Four Legged Victims of Hurricanes get a Second Chance

Second Chance proves again why it is one our favorite organizations: Recently, when Hurricane Irma struck Florida, Sheryl Blancato and her team decided to take 99 animals (70 cats and 29 dogs) from shelters in the path of the storm. The catch: Second Chance had to empty out their East Brookfield shelter by placing all 85 of their current tenants in foster care (some of the luckier ones were adopted). To do that is an incredible feat, and to do it quickly without a lot of preparation or lead time has got to be overwhelming.

It seems that managing the overwhelming is Second Chance’s specialty. In the midst of all of their projects (expanding existing programs, opening an improved clinic in Springfield, Mass, fundraising to open a brand new ICU in their North Brookfield shelter, mentoring an animal shelter in P.R. etc), Second Chance made a tremendous sacrifice. Then again, at least Second Chance was able to have control over their decision to empty out. Shelters in Irma’s path had the decision made for them.

When I met up with Sheryl Blancato at their Cruise for the Critters event on September 23, 2017 she mentioned a second wrinkle. It was her original understanding that all of the animals coming north would be adoption ready. Unfortunately that was not the case and the shelter faced a curve ball. Some of the animals received by Second Chance had health problems that required operations and veterinary care totaling $22,000.

As I get ready to publish this post, Lindsay Doray of Second Chance reports they are awaiting the arrival of more dogs tomorrow. These hurricane victims will come from a shelter in Puerto Rico. As for the Puerto Rican shelter that Second Chance mentors, due to the deadly storms, there has been no contact since the island was hit.

UPDATE: Sheryl Blamcato told us yesterday that Second Chance had received 17 dogs from shelters in Puerto Rico, Also, that shelter in P.R. that Sheryl and her team mentors? Well, contact was made with them a couple of days ago. Luckily the shelter is fine, but like most of the island, they are without electricity,

If you want to help Second Chance with it's unexpected bill or find out more about their projects and programs or adopt of course

, please visit their website: www.secondchanceanimals.org or find them on Facebook. They help animals facing catastrophe, literally.