Help Archives - Page 4 of 12 - Second Chance Animals

Help Rocky, KJ, Iris, and Laura Find Relief!

This week has been incredibly challenging for us at Second Chance. We’ve had an unprecedented influx of animals with urgent medical needs, and we need your help to give them the best care possible.

Meet Rocky, KJ, Iris, and Laura:

Rocky: This 14-week-old sweet and playful kitten needs a right front leg amputation. Rocky came to us in pain from an old, non-healing fracture that won’t get better on its own. Amputation will bring him the relief he desperately needs.

KJ: A 13-week-old Husky full of energy and love, KJ needs a left front leg amputation. Despite being a happy pup, KJ is in significant pain from an elbow fracture. Amputation is the best option to get him back to playing without pain.

Iris: A 1-year-old domestic short hair cat, Iris is a bit shy but incredibly sweet. She’s been limping on her right rear leg due to a complex, old fracture. Amputating her leg will finally end her long-term pain and give her a chance at a happy, pain-free life.

Laura: An energetic 8.5-year-old Pug, Laura is facing several challenges. She needs her painful, enlarged eye removed due to glaucoma and a cataract, and she’ll be spayed at the same time. Once she heals, Laura also needs extensive dental work. Despite her medical needs, she’s still full of love and energy.

This week has truly been a test of our resources, both emotionally and financially. We want to give Rocky, KJ, Iris, and Laura the care they deserve, but we can’t do it alone. Your donations will directly support their surgeries, medications, and aftercare.

We are keeping them as comfortable as possible and hope to perform their much-needed surgeries within the next week.

Please consider donating today to help us provide the life-saving surgeries these animals need. Any amount makes a difference in their journey to a pain-free life. Thank you for your support and compassion!

Donate Now to Make a Difference!

Read Our Latest Newsletter

We’re excited to share the latest edition of our Second Chance Newsletter! It’s packed with heartwarming stories of the animals we’ve helped, along with details on upcoming events you won’t want to miss.

Thank you for being a part of the Second Chance family. Together, we’re making a real difference!

READ NOW
Together, we help over 49,000 pets a year to live better lives.

Save the Date: Cruise for Critters September 21st

Get ready to rev your engines because the highly anticipated Cruise for Critters is returning to Westview Farms Creamery on Saturday, September 21st! Now in its 12th year, this beloved car show, proudly presented by Al Widlan, owner of Service Connection, is set to make another meaningful impact on the lives of pets in need at Second Chance Animal Services.

For over a decade, Al Widlan has been the driving force behind this remarkable event, rallying car enthusiasts and compassionate hearts alike to come together for a worthy cause. Cruise for Critters has become a beacon of hope for furry companions across Massachusetts, and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever.

What to Expect This Year

This year’s Cruise for Critters is packed with fall-themed activities for attendees of all ages. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a pet lover, or just looking for a fun day out with the family, there’s something for everyone.

Car Show: Car enthusiasts, don’t miss the chance to showcase your vehicles at this great end of season show and contribute to a cause that truly makes a difference.The car entry fee is just $20 per vehicle, with every dollar going directly to the betterment of pets’ lives.

Vendor Fair: Explore a captivating vendor fair filled with unique items of all kinds. It’s the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind treasures while supporting local businesses.

Halloween Barktacular: Back by popular demand, the Halloween Barktacular kids’ games are sure to delight the little ones. Thanks to our dedicated Second Chance volunteers, this event will be an unforgettable experience for children and families alike.

Autumn Adventures: From pumpkin picking to navigating through a corn maze, Westview Farms Creamery offers a delightful autumn adventure for all guests. Enjoy great food, ice cream, and live music by the Barberic Band, who will provide the perfect soundtrack for the day.

Sponsors and Vendors are Needed!

This event is made possible by the generous support of sponsors and vendors. We need your help to make this year’s Cruise for Critters the best one yet! We’re calling on local businesses and vendors to join us in supporting pets in need. Becoming a sponsor or a vendor at this event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business while contributing to a great cause.

Mark Your Calendars!

The festivities kick off at 10 am and continue until 3 pm, and spectators are welcome free of charge. And don’t worry about the weather—if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate, we’ve got a rain date set for Saturday, September 28, 2024. So, mark your calendars, spread the word, and join us for a day of fun, community, and support for a great cause. We can’t wait to see you there!

Grey Muzzle Grant Assists Senior Dogs at Second Chance

There’s good news for older dogs this summer as The Grey Muzzle Organization announces the recipients of its annual grants, and dogs at Second Chance Animal Services Community Veterinary Hospitals are among the winners.

Second Chance is one of 100 animal welfare groups chosen from nearly 400 applicants to receive a grant to help local senior dogs and the people who love them.

This grant will help us give senior dogs like seven-year-old Chloe the veterinary care they need to stay in their homes. Chloe was in great pain and struggling to walk. Thanks in part to a generous grant from the Grey Muzzle Organization, Second Chance was able to perform the tests to diagnose Chloe’s pain and get her on the path to recovery. Her grateful owner, recently affected by a fire, appreciated the assistance provided for Chloe’s treatment.

No one is more grateful or loving than a senior dog, and we’re looking forward to helping more get the second chance they all deserve.

Running Out Of Summer 5K

The Running Out Of Summer 5K is BACK!! Register now!

Saturday, August 24

Spencer Rail Trail

Join us for a scenic and fast course along the Spencer Rail Trail followed by food, drinks, and fun at O’Gara Park! Post-race party at Rapscallion Brewery & Taproom. This year’s race will benefis the Spencer Parks & Recreation Department and Second Chance Animal Services.

Interested in sponsorship opportunities? Visit https://www.secondchanceanimals.org/events/annual-running-out-of-summer-5k/ or email developement@secondchanceanimals.org

An Important Message from Second Chance

Pet adoptions from shelters and rescues in Massachusetts urgently need your support, especially those that did not receive the grant for fee-waived adoptions. These organizations tirelessly work to provide a safe haven for countless animals, offering them a second chance at life. Without the grant, adoption fees may be a barrier for some potential pet owners, leaving these loving animals without homes. Your support can make a significant difference in ensuring that these animals find the forever families they deserve. Moreover, adoption fees are crucial for furthering the work and mission of these organizations, including Second Chance. These fees help cover some, but not all, of the cost of medical care, food, shelter, and other essential services, which allows shelters and rescues to continue their compassionate work. While this grant provided temporary relief, only 8 out of over 200 shelters were fortunate enough to benefit from it. When the grant is gone, the mission of all shelters and rescues continue, and they cannot survive without charging adoption fees. Although these fees do not cover the entire cost of caring for the animals, they help to offset some of the expenses. By choosing to adopt from these shelters and rescues that do still have to charge an adoption fee, you not only save a life but also help alleviate the burden on these vital community resources, ensuring they can keep their doors open to more animals in need. Please consider adopting, donating, or volunteering—every bit of help counts.

Second Chance has always believed that we need to get to the root causes of why pets end up in shelters in the first place. That is why the bulk of our work is on programs and services to keep pets out of shelters. The current crisis in shelters and rescues show that we can never build enough shelters or big enough shelters to house every pet that is in need. But we CAN create programs and services to keep pets out of shelters. That is why we have so many programs that include access to affordable veterinary care, safe havens for domestic violence victims and community programs such as community vaccine clinics that prevent disease in the communities. Please support these programs to help keep pets out of shelters in the first place.

Sheryl Blancato

Stay Cool: Essential Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe in Hot Weather

As the temperature climbs, the danger of heat-related illnesses increases—not only for humans but also for our cherished pets. Unlike humans, pets cannot cool off by sweating; they can only sweat through their foot pads, relying mainly on panting to release excess heat. This makes them especially susceptible to heatstroke and other heat-related problems.

Breeds at Higher Risk

Certain breeds, especially English and French bulldogs, pugs, and other brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs and cats, are especially sensitive to hot weather. These breeds, along with any pets that have pre-existing breathing difficulties or are overweight, are at a very high risk of heat stroke. To ensure their safety, it’s crucial to limit their warm-weather activities to the early morning or late evening when the temperatures are cooler.

Important Tips to Keep Your Pet Cool

Here are some vital tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association to help keep your pet safe and cool during the warmer months:

Be Prepared

Talk to your veterinarian about warm weather risks for pets (and travel safety if you plan to travel with a pet).
Make sure your pets have unlimited access to fresh water, and access to shade when outside.
Ask your veterinarian how to recognize signs of heat stress.

Keep Pets at Home

Leave your pets at home if possible when you need to go out and about.
Provide different temperature zones within your house for your pet’s comfort.
Never leave a pet in the car, even in the shade or with windows cracked. Cars can overheat quickly to deadly temperatures, even when the weather isn’t severe.

Keep Them Comfortable

If it’s hot outside for you, it’s even hotter for your pet.
Take walks, hikes or runs during the cooler hours of the day.
Avoid hot surfaces, such as asphalt, that can burn your pet’s paws.
Ask your veterinarian if your pet would benefit from a warm-weather haircut or sunscreen.

Exercising with Your Pet

Consult your veterinarian prior to starting an exercise program for your pet. Overweight pets and short-nosed dog breeds have higher risk of problems with warm-weather exercise.
Don’t walk, run or hike with a dog during the hottest parts of the day or on particularly warm days.
Take frequent breaks.
Bring enough water for both you and your pet

Signs of Heat Stress

It’s crucial to be able to recognize the signs of heat stress in your pet. If you observe any of the following, seek emergency veterinary care immediately:

– Anxiousness

– Excessive panting

– Restlessness

– Excessive drooling

– Unsteadiness

– Abnormal gum and tongue color

– Collapse

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your pet stays safe and comfortable during the hot summer months. Always prioritize their well-being and remember that if it’s too hot for you, it’s even hotter for them. Stay cool and keep your furry friends cool too!

Meet Grace Kelly: A Tale of Courage and Compassion

Grace Kelly, a brave young kitten, recently came into our care at Second Chance after what our veterinarians suspect was a traumatic accident, possibly being hit by a car. Despite the challenges she’s faced, Grace’s sweet nature has captured the hearts of everyone here.

Grace’s Journey of Resilience

When Grace arrived, X-rays revealed the extent of her injuries: a fractured pelvis, a broken femur, and a damaged tail. These injuries caused her immense discomfort, but amidst her struggles, Grace’s spirit remained unbroken. Her resilience and affection have been a beacon of hope for us all.

The Road to Recovery

To alleviate her pain and give her the chance to live a happy, active life, Grace needed a Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) surgery. This procedure was crucial for her recovery, and thanks to the generosity of our caring and compassionate supporters, Grace was able to receive her surgery and start on the path to healing.

Here’s a heartwarming note from her dedicated care team:

“Grace Kelly is recovering well! She is resting and relaxing in her cozy cat bed and eating breakfast in bed. She greets us each morning with sweet little chirps and loves head scritches.”

Following her surgery, Grace required approximately two weeks of cage rest to ensure proper healing. Yesterday marked an exciting milestone for Grace: she passed her check-up with flying colors and will soon be available for adoption. Now she can gradually increase her exercise regimen to help her muscles build back up.

Gratitude and Ongoing Support

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to Grace’s care. Her journey from a tragic accident to a promising recovery is a testament to her resilience and the power of community support. Your generosity has been vital in giving Grace the second chance she truly deserves.

Helping More Pets in Need

While Grace is on her way to finding her forever home, many other medically needy pets are waiting for their second chance. Your continued support is crucial in helping us provide the necessary medical care for these animals. Together, we can give more shelter pets the happy, healthy futures they deserve.

Join Us in Making a Difference

Your continued support is crucial in helping us provide the necessary medical care for these animals. Together, we can give more shelter pets the happy, healthy futures they deserve.

DONATE NOW

Thank you for your unwavering support and for believing in second chances.

UPDATE

Amazing news!!! Look who’s found her forever home!

“She has already settled in and is doing so well! Eating, using the litter box, playing. Her hip doesn’t seem to impact her spirit which is so great to see. She is a HUGE cuddlebug and hasn’t stopped purring since we brought her home. We feel so grateful to have her in our lives.”