News Archives - Page 6 of 14 - Second Chance Animals

Unprecedented Milestone: Helping Over 49,000 Pets Live Better Lives

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.

Pictured above is 11-month-old Omari, who found himself at Second Chance through no fault of his own and is waiting to find his forever home.

Second Chance Receives $1.1 Million Grant from Petsmart Charities® to Improve Accessible Veterinary Care

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.

12 Days of Second Chances

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 #8 Life took a tragic turn when Carmen lost her beloved son. In the midst of her grief, she found solace in the care of Canella, a Chihuahua mix who had been by her son’s side. Knowing how deeply her son loved Canela, she couldn’t bear the thought of rehoming or surrendering her to a shelter. Her circumstances were challenging living on a limited income. Finding affordable veterinary care seemed like an insurmountable hurdle and her worries grew when she noticed a lump on Canela’s belly. That’s when fate intervened, and a friend told her about Second Chance.

Canella’s owner was committed to using her limited income to cover the costs, despite the hardship it would pose, but our compassionate staff found a better solution. We were able to offer a significant discount thanks to a generous grant from Pets for the Elderly. Canela’s much-needed surgery was successful, and she returned to her playful, joyful self.

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 #10 In the fall, we took in 16 cats rescued from a challenging living situation in a nearby town. Despite their challenging past, the majority of the cats were incredibly friendly. The group included three pregnant cats, several who needed dental surgery and the majority needed attention for various health issues, including upper respiratory infections (URI), skin conditions, or eye and ear problems. Thanks to your support, these cats were able to get the care they needed.

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.

Poorly Drawn Pets

Poorly Drawn Pets is back!

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.

A Feast for Man & Beast

As we gather around the Thanksgiving table, savoring the delicious aromas and flavors of the season, it’s only natural to want to share the joy with our furry companions. It’s important to keep our pets’ safety in mind. Here’s some tips to make sure your pets enjoy a Thanksgiving feast that’s as safe as it is delicious.

Turkey Talk:

While turkey is a Thanksgiving staple, it’s essential to prepare it with your pets in mind. Avoid giving them the turkey bones, as they can splinter and cause serious internal injuries. Also, refrain from seasoning the meat with garlic, onions, or other spices that can be harmful to pets. If you want to share the joy of turkey with your pet, offer them a small, boneless, and well-cooked portion. Raw meat is not recommended to be fed to pets.

Sensible Sides:

Mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and green beans often find their way to the Thanksgiving table. While these can be safe for pets in moderation, be cautious about added ingredients like butter, sour cream, or marshmallows. Stick to plain, cooked vegetables without additional seasonings to keep your pets’ tummies happy.

Hold the Dessert:

As tempting as it may be to share your pumpkin pie or other sweet treats with your pet, it’s best to resist the urge. Many desserts contain ingredients like chocolate, xylitol, or spices that can be harmful to animals. Instead, treat your pet to a small amount of plain, canned pumpkin—just make sure it’s not the sugary pie filling.

Say No to Onions and Garlic:

These aromatic additions to many Thanksgiving dishes can be toxic to pets, causing damage to their red blood cells and severe anemia. Keep stuffing and other dishes containing onions and garlic out of reach, and make sure your guests are aware not to share these with your pets.

Be Wary of Nuts:

Nuts, a common ingredient in stuffing and desserts, can be a choking hazard for pets. Some nuts, like macadamia nuts, are also toxic to dogs. Keep dishes containing nuts well out of reach, and remind guests not to share nut-filled snacks with your furry friends.

Mindful of Portions:

While it’s a joy to include your pets in the Thanksgiving festivities, be mindful of portion sizes. Too much rich or unfamiliar food can lead to upset stomachs, diarrhea, bloat, or even more severe health issues. Stick to small, pet-friendly portions to avoid any post-feast regrets.

By being mindful of what foods are pet-friendly and keeping tempting but harmful treats out of reach, you can create a Thanksgiving feast that includes every member of the family, furry ones included.

Wishing you and your pets a happy and safe Thanksgiving!

2X Giving Tuesday Match Starts NOW

Pets need your help more than ever before. That’s why Ted & Barbara Hebert of Teddy Bear Pools have generously offered to double your Giving Tuesday gift up to $2,500.

This year for Giving Tuesday, Ted & Barbara Hebert of Teddy Bear Pools & Spas are matching up to $2,500 in donations to help pets like Natty. This sweet pup came to us with one of the most serious and painful injuries a dog can face – a degloving injury to his leg. Skin and tissue were torn from the bone and muscle, leaving his limb exposed and vulnerable.

Thanks to caring supporters like you, we were able to give Natty the emergency surgery he needed. Natty went on to make a full recovery and is just one of the over 45,000 pets Second Chance will help this year and we couldn’t do it without you!

Your gift:

helps homeless pets like Natty get the medical care they need so they can find a home.
keeps pets in their home with the people they love by giving pets access to the highest-quality veterinary care at one of our four Community Veterinary Hospitals that offer subsidized rates to underserved communities.
feeds hungry pets whose owners are facing financial struggles through the Second Chance pet food pantry program.

Pets and pet owners are being trounced by a trifecta of high inflation creating food insecurity, rising housing costs that result in housing insecurity, and the ongoing veterinary care crisis as burnt-out professionals continue to leave the field. We can’t let them down and we hope we can count on your continued support.

There’s no time to wait! Make your Giving Tuesday gift now and it will be matched to change the life of not one, but 2 pets.

Award Winning Veterinary Hospitals

We are proud to announce that yesterday our Springfield hospital was honored by the Springfield Regional Chamber, receiving a Super 60 Award in the Non-Profit category, recognizing organizations that have displayed selfless dedication to serving the community through exceptional programming and support. This hospital is one of four full-service Community Veterinary Hospitals that helps keep people and pets. Each location offers subsidized rates for those that qualify in addition to low-cost spay & neuter services and low-cost vaccine clinics in house and out in the community,

Last night, we were also proud to accept the award once again for Best Veterinary Clinic in the Best of Central Mass as voted by the community. We are humbled by these honors and we share them with you, our devoted supporters. With your support, we are assisting more pets at subsidized rates than ever before, so that all pets can get the care they need. None of this would be possible without your caring and compassion.

Unfortunately, as you know, there’s no time to rest on our laurels! The need is great and there are so many pets that need our help! More pets than ever have turned to Second Chance this year. We are on track to shatter all records for the number of pets helped in 2023.

We are deeply concerned about the state of animal welfare for the coming year. Pets and pet owners are being trounced by a trifecta of high inflation creating food insecurity, rising housing costs that result in housing insecurity, and the ongoing veterinary care crisis as burnt-out professionals continue to leave the field. We can’t let them down and we hope we can count on your continued support. Pets need your help like never before!

Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe this Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time of joy, gratitude, and togetherness, and for many, this includes furry family members. As we gear up for Thanksgiving and the winter holidays, it’s important to keep our pets’ safety in mind. The abundance of tempting treats, decorations, and gatherings can pose potential hazards to our four-legged friends. Here are some tips on creating a pet-friendly holiday environment, ensuring that your beloved companions stay safe and happy throughout the celebrations.

Mindful Meals: While indulging in a delicious Thanksgiving or Christmas feast, it’s essential to resist the pleading eyes of your pets. Certain foods, such as chocolate, onions, garlic, and bones, can be toxic or harmful to animals. Fatty and spicy foods may also upset their stomachs. Instead, treat your pets to pet-friendly treats or a small portion of their regular meal to make them feel included in the celebration.

Festive Decorations: Decking the halls is a beloved tradition, but it’s crucial to pet-proof your decorations. Tinsel, ribbons, and ornaments may look like toys to pets and can lead to serious health issues if ingested. Opt for pet-safe decorations and secure them out of reach. Be cautious with candles and open flames, and never leave them unattended where curious pets could knock them over.

Seasonal Plants: Many popular holiday plants, such as poinsettias, mistletoe, and holly, are toxic to pets. Keep them well out of reach to ensure your furry friends don’t ingest any harmful substances. Be cautious of artificial plants or trees if your pet likes to chew. A lot of artificial trees and other decorations contain toxic chemicals. If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant or foreign material, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Stress-Free Celebrations: The holiday season can be overwhelming for pets with the hustle and bustle of guests, loud noises, and unfamiliar scents. Create a quiet, comfortable space where your pets can retreat if they need a break from the festivities. Inform guests about your pets’ boundaries and ask them to respect your pets’ space and avoid feeding them table scraps. If your pet needs additional support for stressful situations, feel free to discuss with one of our veterinarians.

Identification and Microchipping: With the increased activity during the holidays, there’s a higher risk of pets escaping or getting lost. Ensure that your pets are wearing collars with up-to-date identification tags and consider having them microchipped for added security. This simple step can significantly increase the chances of a reunion if your pet goes missing.

By taking a proactive approach to pet safety during your holiday celebrations, you can ensure that your furry family members enjoy the holidays as much as you do. A little extra care can go a long way in keeping your pets safe, happy, and healthy throughout the festive season.

Hoodies That Help

Snag your limited edition Second Chance hoodie today to help pets in need.

Every year our limited edition special color hoodies sell out quickly. Here’s your chance to order yours first! A portion of the purchase price comes back to help Second Chance continue our work helping pets in need in Massachusetts and beyond.

Celebrating our 75,000th Spay & Neuter Surgery

We are thrilled to announce that we performed our 75,000th low-cost spay and neuter surgery in September, marking another milestone in our mission to create healthier communities for pets.

This is just the latest achievement in our commitment to providing accessible and affordable spay and neuter services. We began our low-cost program in 2005 at the East Brookfield shelter, aiming to address the root causes of pet homelessness. Today, the program serves hundreds of pets each month in state-of-the-art surgical suites inside our hospitals in North Brookfield, Southbridge, Springfield, and Worcester, made possible by grants and generous donors.

Spaying and neutering not only contribute to controlling the population of stray and unwanted animals but also play a vital role in enhancing the overall health and well-being of pets. These procedures can prevent various cancers and other serious health issues while positively influencing pets’ behavior by reducing aggression and roaming tendencies.

This milestone is a testament to the dedication of our team and the support of our community. However, our work is far from over. We are committed to continuing our efforts to reach even more pets in need. We urge all pet owners to consider spaying or neutering their pets. Routine spays and neuters can protect pets from life-threatening conditions, including pyometra and testicular cancer. Our goal is not only to address the immediate needs of pets but to contribute to a healthier pet community in the long run.

Please visit our Spay/Neuter page for more information on our low-cost spay and neuter program.

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