We’re excited to share the latest edition of our Second Chance Newsletter! It’s packed with heartwarming stories of the animals we’ve helped, along with details on upcoming events you won’t want to miss.
Thank you for being a part of the Second Chance family. Together, we’re making a real difference!
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Together, we help over 49,000 pets a year to live better lives.
Get ready to rev your engines because the highly anticipated Cruise for Critters is returning to Westview Farms Creamery on Saturday, September 21st! Now in its 12th year, this beloved car show, proudly presented by Al Widlan, owner of Service Connection, is set to make another meaningful impact on the lives of pets in need at Second Chance Animal Services.
For over a decade, Al Widlan has been the driving force behind this remarkable event, rallying car enthusiasts and compassionate hearts alike to come together for a worthy cause. Cruise for Critters has become a beacon of hope for furry companions across Massachusetts, and this year promises to be bigger and better than ever.
This year’s Cruise for Critters is packed with fall-themed activities for attendees of all ages. Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a pet lover, or just looking for a fun day out with the family, there’s something for everyone.
Car Show: Car enthusiasts, don’t miss the chance to showcase your vehicles at this great end of season show and contribute to a cause that truly makes a difference.The car entry fee is just $20 per vehicle, with every dollar going directly to the betterment of pets’ lives.
Vendor Fair: Explore a captivating vendor fair filled with unique items of all kinds. It’s the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind treasures while supporting local businesses.
Halloween Barktacular: Back by popular demand, the Halloween Barktacular kids’ games are sure to delight the little ones. Thanks to our dedicated Second Chance volunteers, this event will be an unforgettable experience for children and families alike.
Autumn Adventures: From pumpkin picking to navigating through a corn maze, Westview Farms Creamery offers a delightful autumn adventure for all guests. Enjoy great food, ice cream, and live music by the Barberic Band, who will provide the perfect soundtrack for the day.
This event is made possible by the generous support of sponsors and vendors. We need your help to make this year’s Cruise for Critters the best one yet! We’re calling on local businesses and vendors to join us in supporting pets in need. Becoming a sponsor or a vendor at this event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business while contributing to a great cause.
The festivities kick off at 10 am and continue until 3 pm, and spectators are welcome free of charge. And don’t worry about the weather—if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate, we’ve got a rain date set for Saturday, September 28, 2024. So, mark your calendars, spread the word, and join us for a day of fun, community, and support for a great cause. We can’t wait to see you there!
There’s good news for older dogs this summer as The Grey Muzzle Organization announces the recipients of its annual grants, and dogs at Second Chance Animal Services Community Veterinary Hospitals are among the winners.
Second Chance is one of 100 animal welfare groups chosen from nearly 400 applicants to receive a grant to help local senior dogs and the people who love them.
This grant will help us give senior dogs like seven-year-old Chloe the veterinary care they need to stay in their homes. Chloe was in great pain and struggling to walk. Thanks in part to a generous grant from the Grey Muzzle Organization, Second Chance was able to perform the tests to diagnose Chloe’s pain and get her on the path to recovery. Her grateful owner, recently affected by a fire, appreciated the assistance provided for Chloe’s treatment.
No one is more grateful or loving than a senior dog, and we’re looking forward to helping more get the second chance they all deserve.
Spencer Rail Trail
Pet adoptions from shelters and rescues in Massachusetts urgently need your support, especially those that did not receive the grant for fee-waived adoptions. These organizations tirelessly work to provide a safe haven for countless animals, offering them a second chance at life. Without the grant, adoption fees may be a barrier for some potential pet owners, leaving these loving animals without homes. Your support can make a significant difference in ensuring that these animals find the forever families they deserve. Moreover, adoption fees are crucial for furthering the work and mission of these organizations, including Second Chance. These fees help cover some, but not all, of the cost of medical care, food, shelter, and other essential services, which allows shelters and rescues to continue their compassionate work. While this grant provided temporary relief, only 8 out of over 200 shelters were fortunate enough to benefit from it. When the grant is gone, the mission of all shelters and rescues continue, and they cannot survive without charging adoption fees. Although these fees do not cover the entire cost of caring for the animals, they help to offset some of the expenses. By choosing to adopt from these shelters and rescues that do still have to charge an adoption fee, you not only save a life but also help alleviate the burden on these vital community resources, ensuring they can keep their doors open to more animals in need. Please consider adopting, donating, or volunteering—every bit of help counts.
Second Chance has always believed that we need to get to the root causes of why pets end up in shelters in the first place. That is why the bulk of our work is on programs and services to keep pets out of shelters. The current crisis in shelters and rescues show that we can never build enough shelters or big enough shelters to house every pet that is in need. But we CAN create programs and services to keep pets out of shelters. That is why we have so many programs that include access to affordable veterinary care, safe havens for domestic violence victims and community programs such as community vaccine clinics that prevent disease in the communities. Please support these programs to help keep pets out of shelters in the first place.
Sheryl Blancato
As the temperature climbs, the danger of heat-related illnesses increases—not only for humans but also for our cherished pets. Unlike humans, pets cannot cool off by sweating; they can only sweat through their foot pads, relying mainly on panting to release excess heat. This makes them especially susceptible to heatstroke and other heat-related problems.
Breeds at Higher Risk
Certain breeds, especially English and French bulldogs, pugs, and other brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs and cats, are especially sensitive to hot weather. These breeds, along with any pets that have pre-existing breathing difficulties or are overweight, are at a very high risk of heat stroke. To ensure their safety, it’s crucial to limit their warm-weather activities to the early morning or late evening when the temperatures are cooler.
Important Tips to Keep Your Pet Cool
Here are some vital tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association to help keep your pet safe and cool during the warmer months:
Be Prepared
Keep Pets at Home
Keep Them Comfortable
Exercising with Your Pet
Signs of Heat Stress
It’s crucial to be able to recognize the signs of heat stress in your pet. If you observe any of the following, seek emergency veterinary care immediately:
– Anxiousness
– Excessive panting
– Restlessness
– Excessive drooling
– Unsteadiness
– Abnormal gum and tongue color
– Collapse
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your pet stays safe and comfortable during the hot summer months. Always prioritize their well-being and remember that if it’s too hot for you, it’s even hotter for them. Stay cool and keep your furry friends cool too!
Grace Kelly, a brave young kitten, recently came into our care at Second Chance after what our veterinarians suspect was a traumatic accident, possibly being hit by a car. Despite the challenges she’s faced, Grace’s sweet nature has captured the hearts of everyone here.
When Grace arrived, X-rays revealed the extent of her injuries: a fractured pelvis, a broken femur, and a damaged tail. These injuries caused her immense discomfort, but amidst her struggles, Grace’s spirit remained unbroken. Her resilience and affection have been a beacon of hope for us all.
To alleviate her pain and give her the chance to live a happy, active life, Grace needed a Femoral Head Ostectomy (FHO) surgery. This procedure was crucial for her recovery, and thanks to the generosity of our caring and compassionate supporters, Grace was able to receive her surgery and start on the path to healing.
Here’s a heartwarming note from her dedicated care team:
“Grace Kelly is recovering well! She is resting and relaxing in her cozy cat bed and eating breakfast in bed. She greets us each morning with sweet little chirps and loves head scritches.”
Following her surgery, Grace required approximately two weeks of cage rest to ensure proper healing. Yesterday marked an exciting milestone for Grace: she passed her check-up with flying colors and will soon be available for adoption. Now she can gradually increase her exercise regimen to help her muscles build back up.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed to Grace’s care. Her journey from a tragic accident to a promising recovery is a testament to her resilience and the power of community support. Your generosity has been vital in giving Grace the second chance she truly deserves.
While Grace is on her way to finding her forever home, many other medically needy pets are waiting for their second chance. Your continued support is crucial in helping us provide the necessary medical care for these animals. Together, we can give more shelter pets the happy, healthy futures they deserve.
Your continued support is crucial in helping us provide the necessary medical care for these animals. Together, we can give more shelter pets the happy, healthy futures they deserve.
Thank you for your unwavering support and for believing in second chances.
UPDATE
Amazing news!!! Look who’s found her forever home!
“She has already settled in and is doing so well! Eating, using the litter box, playing. Her hip doesn’t seem to impact her spirit which is so great to see. She is a HUGE cuddlebug and hasn’t stopped purring since we brought her home. We feel so grateful to have her in our lives.”
Thank you to everyone who made this happy ending possible! We couldn’t do it without your support.
Seven-year-old Darby came to us facing many challenges. Despite her diagnosis, we were determined to give her a ‘second chance.’
Darby is now spending her days surrounded by love. We are grateful to her new family and to Greater Good Charities who made her care possible.
Are you ready to bring some extra luck and love into your life this St. Patrick’s Day? At Second Chance, we believe every pet deserves a chance at a forever home, no matter their age or circumstances. That’s why we’re happy to announce our special Second Chance Adoption Event from March 10th to March 23rd!
Some pets stay with us a bit longer than others. They may be older, a little shy, or have some medical needs that require extra attention. But each one of them is hoping for that special someone to give them their second chance at happiness. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we’re reducing or waiving adoption fees for our long-time and special needs residents during this event. It’s the perfect opportunity to open your heart and home to a furry friend in need. Are you looking for a loyal dog to join you on adventures, or snuggle on the couch, there’s no better time than now to make a difference in a pet’s life. If you have room in your heart and home for a new pet, we encourage you to visit our shelter during the event. Let’s make this St. Patrick’s Day truly special by giving these wonderful pets the loving homes they’ve been dreaming of. Check out the photos and bios of our adoptable pets. May the luck of the Irish be with you as you welcome a new furry friend into your life!
📷 Dr. Jackie Celmer and shelter cat Princess Daisy (one of our feline herpes virus cats)
Second Chance currently has several feline herpes positive cats waiting to find homes. Shelter vet Dr. Jackie answers the most frequently asked questions about adopting a cat with feline herpes.
What is Feline Herpes Virus? A viral infection that a cat can get from other cats or it’s mother which infects the cat life long.
What are the symptoms of cats with Feline Herpes Virus? Sneezing, coughing, leaky/runny eyes, nasal discharge, upper respiratory congestion
Can Humans get Feline Herpes Virus? No
Can dogs get Feline Herpes Virus? No
Can my other cat get Feline Herpes Virus? Immunocompromised cats (senior cats, kittens, or cats with other pre-existing conditions/illnesses) and unvaccinated cats are at a risk of getting feline herpes from an infected cat. Healthy cats that are up to date on their core vaccination are a little to no risk of contracting the virus from infected cats.
Do these cats require long term care? Many of the time these cats are healthy while not in a flair up. They may have a mild runny eye or congestion but with times of stress they are more likely to get sick with clinical signs of nasal discharge, goopy eyes or nose, intense sneezing and congestion. In these cases, they require veterinary care for antibiotics. Sometimes it is recommended to keep these cats on daily lysine supplements to decrease the frequency of flair ups
Is caring for a cat with Feline Herpes Virus expensive? On the day to day the costs for these patients is the same as any other cat. These cats may require more routine veterinary visits due to them getting sick several times throughout the year but overall this is not an expensive condition to treat.
Reduced or waived adoption fees available
Hello, we’re Toucan and June Bug. We’re pretty shy and mellow, but don’t let that fool you. We’re sweet as can be once we get to know you. Our past wasn’t the best, we came from a home with too many cats and not enough love to go around. But we’re not dwelling on that. We’re ready for a fresh start and a forever home. We might take a little while to come out of our shells, but we promise it’s worth the wait. We’re looking for a patient, loving owner who will give us the time and space we need to adjust. We need to be the only cats in the home. Adopt us, and we’ll fill your life with purrs and gentle headbutts. We’re not just pets, we’re family waiting to happen.
Arizona and Sedona are sweet but shy girls who are slowly learning to warm up to humans and trust them. They are both curious about the new world they are living in, as this is all new to them. They are looking for a home of their own where they can let their personality’s shine, and give their forever family a lifetime of love and snuggles! Sedona and Arizona have been through a lot and would need to be the only cats in the home, this way they can get all of your love and attention that they deserve. If you’d like to meet these sweet girls and see if they can fit into your family please call the adoption center to make an appointment.
Meet Wednesday, a charming feline full of life and curiosity. Her playful nature brings a joyous energy to any room she enters. She’s curious too, always exploring her surroundings, investigating every nook and cranny. Wednesday thrives as the only cat in a home, where she can be the center of your attention. Her past may have been challenging, but her spirit remains unbroken. She is ready to bring her unique blend of playfulness and affection into your life.