15 Jan Second Chance: 20 Years of Saving Lives
Puppy SIREN needs a home
My name is Siren (and not because I sound like one). I am a homeless dog – bleh. At only four months old, I was kind of expecting more out of life. But, I am bouncing (literally) forward with faith and jubilation because fortunately for me, I have Second Chance Humane Society to care for me and help me find my new forever home. I quiver to think of my fate, and that of thousands before me, if this community hadn’t created Second Chance – which shortly will be celebrating its 20 Year Anniversary!!!
Lucky for pets like me, and thanks to so many loyal supporters like you, Second Chances plan to be around for a very long time. And if the next 20 years are anything like the last, well, thousands of pets like me will be getting a new lease on life, a second chance.
A living example of the difference an organization can make in the life of a pet in need, I would say Second Chance is a shining example of what dedicated, compassionate people can achieve.
Second Chance itself was a homeless organization for the first decade of its existence, in true grassroots fashion, strictly by volunteers who would convert sheds and outbuildings into temporary animal shelters and struggle to make ends meet in order to save pets like me.
It is hard to imagine, now that we are out at the spacious and permanent Angel Ridge Ranch watching the first purpose-built dog shelter of the region take form every day, the facility will more than double the amount of space for homeless dogs. But as I see what has been created and is being created, I am grateful for every one of those folks who endured so many obstacles along the way and never gave up.
The Second Chance history wouldn’t be much without its Thrift Shop, also located here in Ridgway, which has been absolutely crucial for supporting the growth of the organization. Without regular donors and customers (from its conception in 1998 to this day), Second Chance wouldn’t have been able to exponentially expand its operations (now supported by staff and augmented by a strong volunteer force), or generate a whopping 80% of its operating costs directly from earned income.
Reflecting on the nonprofit’s growth, it is imperative to consider the impact its community outreach and prevention programs have made. From making spay/neuter programs affordable for community members to teaching the community the importance of responsible pet parenting and the human-animal bond, Second Chance programs have become a part of the region’s culture.
Second Chance is looking forward to celebrating what the region has helped build.
The organization’s actual birth date (04.04.94) is serendipitously closely aligned with its Seventh Annual Wine & Whiskers Weekend (Thursday and Friday,March 20 and 22), and with the Ribbon Chewing Ceremony of the new dog facility (if fundraising continues to go well).
Second Chance still has a lot of work to do – but it is important to stop and celebrate the milestones!
Note to readers: Siren, our spokespet, is an adorable loveable snuggable four-month- young Australian Shepherd mix pup who will make your heart go “whoooooooooooooooooooooo” like a siren as soon as you meet him…
Zen cat Frank needs a home too.
The cat of the week is Frank. He was rescued from the cold and is very appreciative of a warm bed and gentle affection. At only 2 – 3 years of age, Frank has a very distinct and mature presence – a very Zen cat whose mellow calm vibe is soothing to be around. Quite Frankly, he is a gem.
Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.
By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)
Second Chance Humane Society Animal Resource Center and Thrift Shop are both located in Ridgway, but service San Miguel, Ouray & Montrose Counties. Call the SCHS Helpline at 626-2273 to report a lost pet, learn about adopting a homeless pet, or about the SCHS Spay/Neuter, Volunteer, Feral Cat, or other Programs. View the shelter pets and services online:www.adoptmountainpets.org
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