1:52am
Second Chance Animal Shelter
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"How can you volunteer at an animal shelter?" Isn't it a sad place to be?" These are the comments my husband and I heard from people when we started volunteering at Second Chance Animal Shelter over 2 years ago. These people could not have been more wrong! Everything about the shelter is positive, and being there has been a great experience for us. The director, Sheryl, works tirelessly to improve the lives of all animals connected with the shelter. She is always available to give us advice about working with and socializing a new dog, and she is constantly thinking about where she can place a dog who may need extra attention. I have been amazed at the care given to dogs who are found wandering and lost as strays, and who need medical attention before they are adoptable. We see dogs come in hungry, scared, and in need of grooming and medical care who are soon transformed into healthy, active and adoptable animals.
I had no idea when I first started volunteering that I would see dogs getting the quality of care they recieve at Second Chance Animal Shelter. Every dog and cat is treated individually, which is amazing given the amount of animals helped each year.
There are also so many people 'behind the scenes' who support and work with the shelter. Kristen, our all-around vet tech, does anything anywhere she is needed and is also available immediately to help us when we have questions about a new dog's care. There are also grant writers, foster families, trainers, and people who spread the word at places like Petco and community gatherings. Every month there are events to support the shelter and increase exposure for Second Chance. Because of all this activity, there is a quick turnover of animals who are brought in. These animals are truly 'rescued' as they find loving homes. Imagine how rewarding it is to see dogs who are elderly and even blind find homes, and to see the joy of people welcoming these special animals into their families. One of the best sections of the Second
Chance website is 'Happy Endings.' We love to see the heartwarming reports about dogs we've worked with and their new families.
One of the many reasons Second Chance Animal Shelter is deserving of support and help is how successful the shelter is in placing animals even though conditions are difficult and very much in need of improvement.
