Unlike our Ridgway campus, which receives most of its animals through owner surrender, Second Chance Delta takes in many stray dogs every week. About 46% of these strays are reunited with their owners before the end of their 5-day stray hold; the remaining 64% go through our intake process and are put up for adoption to find new, loving forever homes. Since assuming operations of the Delta shelter in May of this year, we’ve been fortunate to receive, for the most part, happy, healthy dogs. Last week, though, we met Bella.

Animal control brought Bella– a small-breed, senior dog– to Second Chance Delta when she was found on the side of the road after being hit by a car. The SCHS staff saw her injuries and acted immediately by bringing her to the vet, where we learned she was over ten years old and suffering from a broken leg and a dislocated hip, in tremendous pain and terrified to be in an unfamiliar place. Despite her situation, this sweet senior girl remained incredibly loving.

Bella spent the weekend with Dr. Joe at Ouray Vet in Delta, where she underwent surgery to begin a long road to recovery. While the SCHS staff searched for an emergency medical foster (someone committed to physical therapy, carrying her for potty breaks, and more!), they didn’t know Bella’s family was out there looking for her. Her parents saw our ‘found dog’ post on social media and got in touch with the shelter!

We were thrilled to know that Bella had people out there who loved her, and there is no better place for her to recover than at home. Turns out, Bella is thirteen years old! Now she is healing and getting stronger every day, loving time with her family, and enjoying every moment in the sun she can get.

Bella’s story reminds us how quickly a beloved pet can need lifesaving care, even when they’re separated from their families. That’s why it is so important that we have the resources available to help when they do!

When a pet arrives at Second Chance sick, injured, or in need of emergency treatment, we don’t want them to have to wait for care. That’s why we’re looking to add $2,500 to our Emergency Veterinary Care Fund to help us provide for dogs like Bella who come through our doors needing immediate medical attention.

Please consider donating today! Every gift, big or small, could help the next pet who arrives scared, hurting, and in need of a second chance. You can send donations to our mailing address (PO Box 2096, Ridgway, CO 81432), or on our website (https://secondchancehumane.org/support-us/donate)

*Sweet Bella, recovering post-surgery. She was so scared, but never stopped showing her gentle, affectionate nature.*

Since 1994, the Animal Resource Center and the Shops of Second Chance Humane Society have been dedicated to serving animals in Southwestern Colorado. Our adoption hours are every day from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are located at 177 County Rd 10, Ridgway, CO. You can view our shelter pets and services online at secondchancehumane.org.