Second Chance Receives Major Bequest

13 Jul Second Chance Receives Major Bequest

Second Chance Humane Society received a major bequest in the amount of $655,000, the first disbursement from the estate of former Telluride resident, Elaine Hyneman. With a focus on long-term sustainability for the organization, Second Chance is using the bulk of the funds to pay off the mortgage on its 52-acre shelter property purchased in 2011, per Second Chance Executive Director Kelly Goodin.

Pets-in-waiting like Archie are assured of love and care at Second Chance – until you come along to give Archie and his pals a forever home.

Telluride and Ridgway resident Dr. Susannah Smith, a close friend to Hyneman, facilitated the gift.

“Elaine’s dogs were her children and she was a passionate supporter of animal rights.” Smith said. “When she said she wanted to leave her estate to a worthwhile humane society, she knew I had worked as a consultant to Second Chance and asked me about the organization. I strongly recommended Second Chance as viable and well-run, which was what Elaine was searching for. She also wanted a small organization in which people know each other and would be receptive to her wishes as she had represented them to me.”

Elaine passed in December of 2013, but Florida state laws kept the estate tied up. Second Chance and Smith worked diligently with the probate court to ensure Hyneman’s wishes were carried out. Tara Croft, the estate’s personal representative residing in Florida, did much of the legwork “and in particular deserves a huge thanks,” shared Smith.

Smith describes Hyneman as a private person, who was generous in nature and spirit.

“Elaine loved the community; loved the mountains; and always spoke of her years in Telluride as among her happiest. It was her hope that the money from the estate would aid in providing a strong foundation to the organization, to ensure that there are reserves to keep the organization funded and going for a long time, to serve as many needy animals as possible, and to be a good steward of management practices for the community at large” stated Smith, adding “I am happy to have called Elaine my friend, and to have played a part in making her dream come true, and to know that more animals in need will be rescued as a result.”

“We are feeling so humbled by this gift from Mrs. Hyneman. This is an incredible legacy she left to animal welfare in our region,” said Goodin, continuing, “Thanks to the generous forethought of Mrs. Hyneman, we will be able to pay off the mortgage on Angel Ridge Ranch 25 years ahead of schedule.  Her gift further secures Angel Ridge as a place where homeless pets will always have a safe haven, meet their new families, and truly get their second chances.”

The security of establishing an operational reserve fund has been a longtime goal in the 22-year history of Second Chance.

“It is the mark of a sustainable and fiscally responsible non-profit organization to have an operational reserve but like most non-profit organizations which operate on limited resources and tight budgets, it was never financially feasible,” remarked Goodin.  “This bequest will allow for a reserve fund to assure that Second Chance can keep its shelter doors open if some unexpected financial crisis, natural disaster, etc. were to occur.”

“It is a wonderful feeling knowing that we are that much closer to creating a sustainable future for Second Chance and the homeless pets in our region” said Goodin. “We are incredibly fortunate to be located within such a generous and compassionate community that, like Susannah Smith and Elaine Hyneman, recognizes the importance of pets in our lives.”

The bequest funding will not be directly applied toward operational expenses; it will not eliminate Second Chance’s reliance upon  community support for such ongoing costs.

“We hope the bequest will give our supporters added confidence that Second Chance, and second chances for homeless animals, are here for the long haul,” stated Goodin.

The Second Chance website profiles its adoptable pets and details the organization’s mission, annual reports, programs and services such as affordable spay/neuter clinics, dog behavioral classes, mobile adoptions, and partnerships with local schools and veteran programs promoting the power of the human-animal bond.

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.

Ted Hoff &  Magnificent Mae

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup or get your pup (or adult dog) trained 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.)

Dr. Michelle and Wallowby