Second Chance is usually at capacity. We typically have a waiting list of people who need to surrender a dog or cat. This is not unique to us, as most shelters around the country are experiencing the same things. We appreciate the confidence our community has by turning to us when the difficult decision to surrender is made.

All of our dogs, cats, kittens, and puppies are missing something. Namely, a home and a loving family. Others are also missing something more obvious that may keep potential adopters from considering them.

With 1000 prior entries, our blog/Pet Column has covered everything from the dangers of hot cars to why your cat might chirp at you. To kick off our next 1000 columns, we’re sharing words from our Board of Directors and Executive Director about why Second Chance is such a special organization and what we plan for the future.

Since 2006, we’ve covered everything from the horrors of puppy mills to the importance of spaying and neutering to why your dog might scoot his butt on the ground. Entries have been funny, warm, sad, and even a little bit angry. Always, we have strived to inform and enlighten pet families.

There’s evil lurking in the weeds. An invasive plant can make a simple walk with your dog dangerous. Foxtail is a grass-like weed found in the western US and is very common in our area. It has barbed seed heads that can work their way into the skin of your pets.

Taking the right steps to properly introduce a new cat to existing cat(s) in your home will let the cats get comfortable slowly while hopefully avoiding litterbox issues, stress, or fights.

Roscoe is a border collie, corgi, cattle dog, aussie, pit, lab mix. We’re ninety-nine percent sure he is smarter than you. Like most incredibly smart beings, he can be a bit quirky. Think Sheldon Cooper.

We all want our dogs to be loyal and attached to us. But what happens when your dog has separation anxiety and can’t stand to be away from you? Separation anxiety is a common behavioral issue in dogs, characterized by excessive stress when left alone.

We get questions like this: “Do you have any dogs under 15 pounds for adoption?” The answer is: Rarely. And, usually, small dogs that come to us are senior dogs. Small breed dogs who end up in a shelter are quickly adopted, leaving behind dogs who have waited months for someone to be interested in them.

Cruz was surrendered to Second Chance when his person lost their housing. He’d been passed around to several homes before that and was over ten years old. He had some food sensitivities and a thyroid condition. He also had the cutest frosted face. Our staff fell in love, but we knew he was not the most “adoptable” guy. Senior dogs are often overlooked, and his breed made it even more challenging.

We’ve been talking a lot about dog DNA lately with the results of Roscoe’s panel being shared (and surprising many of us). While we understand the urge to pick a purebred dog or specific mix based on past experience or expectations, there may be someone even better out there for you. Here at the shelter, we have one-of-a-kind dog breeds to consider.

How long does it take to know if a dog or cat is the right fit for your home? Adopting a rescue dog or cat is an exciting time. You decided to add a new family member, you fell in love, and now it’s time to bring her home. Sometimes it goes smoothly, but there will likely be an adjustment for you and the animal.

Why do people volunteer? Some want to make the world a better place, help those in need, set a good example for others, or meet new people. Better mental health has long been attributed to involvement in community activities such as volunteering. Could it be that volunteering also improves one’s physical health?

Rosie, an adorable mixed-breed puppy, came to us with an untreated leg injury. It had twisted and atrophied to the point where the leg was a hindrance to a healthy future.

We asked for donations from our wonderful community of supporters, which paid for the amputation of her leg. She came through surgery in great shape and was quickly adopted. She’ll live a happy, active life as a tri-pod.

Dawn’s journey to her loving home started when she was found tied to a tree in the adobes. No one claimed her at a local shelter. We transferred her to Second Chance in January- a timid girl who was terrified of men.

Our staff and volunteers worked with her to build confidence and unlock her sweet personality. She is now a treasured member of a family.

Over the last few years, Second Chance has consistently been at full capacity with a waiting list of families seeking to surrender a dog or cat. This is not unique to us, as most shelters around the country are seeing the same trends. Adoption rates are decreasing while intakes are steady or growing. We appreciate the confidence our community has in us, but we want to help more pets and people. We need to move more cats and dogs from the shelter to homes.

Outdoor time is important for a cat’s well-being and mental health, which is why a catio is a great idea for cat families. A “catio” or “cat patio” is an outdoor enclosure designed to give cats a safe environment to enjoy the outdoors. These structures range from simple window boxes to elaborate multi-level enclosures that attach to a home or free-standing alone in the yard. Catios allow cats to experience fresh air, sunshine, and natural sights and sounds while protecting them from outdoor dangers such as traffic, predators, and diseases. At Second Chance, we have catios outside several of our cat rooms and our residents enjoy them every day.

Year after year, Second Chance has a Save Rate of 97% or better.  You may ask: what does that mean, and why wasn’t it 100%?

While tales of happy adoptions are our favorite stories, sometimes adoption is not an option. Like all animal shelters and rescues, we strive to do what is best for the pets who come through our doors. Sometimes the end of the story is not wagging tails and happy purrs.

Is there anything more boring than taxes? Many of you will undoubtedly be scrambling to file taxes in the coming weeks. Not your favorite task, and you’d probably much rather be doing anything else. Or maybe you’re one of those organized people who have been working on them for weeks and relish the satisfaction of being ahead of the game. Whichever you are, we’d like to ask that you remember us and homeless pets around Colorado.

We at Second Chance are pet lovers who work every day to make sure our cats and dogs are given the best. We strive to find loving homes, and we work for their well-being while they’re in our care.