Make plans to join us at this year’s 26th Annual Auction Gala on March 29th at the elegant AC Hotels by Marriott Worcester. The event promises an extraordinary evening to support pets in need.
Business owners – This is our most important annual fundraiser and we need your support! Click here to learn how you can become a sponsor or donate an auction or raffle item and show your support for animals!
When we first introduced Ribbet’s story on November 11, we couldn’t predict the incredible journey ahead for this brave puppy. In the time since, thousands of you have shown your love and support, helping Ribbet overcome unimaginable challenges. You’ve cheered for every milestone, shared his story far and wide, and embraced him as part of the Second Chance family. Thanks to your kindness, Ribbet’s story became one of resilience, hope, and healing. We are forever grateful for the role you’ve played in giving him a second chance, and we look forward to keeping you updated as he begins his new life with his forever family.
Ribbet is doing amazing and getting SO BIG!
We received these adorable photos of Ribbet’s holiday visit to the groomer.
A note from Ribbet’s FOREVER FAMILY ❤️
“Thank YOU! He is such a special little guy and we love him so much. He slept a lot last week and it feels like he grew over night! He’s getting so big already. I have attached some pictures of him being goofy. Thank you all again!”
Following his latest X-rays, our veterinary team has confirmed that Ribbet’s skull fracture has healed properly, the swelling has resolved, and he is thriving. We are overjoyed to announce that with a clean bill of health, Ribbet has officially been cleared for adoption!
Ribbet’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. After suffering life-threatening injuries that required emergency surgery to remove both eyes, he has made a stunning recovery in the loving care of his foster family, who has now become his forever family. His new family has been teaching him how to play fetch with a jingle ball.
https://youtube.com/shorts/KA8Jutr18rw?feature=share
This is a testament to the resilience of animals and the incredible power of community support. Ribbet has shown us all that, with the right care and love, even the most challenging odds can be overcome. Thank you to everyone who made Ribbet’s second chance possible.
Stan Grossfeld of The Boston Globe takes you behind the scenes at Second Chance as we care for Ribbet.
AS I SEE IT
Exciting news! Ribbet got his stitches out and he’s headed to his foster-to-adopt home, where he’ll be showered with love and care as he continues his recovery journey. Thank you to all the incredible people who offered to welcome Ribbet into your lives. Choosing a home for him was no easy decision, especially with so many wonderful people ready to give him a fresh start.
In about 2.5 weeks, he’ll be back for a recheck to see how his skull fracture is healing. If everything looks good, he could be cleared for adoption soon! Many of you have asked about his long-term outlook, and we’re happy to report that, so far, there doesn’t appear to be any lasting damage. Follow-up X-rays will give us more information, but for now, we’re celebrating each milestone. Thank you all for being there for Ribbet every step of the way!
https://youtube.com/shorts/KA8Jutr18rw?feature=share
A sweet moment of Ribbet just being a puppy! Despite everything he’s been through, here he is playing with his foster siblings. Later this week, he has his surgery recheck and, paws crossed, he will get his stitches out!
Watching him play like this is a healing moment for all of us. Thank you for standing by Ribbet and cheering him on every step of the way! You have no idea how much your support means to all of us at Second Chance.
Ribbet has been busy exploring his foster home, and he’s proving to be one smart little pup. He’s already learned his way around despite his blindness. His playful spirit is shining through as he becomes more comfortable, and he’s even playing with his foster siblings like a true puppy!
Ribbet now has a new collar identifying him as blind, which will help others understand his special needs and approach him with care. Thank you for being part of his journey and for your support. Your gift is providing for Ribbet’s ongoing care, and donations exceeding the cost of his treatment will help other pets in need of medical support.
We are happy to report that Ribbet continues to make progress. Despite all he’s been through, he’s finding great comfort being in the company of the other dogs in his foster’s home. These older dogs have been so loving and super gentle with him. Here they are cuddling together.
Thank you all for your incredible support for Ribbet! We’re thrilled to share that, thanks to your generosity, we’ve fully unlocked the match offered by yesterday’s anonymous supporter. Every dollar raised will go directly toward Ribbet’s care, and donations exceeding the cost of his treatment will help other pets in need of medical support.
We’re monitoring Ribbet closely and are cautiously optimistic about his progress. He’s eating and drinking well, and some of the swelling has begun to subside. Thank you for keeping him in your thoughts as he continues his healing journey!
An anonymous supporter, moved by Ribbet’s story, generously offered to match the next $5,000 in donations.
Monday, November 11thWe are sharing this story for two reasons. First, we hope you’ll join us in supporting an innocent puppy, named Ribbet, on his long road to recovery. Second, we want to raise awareness of why shelters and rescues put essential safeguards in place to prevent tragedies and to highlight the risks of giving pets away without screening or proper introductions to other pets in the home.
A few weeks ago, a family adopted Ribbet, a tiny, two-month-old Labrador Retriever puppy, from Second Chance. Ribbet was meant to have a lifetime of love and security, but tragically, his life took a different turn. Against our adoption agreement, the family rehomed Ribbet on their own, placing him in a home with a much larger dog.
The outcome was devastating. The larger dog attacked Ribbet, delivering a bite so severe it crushed his tiny skull and damaged his eyes beyond repair. When Ribbet arrived at Second Chance, our dedicated veterinary team at our Second Chance Community Veterinary Hospital in Worcester, through their own tears upon seeing his injuries, leapt into action. They immediately performed emergency surgery to save his life, and while Ribbet’s injuries required the removal of both eyes, our team remains cautiously optimistic that he will recover from his fractured skull.
This tragedy underscores the vital importance of our adoption policies. Second Chance requires adopters to contact us if they can’t keep a pet, and we mandate meet-and-greet sessions with other pets in the household. These measures are in place to ensure that everything possible is done for each animal’s safety and well-being. When pets are rehomed without these safeguards, they face unnecessary risks that can lead to heartbreaking consequences.
Ribbet’s journey to recovery is far from over, and we have no clear idea of how long his care will be needed or what the total costs may be. We cannot share the initial pictures as they are too graphic but will share his journey and pictures as he recovers. We are committed to providing him with the best possible chance to heal and thrive, but we need your support. Every dollar raised will go directly toward Ribbet’s medical care. Should donations exceed the cost of his treatment, any additional funds will be used to help other shelter pets in need of medical care.
If you’re unable to donate, please consider sharing Ribbet’s story and/or keeping him in your thoughts and prayers. Your kindness will give him, and others like him, a second chance at the safety, care, and love they deserve.
Donations can also be mailed to: Second Chance, 111 Young Road, PO Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515
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!
Our Worcester hospital has been impacted by fire damage caused by an issue originating outside of our building. For the safety of our staff, clients, and their beloved pets, this location is closed today and will remain closed while necessary repairs and inspections are completed.
We are deeply committed to ensuring uninterrupted care for our Worcester clients. During this time, we are welcoming them to our Southbridge and North Brookfield hospitals, where we are working tirelessly to accommodate appointments and ensure continuity of care. The external issue is being addressed by National Grid and other agencies, and we are collaborating closely to resolve the situation. However, the timeline for reopening remains uncertain, and we want to proactively make arrangements for our patients in the interim.
While insurance will cover some of the damages, we’ve been informed that not all expenses will be reimbursed. We are reaching out to our community for help in getting this location back on its feet. Your support will allow us to reopen stronger than ever, continuing to serve pets and their families with the care they deserve.
If you need assistance or wish to reschedule an appointment, please call one of our locations. We are also monitoring our Worcester phone lines, emails, and texts from these locations to provide ongoing support.
Thank you for standing with us during this challenging time. Together, we can ensure that our Worcester hospital returns better than ever, ready to provide exceptional care for the pets who rely on us.
Welcome to our “12 Days of Second Chances,” where we’ll look back at heartwarming stories of pets we’ve helped this year, thanks to your incredible support. Each day, we’ll highlight a story showcasing how your generosity transforms lives. Check back daily for updates!
Day 1 – BellaBella, a young Shih Tzu mix, arrived at Second Chance in late December, suffering from unbearable pain. One of her hind legs was severely injured, and X-rays revealed the other was fractured. To relieve her pain, she underwent emergency surgery to amputate the more damaged leg. Thankfully, our veterinarians were optimistic that her other leg would heal completely. With the devoted care of our team and her foster family, Bella made an incredible recovery and found her forever home by the end of January. Your generosity made Bella’s second chance possible—thank you for transforming her life!
Bella’s adoption photo.
Storm
Storm, a 7-year-old pit bull, was diagnosed with pyometra when she fell seriously ill. Her owners couldn’t afford the $8,000 estimate they were given elsewhere and drove from New York to Second Chance for help. We provided the life-saving surgery she needed just before a snowstorm hit. Her owner was beyond grateful and reported that Storm is back to her old self, thanks to your support.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the shelter as we sent Houston off to start his new life. This 8-year-old lab mix spent over a year in the shelter awaiting his forever home and had become like family. Watching him finally get his second chance was a moment we’ll never forget. Thank you for making his big day possible.
Clarissa and Charlie, two kittens born with severe eye defects, came to us in pain and discomfort. With your help, we treated their infections and provided surgery to remove their small, abnormal eyes, improving their quality of life. They found a loving home together and their family sends us update from time to time including this great Halloween photo. Thank you for helping these sweet kittens find their second chance.
As the weather warmed up, we kicked off our community vaccine clinics and Homebound to the Rescue visits. We traveled across central and western Massachusetts, bringing life-saving vaccines, microchips, and veterinary services to seniors and low-income pet owners.
Your support helps us keep pets healthy and at home with the families who love them.
Day 5 – Grace KellyGrace Kelly, a brave young shelter kitten, arrived at Second Chance with multiple injuries, including a fractured pelvis, tail, and femur. After undergoing surgery and weeks of rehabilitation, Grace found her forever home.
Her new family reports she’s a cuddle bug who hasn’t stopped purring since arriving. Thank you for giving Grace Kelly her second chance.
Grace has found love in her new home.
Day 6 – 13 Malinois PuppiesThirteen adorable Malinois puppies came to us after their pregnant mother was rescued by a kind pet owner. With your help, we provided care until they were ready for adoption and helped them find homes to meet their unique needs. Today, all 13 puppies, including Pancake, the last to find a home, are thriving with their new families. Thank you for helping these puppies start their new lives.
Day 7: SophieSophie, a 9-year-old Shih Tzu, came to us with a large abdominal mass. Surgery confirmed it was cancer. Despite this diagnosis, Sophie’s sweet spirit hasn’t wavered. She’s now in a hospice home, surrounded by love and comfort. Her new family is grateful to have her, and we’re thankful for your support, which made her second chance possible.
Day 8 – TsunamiTsunami, a sweet but shy 6-year-old domestic short hair, came to us after being hit by a car. Tsunami had abrasions on all four paws, deep bruising, and a severely injured tail caused by nerve damage. The injury was so bad that his tail had to be amputated, but this resilient boy never gave up.
With time, love, and expert care, Tsunami began to heal—and something beautiful happened. As his body recovered, so did his spirit. Though shy at first, Tsunami slowly came out of his shell, discovering the comfort of cozy cat beds and gentle affection from his human friends.
Tsunami found the loving home he always deserved. His new family shared, “Tsunami, now known as Bob, came home with me on November 1st. I wanted to let you know that he has settled in so well! He is very sociable now, and very affectionate. He’s the perfect gentleman and already has made this house his home. He’s also showing a bit of a goofy side, which makes me smile all the time I know he had a tough time this summer, so it’s even more heartwarming that he seems so happy and laid back in such a short time.”
Tsunami’s story is a testament to resilience—and the transformative power of your support. Thank you for giving him his second chance!
The end of the summer brought us four incredible pets in urgent need of medical care in a single week. Rocky, a playful 14-week-old kitten, needed a right front leg amputation due to a painful, non-healing fracture. KJ, a 13-week-old Husky full of energy, also required a left front leg amputation for similar reasons. Iris, a shy but sweet 1-year-old cat, had been limping from an old, complex fracture. Surgery to amputate her leg has brought her relief and the chance at a pain-free life. Finally, Laura, an energetic 8.5-year-old Pug, faced multiple medical challenges, including a painful, enlarged eye requiring removal and extensive dental work. Her resilience has been inspiring, and she continues to spread love wherever she goes.
It was a busy time for our surgery team, but thanks to your support, these four pets got the care they needed to start their journey toward brighter futures.
Day 10 – Esmeralda & FriendsIn early October, we rescued 23 small dogs from an overwhelmed owner. Several were in foster-to-adopt arrangements as they completed ongoing veterinary care. Late in the month, we took 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.
These once-neglected dogs are are so grateful for their second chances and we are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from our community that made this all possible. 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.
Day 11 – RibbetRibbet’s story is one of resilience, compassion, and the incredible power of community. This tiny Labrador Retriever puppy suffered unimaginable injuries after being rehomed outside of our adoption process, but thanks to the care of our veterinary team and the generosity of our supporters, Ribbet has made an amazing recovery.
When Ribbet returned to us, he faced life-threatening injuries that required emergency surgery. Despite losing both eyes and enduring a fractured skull, this brave pup showed an incredible will to live. With your support, Ribbet received the lifesaving care he needed, including follow-up surgeries and the loving guidance of his foster family.
Today, Ribbet is thriving! His foster family has officially become his forever family, and he’s learning how to navigate the world – including playing fetch with his jingle ball. His playful, loving spirit shines through, proving that even in the face of hardship, pets can heal with the right care and love.
His journey reminds us of the importance of every dollar donated—it’s because of you that Ribbet got his second chance.
Day 12 – TimMeet Tim, a sweet 3-year-old bulldog mix who found his way to Second Chance Animal Services after being surrendered. Little is known about his past, but Tim urgently needed our help.
Tim came to us with a lame hind leg, and after examining him, we found he requires surgery to correct the issue and relieve his pain. He was also underweight, had a skin infection, and was battling Lyme disease. These conditions had to be treated before he could safely undergo the knee surgery.
We’ve been able to keep Tim comfortable during his recovery process and his new foster sister is happy to help! He’s already put on weight, and his skin infection is improving. Tim’s upcoming surgery requires specialty plates to help him regain a healthy, active life.
Your generosity is giving Tim the second chance he so desperately deserves, and we can’t wait to see him running and playing again soon. Thank you for being a part of his journey to healing.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the 12 Days of Second Chances. Your generosity makes stories like these possible. Together, we’re transforming lives, one pet at a time.
Second Chance, 111 Young Road, PO Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515
Our mission is to provide life-saving and life-changing services for pets in need. From providing affordable veterinary care to providing shelter for homeless animals, we work tirelessly to help pets live better lives. This would be possible without the generous support of our donors. Among them, our PetPal Champions hold a special place in our hearts.
PetPal Champions are an extraordinary group of supporters who commit to recurring donations, whether monthly, quarterly, or at a frequency that suits their budget and goals. Their consistent gifts provide reliable funding that allows us to act quickly and effectively whenever pets need us most. Whether it’s providing medical care for a pet recovering from illness or assisting a domestic violence survivor through Project Keep Me, the impact of these recurring gifts cannot be overstated.
When you join the PetPal Champions, you become part of a compassionate community dedicated to making a difference. Every recurring gift, no matter the frequency, directly supports:
The need for support has never been greater. With rising costs and an increasing number of pets requiring assistance, your recurring gift can help ensure Second Chance can continue to meet the growing demand for our services. As a PetPal Champion, you’ll play a key role in helping us tackle the root causes of animal homelessness and keep pets where they belong – in loving homes.
Joining is easy, and your impact is immediate. Whether it’s $10 a month, $50 quarterly, or another amount that works for your budget, every dollar makes a difference. Plus, recurring giving is convenient and flexible. You can set it and forget it, knowing you’re making a meaningful contribution to a mission you care about.
Let’s transform lives together. Sign up today and join a movement of dedicated animal lovers committed to creating a better future for pets and their families. Together, we can make sure every pet gets a second chance.
The holiday season is here. As you deck the halls and prepare to gather with your loved ones in celebrations, remember the pets at Second Chance. The need is so great this year. Your gift can provide love and hope to a pet in crisis – giving them the gift of a second chance.
Give a meaningful gift in the name of someone you cherish. A donation in their honor is a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate the spirit of giving.
The need is great. Your contribution, big or small, will directly impact our ability to provide vital care, prevent unnecessary suffering, and keep families together.
Right Now Your Donation is Doubled! Luna and her friends could use your help on one of the biggest fundraising events of the year. Your GivingTuesday donation can help us stay on track to exceed the number of pets we helped last year.
We helped more than 49,000 pets get a second chance last year, and this year we’ve exceeded that number with your continued support. Right now, your donation will go twice as far with a generous GivingTuesday match from Tito’s Handmade Vodka. You can feel good knowing 95.6% of every dollar goes directly to the pets we help.
Your generous donation could be used to:
• Help homeless pets get the medical care they need to find their forever home.
• Keep pets in their homes with the people they love by giving them access to high-quality veterinary care at one of our four Community Veterinary Hospitals.
• Help feed pets whose owners face financial struggles through the Second Chance pet food pantry program.
Please click the link below to make your GivingTuesday gift and make a difference today.
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.
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.