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.

Our hearts go out to those in our community whenever there are wildfires, floods, or other natural disasters. In those cases, you are likely thinking and planning for “what if”. When planning, don’t forget to have a plan for your pets.

Every year, Second Chance Humane Society and other animal welfare organizations warn about the negative impact of July 4th fireworks on pets. More pets go missing on Independence Day than on any other day. Shelters see numerous frightened dogs and cats who have escaped due to the loud noises and strange smells of fireworks. Those that end up in shelters are the fortunate ones; others may be hit by cars, remain lost, or get injured while trying to escape.

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.

Scratching is normal, healthy feline behavior, not misbehavior! Cats scratch to sharpen and maintain their claws, mark territory (visually and with scent glands in their paws), get exercise, and relieve stress.

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.

It might be time to adopt a new cat into your family! The transition from newcomer to treasured family member can take some time. Here are some tips to help you read the signals your cat is giving to make the transition smoother.

Imagine calling your dog or puppy, and they abandon whatever they’re doing, their eyes locked on you, tail wagging, and sprinting back with joyful enthusiasm. That’s the power of a solid recall.

Teaching a dog to walk politely on a leash is a journey. Leash pulling is natural for dogs and changing this behavior takes time and consistency. Some dogs will grasp the concept quickly, while others need more patience and repetition.

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.

There are many reasons why a family surrenders a pet. Economics, lack of pet-friendly housing, illness, and behavior challenges are the most common. For the past few years, we’ve had a waitlist for people who want to surrender a pet to us.

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.

We’ve all seen situations where someone clearly has taken in too many cats. But what is that number? Where does the scale tip from several beloved cats to being overwhelmed? There are things to consider when you are a multiple cat household.

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.