Yesterday was a BIG DAY for a very special guy! We are all so happy for Houston who was officially adopted yesterday after a year of waiting. We believe that every pet deserves a ‘second chance’ and we never give up on making that happen thanks to your support.
🐾 Your gift makes dreams come true.
Ready to curl up with a cup of cocoa and some heartwarming stories? Our Winter Newsletter is here with tales of hope, furry friends, and the magic of second chances made possible by supporters like you!
Support Second ChanceSecond Chance Animal Services
111 Young Road
East Brookfield, MA 01515
Join us in spreading love and joy this Valentine’s Day by giving a forever home to our adorable bonded cat pairs! From now through Valentines Day, February 14th, we’re excited to announce a special adoption event: all adoptions for our bonded pairs will be half-priced or even waived! These purr-fect pairs have a dream of spending their lives with someone special, and you could be the one to make their dreams come true. Whether they’re playful, cuddly, or have unique quirks, each pair has a story to tell.
UPDATE: We’re excited to announce that Albert & Freya and Otis and Moon have been adopted but we still have two bonded pairs looking for love!
JUNE BUG & TOUCAN – Meet our delightful 1-2-year-old duo who find joy in life’s little pleasures! Whether it’s a soft cozy blanket, a new toy, or a snug box to hide in, these charming girls cherish the simple things that bring comfort and happiness. Shy yet friendly, these girls appreciate the quiet moments and the occasional playtime.These lovely ladies are looking for a home where they can relish the freedom to be independent or social based on their mood. Due to a mild medical condition, these girls should be the only cats in the home. Please contact the shelter for more information. The adoption fee for this pair is waived!
EGGO & MORTICIA – Meet the inseparable pair, Eggo (3 years old) and Morticia (1 year old), who may not be blood sisters, but their bond is unbreakable! These resilient felines have faced challenges together and are now ready to embark on a new chapter of their lives in a loving forever home. Despite the hardships, these brave girls not only overcame adversity together but also proved to be extraordinary mothers. Both arrived pregnant and, in their foster home, gave birth to a total of 7 adorable kittens. Now, with their little ones finding their own homes, Eggo and Morticia are eagerly awaiting their turn for a forever home to call their own. A compassionate home where they can continue their journey together, receiving the love and care they deserve. These girls are looking forward to cozy beds, sunny windows, and endless love. Their reduced adoption fee is $200
We invite you to join us for the 25th Annual Dinner Auction on March 23, 2024, at the Lasalle Reception Center in Southbridge.
Throughout 2024, we’ll be commemorating 25 years of helping pets live better lives, and we invite you to be part of this special celebration. Your support is especially meaningful at a time when our mission is most crucial.
Our annual dinner auction directly benefits veterinary care for our homeless shelter pets. You can show your support in many ways:
Did you know that by the time dogs reach their second birthday, approximately 80% of them and 70% of cats are affected by some level of periodontal disease? An early indicator of this issue could be detected through your pet’s breath.
Second Chance takes action every February by providing discounts on our dental services. If you book a dental cleaning for your pet in the month of February, you’ll benefit from a 10% discount on the procedure. Spots fill up fast so it’s advisable to secure your spot promptly. Schedule an appointment today to ensure your beloved furry companion receives top-notch dental care!
Second Chance broke all previous records by assisting 49,036 pets in living healthier lives in 2023. As we commemorates our 25th anniversary this year, we want to express our gratitude to our dedicated team of volunteers, supporters, and staff who have demonstrated exceptional resilience in a year marked by challenges, rising to address the growing needs of pets within the community.
Second Chance stands unwavering in our commitment to preserving the bond between pets and their owners. We strive to keep pets in their homes whenever possible through accessible and affordable full-service veterinary care, a pet food pantry program ensuring no pet goes hungry, and adoption services for homeless pets.
In a year of widespread challenges, the demand for assistance has been significant. Through innovative programs and strategic partnerships, we are actively addressing the root causes of pet surrender and homelessness. Last year, Second Chance veterinary hospitals provided assistance to more pets at subsidized rates than ever before, and the pet food pantry program saw record distributions to meet requests from local human food pantries. Additionally, Second Chance serves as an emergency partner for various agencies, responding to natural disasters and aiding pets rescued from unimaginable living conditions.
Second Chance is committed to expanding services to meet the rising needs and is actively hiring at all hospital locations to extend our reach and assist more pets in need.
Our mission to advocate for pets in need is ongoing. We must continue to fight for their well-being. For those looking to contribute to Second Chance’s vital work, donations can be made online or by mail to Second Chance, PO Box 136, East Brookfield, MA 01515.
Fifty million pets in the U.S. experience a lack of access to even basic veterinary care. Rising costs and other barriers mean these pets struggle to access services such as spay/neuter procedures, vaccinations and critical medical and preventative care. With as many as 70% of households now including pets, this issue affects families in nearly every community.
PetSmart Charities has committed $100 million over the next five years toward improving access to veterinary care. The “Accelerator” low-cost veterinary care grant program is a key part of this effort. These grants support the expansion of low-cost veterinary care by funding growth and operations for up to four years for nonprofit clinics looking to expand their services, serve their communities better and inspire other veterinary providers by sharing their experiences.
The grant made to Second Chance Animal Services in the amount of $1,100,000 will support the expansion over the next three years at the nonprofit’s surgical center that provides lifesaving surgeries for animals. The anticipated impact on local pets and families includes saving the lives of more pets in need of urgent or emergency care who have nowhere else to turn.
“We are so grateful to PetSmart Charities for their continued support of our work to keep pets in their homes with the people they love,” said Sheryl Blancato, Second Chance CEO and founder. “Second Chance is a place that many turn to for lifesaving surgeries to save their pets, and to keep them together with the families that love them.”
Second Chance offers a two-tiered system of subsidized rates for pet owners at their four Community Veterinary Hospitals in North Brookfield, Southbridge, Springfield, and Worcester. Pet owners who are 150% of the poverty level received a subsidized rate lower than Second Chance’s standard rates. Those that do not fit in this category pay the standard low-cost rate. This helps to ensure access to care for all pets.
Overwhelmingly, people consider their pets important members of the family. Pets make a significant impact in the health and wellness of the people they love. This grant will enable more families to get the preventative and standard care that ensures their pets thrive at home and stay out of shelters.
“Our veterinary system is in crisis,” said Kate Atema, director of community grants and initiatives at PetSmart Charities. “Rising costs are putting standard veterinary care out of reach for as much as 50% of pet-owning families. We need innovative solutions that make veterinary care affordable for the families in every community who want the best for their four-legged companions but struggle to meet the cost of vet care. We’re inspired by the incredible work Second Chance is doing to create solutions that will build strong families and a healthy community.”
Last year, Second Chance helped over 48,000 pets including a beautiful black long-haired cat named Onyx who got into Christmas decorations. Her owner had seen Onyx chewing on tinsel and noticed that Onyx had not felt well for many days and was showing signs of being in much pain. She was seen at an emergency veterinary hospital, but her owner couldn’t afford price they quoted for surgery. Her family was grateful to learn that Second Chance veterinarians could perform the surgery at a reduced rate, allowing them to save their beloved pet. Onyx showed signs of feeling better as soon as the surgery was completed and home to celebrate the holidays with her loving family.
For more information Second Chance Animal Service’s Community Veterinary Hospitals, visit www.secondchanceanimals.org/vetcare.
PHOTO: Onyx’s family turned to Second Chance when he needed emergency surgery after getting into Christmas decorations.
It’s been an amazing year of saving lives thanks to your support. Join us as we count down the 12 Days of Second Chances by looking back at some of the amazing pets that together we’ve helped over the past year.
In January, this sweet baby came to us in pain. Ozzy had fallen through a grate onto a cement pad one story below, fracturing his femur. It was a clean break and one of our vets surgically pinned the limb to aid in healing.
He made a full recovery and was adopted by a loving family who shared an update on him when he turned one in October.
These two sweeties named Bugs Bunny and Leif came to Second Chance from a crowded Georgia shelter. They were both suffering from a very painful eye condition called entropion – their eyelids are rolled in, causing the haired portion to rub on the surface of their eyes.
They arrived with secondary infections that had to be treated before they could receive their life-changing surgeries.
Bugs had his surgery first, and after he recovered, he found his forever home. Leif’s entropion was much worse and he underwent surgery on both eyes. He made a full recovery and traveled to our Framingham PetSmart satellite where he found a loving new home.
When Onyx‘s healthy began to fail, her family felt they had no other options for their sweet 18-year-old cat. They were prepared for the worst when a visit to one of our full-service Community Veterinary Hospitals had an unexpected outcome. Lab work revealed that Onyx is hyperthyroid. With medication, Onyx’s thyroid levels could be managed so she can comfortably live out her remaining years. ❤️ Onyx and her Mom were ecstatic to leave together. Second Chance Community Veterinary Hospitals were established to help keep pets with the people they love. Four locations are open to all with subsidized rates for those that qualify, so all pets can have access to the care they need. Right now, the need is great. More pet owners are relying on subsidized rates than ever before.
To look at one-year old Liam, an adorable Labrador retriever mix, you would be hard pressed to guess all that he’s been through in his short life. Liam would eye every visitor to the dog room of the Adoption Center and bark to make sure he got your attention. He was one of five dogs that Second Chance brought back from a Maryland rehabilitation center that were part of a group of approximately 120 dogs rescued from the South Korean Meat Trade.
They were so shy when we first met them, and we were in awe as we watched them get brave enough to explore our play yard and begin to come out of their shells. Since they never had the chance to be a dog, they would need patient families who to help with things like walking on leash or simply playing. All five made great progress and found loving homes where they can have the great life they deserve.
Natty came to us in excruciating pain, suffering from a severe degloving injury to his leg. The skin and tissue had been torn away, leaving his limb vulnerable and exposed. Our dedicated team of veterinarians and staff immediately sprang into action, attempting to save his leg. Pain medication and constant monitoring were provided, but Natty’s distress was so overwhelming that he resorted to chewing on his own leg.
We had to make the difficult decision to amputate Natty’s leg to provide him with the comfort and quality of life he deserved. With your support, we were able to provide Natty with the surgery he desperately needed, and he emerged from the procedure with the resilience and strength that defines his spirit. Learning to walk without his leg proved to be no obstacle for this remarkable pup.
We are overjoyed to share the final chapter of Natty’s story. After all he had been through, Natty found his forever home—a place where he is cherished and adored. His new family including his three-legged dog sister Lucy love him unconditionally. You may even know him by his new name, Nugget the Timberyard BrewDog. His journey reminds us of the incredible impact we can make when we come together to support animals in need. Your generosity and compassion have transformed his life, and for that, we are eternally grateful.
Day #6 is not just the story of one pet, but the story of hundreds of pets that our Homebound to the Rescue helps. Funded entirely by generous donors like you and by grants, Homebound to the Rescue brings veterinary services to to low-income senior
housing areas at no cost to keep pets healthy and up to date on vaccinations. This year, the need was great and Homebound to the Rescue worked with communities to set up visits throughout Central and Western Massachusetts to prevent seniors from having to choose between their pet and putting food on the table.
Day #7 is a story of lives saved through our community vaccine clinics. This year we were out in the community offering more life-saving vaccine clinics than in years. These low-cost vaccine clinics are part of Second Chance’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of pets within the local communities, improving the lives of animals and the people who love them.
Day #9 When five-month-old Teddy was hit by a car, the emergency vet recommended surgery to repair his injury. The cost for the surgery was more than the family’s budget could bear and they reached out to Second Chance for help. Second Chance is committed to providing access to care, offering subsidized rates for those that qualify so all pets can get the help they need.
Day #11 Charlie was just 7 weeks old when he came to us with a fractured leg. To save his leg, the shelter pup would need frequent bandage changes and close monitoring, which was made possible thanks to supporters like you. Charlie captured our hearts as he grew like a weed, often needing a new splint to keep up with his lengthening leg. We are happy to report that Charlie made a full recovery and was adopted by a loving family.
Day #12 Amelia was found wandering the grounds of the Southbridge Airport in November. The local animal control officer was able to get the scared little dog who had no microchip. She visited our groomer for a makeover. She was not claimed and was turned over to Second Chance where we found she was suffering from Lyme disease and would also need dental surgery.
Amelia is currently in the care of one of our loving fosters while she undergoes treatment.
We are so grateful for the support that made these Second Chances possible. If you would like to give the gift of hope to a pet in need in the coming year, please consider a donation in their honor.
This fundraiser was so much fun, our volunteers are bringing it back for a limited number of “Portraits.” For a $25 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’ve 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.