Millions. That’s how many surplus, unwanted kittens are born every single year. Some will find their way into shelters and eventually be adopted. Many won’t. Many will grow up in unmanaged cat colonies, never receive proper medical care, and go on to produce thousands more kittens over their lifetimes.

Words from Nicholas Gilman, our Executive Director, about the impact of 2025 and the beginning of 2026.

Despite the slow start to winter this year, it’s getting colder outside! While the snowy months may make some of us less inclined to spend time outdoors, our dogs still need enrichment. On days when there’s snow up to your knees, there are plenty of easy activities you can do inside that keep you warm and your pet enriched.

We’ve probably all seen cats chase shadows on the floor, or light when it reflects from our phones onto the wall. Laser pointers are often marketed as fun, easy-to-use toys to entertain pets. They’re inexpensive and capture attention right away. While it can seem harmless and even funny, to watch a cat jump for a tiny red dot or a dog run across the room after it, this type of play can have serious consequences on physical and emotional well-being.

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.

Believe it or not, some people willingly spend time cleaning litter boxes, teaching rambunctious puppies good manners, holding cats during medical procedures, walking dogs, teaching frightened cats to trust people, scooping dog poop, bottle feeding tiny kittens every few hours, reading with pets and kids at schools, and holding leashes at adoption events. Oh, and they don’t get paid (unless you count tail wags, puppy kisses, or purrs).  These are the noble, loving, generous species known as volunteers.

Our communities are incredibly generous and supportive. While donations and grants are given to Second Chance throughout the year, most giving is done in December (especially in the last 3 days). December is our make-or-break time. The money we raise now will help us budget and prioritize for a good portion of the coming year.

Here at Second Chance, we are sharing gratitude this Thanksgiving week. 

Mascara. Shampoo. Perfume. Laundry Detergent. Oven Cleaner. Yes, these products might help us look and feel prettier and make our house shiny and clean. But, did you realize there is a very ugly side to some of these products? Yes, I’m talking about animal testing.

Cuddly, aloof, playful, reserved, vocal, quiet, curious, lazy, social, independent… every cat is different. A cat’s personality can be that of a fuzzy lap warmer or a calm, independent observer. There are many things to consider when choosing a new feline family member.

Creepy, crawly, blood-sucking, little jerks. Yep, we all hate ticks. Have you come back from a hike or a walk around the block to find a tick on your dog? Or your cat wanders around the yard and comes back with a tick? Ick.

It’s goblin, candy, and party, time again. Halloween can be so much fun for kids and adults.

But how does this evening look to your cat or dog?

When you are adding a pet to your family, you might be deciding between a dog or a cat. The choice is obvious- go feline. There are many attractive, playful, loving, and loyal cats here at Second Chance who would be perfect. Why are cats the best? Here are just a few reasons.

Why would anyone question the superiority of canine companionship? When you see all the funny, playful, adorable, loyal dogs here at Second Chance, you might want to adopt them all! Here are just a few of the countless reasons why a dog is the very best pet.

It seems like the world has stereotyped behaviors for cats and dogs. When a dog is aloof or independent, they might be called “cat-like”. Whereas a cat who fetches toys will be labeled “like a dog.” When it comes to cat and dog behavior, it can get tough to differentiate myth from reality. 

At Second Chance Humane Society, our shelter staff cares for the animals day in and day out. Our success depends on these hard-working, compassionate, and dedicated people. Without them, we can’t save animals and find new homes for them.

Second Chance Humane Society had two lost dog cases in a recent year. Both were nervous dogs who escaped from a new home or foster home. Louie was missing for nearly two weeks, while Oscar was recovered in less than a week. Why the difference? One reason is we learned from an expert who helped us with Louie.

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.

Crate training is a recommended tool for both dogs and puppies. If used correctly, it can create a safe space that your pet enjoys. While some use crates for life, others prefer using them just for training (house training, chewing, etc.). Whatever works best for you and your dog is great!

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.