An open letter to my dog, Roxie.

     by Second Chance volunteer Mike

It was 2 years and 6 days that you spent in the shelter.  And you eventually adjusted to shelter life, you finally let more and more people into your social circle.  Two years filled with stress and anxiety; I hope the 2-3 days a week that I visited and took you out were the best parts of your week because they were the best part of mine.  It was two years of doing the best you could with what you were given. We didn’t know what your future was going to look like, but we knew it was going to take a specific person to take you home, someone to put in the time, to earn your trust, to give you freedom and let you make choices on your own.  You needed to feel safe.  We knew the person that gave you your second chance was going to have to understand a dog like you with big feelings and be able to love you for who you are and not what they wanted you to be.

I remember Bethany, Second Chance’s adoption councilor and staff trainer, telling me about you and I just knew I had to meet you. You’re my kind of dog. Folks at Second Chance know the dogs I gravitate towards. I like the dogs that bark and growl and snap.  I’ve spent a lot of time learning about dogs like you and learning from you.  I know most dogs like you are just scared and confused and trying to fit into a world that is ever changing around them and just trying to make sense of it all.  Once upon a time you would have been the dog so many people wanted in their home, loyal and protective and vigilant and vocal.  Once upon a time we wanted dogs like you, for security, for protection.  But now we punish dogs like you for exact instincts we selected for them.

I remember meeting you and bringing a peanut butter Barkpouch and you licked it and growled at me and barked and then licked some more peanut butter and you kept your eyes on me the whole time.  I realized that you were more comfortable in an open space where you had freedom of choice so we spent time in the grassy yard.  I realized you loved squeaky stuffies and loved to play.  I remember how goofy you looked dancing around the stuffed animal.  I remember how afraid you were of me just putting the leash on you or touching you around your head so we worked on all your fears, slowly and carefully, and with a bit of patience we overcame so much together.

Do you remember the first time we got into the car and the first time we tried to take a walk.  Do you remember the woods you wouldn’t walk in, the trails you froze up on.  The time after time I sat on the ground waiting for you to feel safe so we could move forward or head back to the car.

I remember being so proud the first time you walked the trails with your nose on the ground and not a care in the world. You walked with so much pride and intent and purpose. I remember that day like it was yesterday.  Just to be part of that day gave me so much peace and I saw the real special individual you so desperately needed to be.  To watch you grow and blossom and come out of your shell.  I knew then we had something to work with and maybe your future wasn’t so bleak.  But there aren’t a lot of people out there for a dog like you.  And I know that.

When we first met, I didn’t have a house, I was living in an apartment that did not allow dogs.  When we first met, I had just said goodbye to one of my favorite shelter dogs as she went home with her new family and I lost some very important people in my life during those times. I needed you then as much as you needed me.  I saw you become a better version of yourself and you helped me become a better version of myself.  So, I had a mission, I decided to buy us a house.  I know there are not a lot of people out there that would do this for a shelter dog and I know that it seems crazy to buy a house for a dog.  It wasn’t that I needed to buy you a house; you made me realize that I needed a house to give you a home.

And I know, you’ll never be that friendly neighborhood dog, you’re not going to be a dog park dog and I’m ok with that.  You’re  not the dog the greets strangers with a big grin and a wagging tail and I’m ok with that.  But you’re a smart dog and you arehappy in my world and I am happy to have you in it.  You’re goofy dog and silly dog and you’re a loving dog to the people you let in. And for 2 years and 6 days you were a shelter dog.  But now as I write this and you sleep by my feet in a house that you made a home, I feel like you are now the dog you were meant to be.  My dog.

Welcome home.  Roxie.

Just a personal note to anyone reading this….

To all the people out there that say they don’t have time for a dog, that it wouldn’t be fair to take a dog home and be at work half the day. If you have the space, and a soft bed, or a comfy blanket and the means to fill a food bowl and water dish.  There is a dog out there for you. A senior dog that doesn’t need a lot of time and even appreciates alone time.  A nervous dog that just needs a little love and attention. Even though the shelter staff love and care for these amazing pups, they would still do better in a home even if it’s just a good meal and soft pets and some chill time in front of the TV.  You don’t need a big home, or a big car, or big bed.  You just need a big heart.

The shelter staff is well equipped to help you find that rare gem or that senior dog that you just might need just as much as the need you.  Please consider adoption.

Roxie enjoying the cat bed

Discussing some ground rules with her new sibling

As shelters and rescues across the country continue to operate under immense strain, Second Chance is calling on the public to take a thoughtful, long-term approach to pet adoption. The organization is using this moment to raise awareness of the daily realities facing shelters—and to emphasize that preparation, patience, and commitment are essential to making adoption truly forever.

Right now, shelters are full — dealing with a flood of emergency cases, owner surrenders, and pets with medical or behavioral challenges. Our teams are working around the clock, and one of the best ways the public can help is by making informed, committed decisions when bringing a pet home.

What Shelters Are Facing Behind the Scenes
While the public sees the happy faces of adopted pets, they may not realize the complexity of what happens behind the scenes. Every day, shelters like Second Chance are treating pets with life-threatening injuries, managing behavioral rehabilitation, responding to cruelty cases, and supporting families in crisis who don’t want to give up their beloved pets but feel they have no other choice. Space is limited, resources are stretched, and the need is constant.

Why Preparation Matters
Adopting a pet is a wonderful act of compassion, but it also comes with responsibility. Second Chance encourages prospective adopters to take the time to understand what a pet truly needs—not just in the first week, but for years to come. Considerations should include time for training, cost of veterinary care, lifestyle compatibility, and willingness to provide patience during the pet’s transition into their new home.

Adjustment Takes Time
Many adopted pets need a period of decompression. A new environment, unfamiliar people, and changes in routine can be overwhelming. Some pets may hide, act out, or show signs of stress. This is normal. Second Chance emphasizes that patience, consistent routines, and gentle reassurance can go a long way in helping pets settle in and thrive.

Ask for Help Early
One of the most important things adopters can do is reach out for help at the first sign of trouble. “So often, issues that lead to a return could have been resolved with early support,” said Blancato. “Whether it’s a training need, anxiety, or just an overwhelmed pet parent, we’re here to help. But we need people to ask for that help before it becomes a crisis.”

Returns Are Sometimes Necessary—But Space Is Limited
Second Chance remains committed to being a no-kill shelter. That means no pet is euthanized for time or space—but that also means every kennel is a lifeline, and space must be managed carefully. The shelter does accept returns, when necessary, but urges adopters to exhaust all support options first. Pets who pose safety concerns, such as those with a history of unprovoked aggression, may not be eligible for rehoming—making early intervention even more critical.

Before surrendering to any shelter, be sure that you understand the policies of that shelter.  Open admission shelters accept every animal brought to them, regardless of age, health, behavior, or space availability. While this ensures pets in need have a place to go, it can lead to difficult decisions, including euthanasia when space or resources run out. In contrast, no-kill shelters like Second Chance commit to saving every adoptable and treatable animal, only considering euthanasia in cases of severe illness or aggression that cannot be safely managed. Because no-kill shelters do not euthanize for space, they often operate at or near capacity and must manage admissions carefully to ensure they can continue providing high-quality care and support for every animal they take in.

Supporting Pets and Their People, For Life
Adoption is just the beginning. Second Chance provides affordable veterinary care through its Community Veterinary Hospitals, as well as access to behavioral support and community outreach programs. The organization stands beside its adopters, offering guidance every step of the way.

We believe in second chances—for pets and people alike. If you’re thinking about adoption, we encourage you to take that step. Just make sure you’re ready for the commitment and know that we’re here to support you.