Dr. Jane Goodall

As Executive Director of the Second Chance Humane Society, I woke this morning with profound sadness at the news of Dr. Jane Goodall’s passing. I feel privileged to offer this tribute—not just as one who watched her life’s work in awe, but as one who was fortunate enough to meet her on two occasions.

When I first met Dr. Goodall, I was struck immediately by her quiet authority and warmth. On our second meeting, at a conference in Toronto, we spoke for a few minutes about the challenges facing animals today—and she smiled when I told her that I had my dog, Nautic, with me at the conference. She looked me square in the eye and said, “Everybody feels better when there is a dog in the room.  Please bring your dog to my keynote speech later this morning.”  At her speech she even called my dog, not me, to join her on stage!

I have never forgotten that. In our darkest moments in animal welfare, when budgets are stretched, cases are heavy, and hope feels distant—I recall her words. They remind us of the power of companionship, empathy, and the healing presence of animals.  

Dr. Goodall was a giant in the world of science and conservation. Beginning in 1960 at Gombe Stream in Tanzania, she pioneered long-term systematic observation of chimpanzees, documenting that they use tools, maintain complex social bonds, and exhibit distinct personalities and emotional lives—findings that challenged long-held assumptions about the human/animal divide.   She founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 and launched the Roots & Shoots youth program, mobilizing thousands of young people to act for animals, people, and the environment. Over her life she earned numerous honors, including the Damehood (DBE), the Templeton Prize, and the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom. 

Her passing leaves a void not only in the conservation community, but in every corner of the animal welfare and humane world—where her voice always reminded us that all lives have dignity, that empathy matters, and that real change begins with compassion.

To the staff, volunteers, adopters, donors, and supporters of Second Chance: let us carry forward her spirit in our work. Let us make our care more thoughtful, our advocacy more fearless, and our belief in redemption for every creature more steadfast. Let us honor her memory by continuing to open doors—for dogs, cats, wildlife, and people—to second chances.

May Dr. Goodall’s legacy guide us, and may we always remember that, as she told me, a dog in the room can soften hearts, open minds, and remind us of why we do what we do.

With gratitude and determination,
Nicholas Gilman

Welcome Our New Staff Veterinarian

Dr. Hannah Coenen is originally from the Midwest but has lived on the Front Range of Colorado, in Oregon, the Southwest, and the Southeast. She attended school at CSU in Fort Collins and graduated from veterinary school at Iowa State University in 2022.  

Dr. Coenen has always been passionate about shelter medicine, providing quality care to homeless pets, and increasing access to care in underserved areas. Her goal since beginning veterinary school was to move into the field of shelter medicine. After graduating, she completed a specialty internship in shelter medicine at the University of Florida, where she learned everything from high-volume, high-quality spay/neuter to infectious disease control to shelter management. She participated in many high-volume spay/neuter clinics around the southwest, on various reservations, and in areas like the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.  

With several years of hands-on experience at the City of Albuquerque’s high-volume animal shelter, she developed a deep understanding of veterinary care in a setting with significant need. Her time there provided extensive exposure to a wide range of medical and surgical cases, helping shape her love for surgery and wound management. These skills lend to her passion to help address the pet overpopulation crisis that affects many parts of the country. 

Dr. Coenen is happy to be near Ridgway, in such a beautiful place. She is excited to help Second Chance continue to move forward and expand services for both shelter and community pets, and help decrease barriers to veterinary care.  

She says, "I am so excited to join Second Chance Humane Society! The community and beauty of Ridgway are part of what drew me here. I'm realizing how dedicated and forward-thinking the Second Chance team is, and I feel very fortunate to be a part of it. Second Chance is an outstanding organization, and I'm excited to see where we go and the impacts we continue to make in this deserving community.” 

In her free time, she loves long-distance trail running with her two dogs, backpacking, and rock climbing with her partner. She also enjoys gardening, growing mushrooms, and watching her backyard chickens do weird things.

Learn more about Second Chance’s community veterinary services here.

2024 Marked Our 30th Anniversary as an Organization!

We used this milestone as an opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been and to look ahead at what’s next.