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I am so happy that Zootoo came out to Second Chance. Thank you Zootoo for this wonderful experience. I have read many of the great comments made about Second Chance and all that everyone sees at the shelter. But, what I think is also important is what … Read More

I am so happy that Zootoo came out to Second Chance. Thank you Zootoo for this wonderful experience. I have read many of the great comments made about Second Chance and all that everyone sees at the shelter. But, what I think is also important is what you can't see.
Watching this shelter from the beginning is amazing. Sheryl and the volunteers did not have an existing building or shelter to start from. There was nothing. Sheryl worked multiple jobs to not only support her family, but start the shelter. The strong support behind her and the drive to get things done is what makes this shelter stand out. 4 out of the 5 original board members on this shelter are still there, years later. Many of the volunteers have been there since the beginning and are still going strong.
Getting this shelter going was not easy. But, the community donated materials and the volunteers helped to build the shelter from the ground up - literally. There are a lot of things that could not be afforded - no central heat or air, no ventilation, no septic system (just a tight tank), no drainage system. But, they moved forward and got a shelter where there was never one before.
In just a short time, the shelter grew by leaps and bounds and has outgrown the building. The demand in the area for services is staggering but the shelter meets those needs head on and does the best they can.
The staff and volunteers are outstanding. They brave the cold to wash dishes in the outside disinfecting area because that is the only place to do it. The building is so small. They have a great foster care system that helps to care for more pets so they can take in more. They work with the local colleges animal care students who help to train additional pets for the shelter. This helps them to help more pets and the students have a great learning experience.
They were lucky enough to receive a grant for $25,000. to start a spay/neuter clinic 4 years ago. They renovated a storage room, bought the necessary equipment and made it into one of the best clinics in the area. In just 4 short years the clinics have grown to now service nearly 2,000 pets a year for the community, other shelters, and animal control. What they did with this money was unbelievable! They not only helped the pets at their shelter and in their community, but extended a hand to other animal agencies so that they could also help more pets.
I can assure you Mr. Thompson that if you choose Second Chance, your money will be well spent. You can count on them to really do wonders. I can only imagine how many more pets that will be helped. It would not surprise me if they doubled, tripled, or more the number of pets that they could help.
The adoption program at the shelter is fantastic. They spend the time to be sure that the people that adopt will take great care of the pets. And, they are there for them even after adoption. Their adoption packages are by far the best around with lots of after adoption things like free vet visits, training assistance, a training DVD, and more. It really helps to change the image of shelters and makes adopting a pet from a shelter a wonderful experience.
I can't remember what it was like before Second Chance existed. But the community is certainly thankful that they are now here to help. I'm sure that all shelters need the makeover, there is no question on that. But, I believe that Second Chance would make the most of it and the results would be outstanding! Read Less