets in our community. Your support will help pets now and after this crisis.

Up to $10,000 of donations will be matched by a generous donor, to help the pets that need help right now.

Thank you! ?❤️