2011 Year in Review

This week brings to close the most historical year for Second Chance since its inception 18 years ago.  At this time last year the animals, staff, volunteers, and adopters were still cramming into a tiny little house with a tiny little yard where every day was a challenge to provide our homeless pets the quality of life that they deserved – space to play, socialize and remain happy and healthy while waiting to be adopted into a loving home.

With the economy still unpredictable we were also maintaining our plans to build a new shelter on the property we owned in the Ridgway Light Industrial Park and we were settling in for at least two more years at our tiny little shelter while major fundraising was initiated that would allow us to build the facilities we needed to move out of the tiny little shelter we were inhabiting. 

Then things changed, and quickly.  In May we went under contract and took possession of a “dream property” of 52 acres where the animals would have ample space to move, where more animals could be rescued, and where more prevention and education programs and services could be developed far into the future for the Second Chance service region.  It was a place that would allow the organization to leave the traditional form of sheltering behind and make room for the pro-active sheltering approach of the future, in an environment that pets and people could thrive in.  And it was all within immediate reach.

 In a few manic months of rallying our growing support base we raised over $200,000 which created the necessary framework to finance the remainder and close on the property by October 6th.   We moved the animals in on October 15th after completing several months of developing the animal’s quarters, general renovations, and repairing of the overall property and grounds. 

Our animals are now settled and more relaxed and content than we’ve ever seen them.  The dogs have large play yards by day and comfortable and warm quarters by night.  The cats are in a separate facility (the “farmhouse”) and no longer rubbing shoulders with the dogs all day.   Many of the cats are enjoying cage-free “colony” rooms and all are thriving within the peaceful, sunny, and cozy home environment.

Our fundraising push continues, as we work to support the additional operating expenses, pay off the mortgage, and begin our next phase of the campaign: to build purpose built facilities for the dogs that provide them with cage-free living areas and outdoor yard access attached to each of the quarters.  This will not only provide the shelter dogs a quality of life that we have always hoped for but will allow us to double our population and rescue that many more dogs each year.

What a long way we have come in a year!  We look forward to 2012 with excitement as well as gratitude, for being part of such an incredible community that really cares about pets in need and chooses to make a difference!  Thank you All & Happy New Year!

Kelly Goodin, Executive Director

Call the Second Chance Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter Financial Assistance, Volunteer & Foster Care, or other Programs.  Visit our shelter pets online: www.adoptmountainpets.org.  Direct Pet Column questions to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  Photos by Real Life Photographs.