Buddy is a sweet but timid 10-month-old Mini Australian Shepherd who recently arrived at Second Chance. He’s had a tough start—testing positive for heartworm, a completely preventable disease that will now require months of difficult treatment before he can find his forever home.

Heartworm treatment is expensive, and Buddy’s medical care alone will cost around $900. We’re asking for your help to give him the second chance he deserves. Buddy has a potential adopter waiting for him, but his heartworm diagnosis stands in the way of his happily-ever-after!  Every donation, big or small, will go directly toward his treatment and recovery.

Let’s come together to help him heal so he can finally have the loving family he’s been waiting for!

 Donate today to help Buddy beat heartworm!

Second Chance Community Veterinary Hospitals offer affordable care in North Brookfield, Worcester, Springfield, and Southbridge. Talk to your vet about heartworm prevention—it can save lives!

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 – Bella

Bella, 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

Day 2 – Storm and Houston

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.

Day 3 – Clarissa & Charlie

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.

Day 4 – Community Outreach

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 Kelly

Grace 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 Puppies

Thirteen 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: Sophie

Sophie, 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 – Tsunami

Tsunami, 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!

Day 9 – Rocky, KJ, Iris & Laura

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 & Friends

In 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 – Ribbet

Ribbet’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 – Tim

Meet 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.

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Second Chance, 111 Young Road, PO Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515