From trash to treasure - given a second chance

Many throwaway dogs come into the shelter. Our job is to make these disposables become something to treasure. Whitley came in and we found him to be a model “resident.” A week after his entry his person came calling for him. When she found out the fees involved to retrieve him ($61) she said she would get the money, but then never came back.

We did find out a few things about Whitley during our conversation with his past person. He was two-years-old and had been chained out most of his life. He was a white boxer, impeccable house manners, great with kids, but a dog that had become delegated to the backyard on a chain.

“The dog is better off dead instead of living his life on a chain,” we said. “A life on a chain is no life at all.”

With Whitley’s person abandoning him again, we set out to give this boy the life he deserved. When Carol Sutherland called us about Whitley and said she had children, all mentally/developmentally challenged, we were pretty sure it wasn’t going to work. We asked Carol to bring the kids with her so we could see the interaction before we made a decision. What we saw was pure magic.

What we have learned since Whitley has been in his new home is nothing short of a miracle - for dog and children.

Whitley is patient, gentle, devoted, and lives for the kids in his care. When the kids are in school he mopes around and Carol knows when it’s time for the kids to come home soon because suddenly Whitley will start prancing and becoming active. He greets the kids at the bus stop and life has meaning for him again.

Thank you, Carol, for saving what some would call a throwaway child, and thank you for rescuing a dog who came from the same tragic start in life.

Taffy came into the shelter wandering at large. An older couple fell in love with this young Chihuahua mix and she was just what they were looking for. After a year, a new addition entered their home, a purebred Dachshund pup. Suddenly, Taffy was no longer important. She was delegated outside much of the time. The couple no longer had time for her because she wasn’t a cute little pup. Taffy was returned to the shelter.

No sooner did we have Taffy in our care and posted on www.Petfinder.com when Kathy Barrett called us from Oregon. She was looking for this type of dog and asked us if we could hold her for 24 hours so she could drive down from Oregon.

Kathy runs as assisted living facility for adults who are mentally challenged and who might otherwise be institutionalized. She knew that a small dog would help with her charges in giving their life meaning and make them happier. And she was right. No sooner did she arrive at the shelter when Taffy almost leaped in her arms. She knew she had a special purpose in life. To this day Taffy is a treasured part of her adoptive family and her adult throwaway people.

Disposable dogs, disposable people, all have a purpose and all should be cherished family members. These are just two examples of how “trash has been turned into treasure.” A second chance is really what all of us need.

But, some dogs stay for a long time. We believe dogs should not be in a shelter long enough to make it feel like it is home. A shelter should be an interim stopping place, like a rest stop, before finding their new forever homes. But, just because they feel like the shelter is home, it doesn’t mean they wouldn’t make great companions for some lucky family.

The long-term dogs in shelters show they have the mental fortitude it takes to accept change. They are adaptive to new people, dogs, situations. When people see how our dogs are bonded with us, they get worried that when they take the dog home, it won’t bond with them. Well, usually in to weeks or less, the dog they adopted is just as attached to them as they were to us. Dogs live in the moment, they don’t worry about where they were yesterday, or two hours ago. They will do whatever their new pack leader wants.

In one short phrase, the dogs will bond to whoever has the food and kindness!

So how can you help? Spread the word about shelter dogs. There are treasures waiting in small and large shelters nationwide. And remember, don’t pass up those pennies on the ground. Pick them up and pledge them to Second Chance Pet Rescue. Add them to all the other coins in the change jar. Suzanne Hildebrandt and “her kids” picked up 565 pennies! That’s 15 toys or treats at the Dollar Store. When you buy a box of treats for your dog, pick one up for the dogs a Second Chance. Bring it by or send it in the mail.

Do you know someone who would love a dog? Tell them about Second Chance Pet Rescue. Are you able to adopt? If you are not able to adopt a real dog, adopt an online dog. Just go to our available dog listings at http://www.west.petfinder.com/shelter/CA458.html. and send your donation under a particular dog’s name. It will make your heart lighter knowing you are helping dogs that don’t have a family. We assure you, it does make a difference.

The mission of Second Chance Pet Rescue and Adoption is the prevention of cruelty to animals by established and maintaining a sanctuary which provides a safe environment for homeless and abandoned pets; to provide foster care for homeless and abandoned pets; to assist in placing such animals in safe, caring, permanent homes; to be an active participant in education and the humane and caring treatment of animals; and to celebrate the bond with companion animals.