Ribbet’s Story and Journey to Recovery
We 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.
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
UPDATE: Tuesday, November 12th
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, has generously offered to match the next $5,000 in donations. Now your gift will help TWICE as much!
UPDATE: Wednesday, November 13th
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.
UPDATE: Friday, November 15th
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.
UPDATE: Monday, November 18th
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.
Donations are still being accepted to support Ribbet’s recovery and to help other shelter pets in need of medical care.
UPDATE: Wednesday, November 20th
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!
Donations are still being accepted to support Ribbet’s recovery and to help other shelter pets in need of medical care.
Boston Globe Tuesday, November 26th
Stan Grossfeld of The Boston Globe takes you behind the scenes at Second Chance as we care for Ribbet.
AS I SEE IT