The Second Chance® Fund

In June 2009, seven cocker spaniels -- Callie, Casper, Harley, Buddy, Bree, Mickey and Abigail -- were dropped off by their owner at a Maryland animal shelter. The dogs were covered in urine and suffered from cuts, severe eye and ear problems, rotted teeth and flea infestations, and it was clear that they were completely unfamiliar with toys, leashes and even dog bowls. Since the shelter was full, Chesapeake Cats & Dogs rescued the collection of cockers and ensured that they received much-needed medical treatment with assistance from a Second Chance Fund grant. All of the dogs thrived in foster care, and six have found new homes, while the seventh is working on shyness issues in hopes of being adopted out in the near future.

Tethered in the back of a pick-up truck, 1-year-old pit bull mix Champ didn’t stand a chance after falling out of the vehicle during a turn. He was dragged for two blocks and then, when his collar came loose, Champ was run over by the truck. His owners brought him to The Humane Society of Southern Arizona, although they at first denied he was their dog. Upon Champ’s arrival at the shelter’s clinic, 25 percent of his skin had either been burned or completely removed by the scorching hot pavement, his toes were partially scraped off and he was bleeding profusely. In spite of his immense pain, Champ managed to wag his tail and welcomed the help of the veterinary staff, who performed surgery immediately. Throughout his horrific ordeal, Champ remained a loving, friendly, good-tempered boy who loves attention. After admitting that they were responsible for the incident, the family relinquished ownership of Champ to the shelter, which received a Second Chance Fund grant from American Humane. Today, Champ (now known as Rex) is safely ensconced in a loving home where he is enjoying life with his new family.

Kendra, a 1-year-old filly, was discovered in the “kill pen” of a horse dealer who is known for selling horses to slaughter plants outside the U.S. Three rescue groups raised funds to purchase Kendra, and she was then brought to Freedom Hill Horse Rescue, where she was given immediate medical care paid for in part by a Second Chance Fund grant. Kendra was starved and suffering from severe dehydration, anemia and pneumonia, but according to her rescuers, “She had life in her eyes that said, ‘If you help me, I will survive.’” In fact, Kendra required one week of intensive care, followed by many months of frequent feedings, medications and monitoring. She was a well-behaved, curious and willing filly throughout the long treatment process, which saved her from certain death. Kendra has since been adopted to a forever home in West Virginia and is now a happy, healthy and wonderfully well-adjusted horse.

Penny, a 1-year-old beagle, first arrived at a Virginia veterinary clinic with an “accidental” skull fracture. She came back shortly thereafter with a fractured leg, which her owner said had gotten tangled in a leash. A metal plate was inserted in Penny’s leg, and she was sent home with detailed care instructions. When Penny’s owner failed to provide the necessary follow-up, the metal plate partially erupted from the little dog’s leg, which eventually had to be amputated. The veterinarian who performed the surgeries suspected that abuse and neglect had caused the initial injury, and that continued neglect was responsible for the amputation. The vet contacted animal control, which seized Penny and brought her to Heritage Humane Society, where a Second Chance Fund grant helped pay for her recovery. Despite the obstacles Penny faced, she was amazingly friendly and adapted almost instantly to her new three-legged lifestyle. Described as “one of the sweetest dogs we have ever encountered at the shelter,” it was no surprise that a staff member fell in love with Penny and adopted the hardy hound.

When Wyatt, an 8-year-old mammoth gelding donkey, was rescued from a slaughter plant holding pen, he was painfully thin and had a broken ear and nose, large rope scars, bleeding cuts all over his body, a nasal infection and overgrown hooves. After surgery and medication paid for in part by a Second Chance Fund grant, Wyatt made a full recovery and has been placed in a new home along with another donkey from Longhopes. According to his rescuers, Wyatt is “a big goofy donkey” who is extremely affectionate, gentle and easy to handle. “It is difficult to imagine an animal so big that just wants people to hug on him, but that is Wyatt!”