“I came in from the wilderness, a creature void of form

Come in, she said

I’ll give ya shelter from the storm

Try imagining a place where it’s always safe and warm

Come in, she said

I’ll give ya shelter from the storm” -Bob Dylan, 1974

Bob Dylan wasn’t thinking of homeless pets when he penned these words. As we see the dogs and cats in our care, the lyrics speak to us. The poetry inspires us to continue to help homeless pets; sheltering them from the storms they endure.

Goldie is a beautiful, long-haired ginger cat who was loved and cared for until her person passed away. After that she was cast out in the cold, expected to survive despite never having been an outside pet. Our friends Colorado Kat Coalition were able to trap her and bring her to us. She was terrified, shut down, and quivering. Knowing she needed extra care, she went to a temporary foster home where she started to relax. Now, she’s available for adoption to someone who can give her love and patience.

Roscoe is a young, smart, healthy, and sensitive shepherd mix who has been with us longer than any other dog. He had a family, but he was not a good fit for them. He came to us a very stressed-out boy. We sheltered him from the storm of confusion, giving him the time and training he needed to settle in. He’s now gained the confidence and skills that will make his next home his forever home.

Cotton Candy was found under a deck at a restaurant with her kittens. She was trying to keep them warm and fed, but she had little to eat and was thin. A kind soul brought them to us, where we kept momma and babies safe and warm. Cotton Candy raised babies until they could be adopted. Now, it’s her turn to find her person. She’s young, healthy, full of personality, and so ready to be a pampered pet.

A box of puppies was found at a trailhead in mid-September. They were too young to be away from their mom, yet they were left there to fend for themselves. We brought them into our care, where our foster volunteers stepped in and took them home for a few weeks to allow them to grow. Soon, they were healthy, rambunctious, puppies ready to start their lives being loved. All of them are now safe with their new families.

When our pets come to us, we take the time to know them and understand the storms they’ve endured. If they need time to gain confidence, we give them time. If they have physical wounds, we help them heal. If they need training, we provide it. We know the world can be a cruel and unforgiving place for the most vulnerable. That’s why we provide shelter from the storms whenever we can. As we end our year, please consider giving to Second Chance to allow us to continue our lifesaving work.

Second Chance Humane Society’s Animal Resource Center and Shops have served San Miguel, Ouray & Montrose Counties since 1994. Adoption hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 pm. View our shelter pets and services online: www.secondchancehumane.org