This is a series of diaries highlighting animal rescues around the country and noting and celebrating the work they do to help animals who have no voices but ours to speak for them. I have decided to make this a daily series because there are so many wonderful rescues out there who need human help and weekly just doesn't seem to be enough. I have long wanted to start a rescue but lack the resources or time available to do so right now so this is my attempt to do my part. I hope that these rescues will benefit from the kindness and benevolence of the community here at Daily Kos. They are amazing organizations and worthy of Kossack attention and care. I wrote this poem for the Climate Change blogathon and I think it applies here.
I am here
I am alive
I am all around you
I have no voice
I am in your trees
I am in your air
I am in your fields
I am in your oceans
I am in your world
I have no voice
I am a mother
I am a father
I am a protector
I am a soul
I have no voice
I can walk
I can crawl
I can sing
I can fear
I have no voice
You must be my voice
Second Chance Animal Center
Mission
Second Chance Animal Center (SCAC) is dedicated to improving the lives of companion animals in the communities that it serves, providing compassionate shelter, care and adoption services for homeless and unwanted animals. SCAC helps individuals and families find a pet that is an appropriate match for their household. SCAC does not euthanize for space. Animals remain in its care until they find their “forever home.”
Second Chance also provides spay/neuter assistance to income-eligible families, a comprehensive humane education program for children and adults, as well as investigative services to handle complaints concerning neglect and abuse of animals.
History
Second Chance was incorporated in 1959 as the Bennington County Humane Society, but to better reflect its philosophy and scope of services, it does business under the name Second Chance Animal Center. Initially, animals were cared for by local veterinarians. But in January, 1961 the Board negotiated the purchase of a building on Route 7A in Shaftsbury which was previously used as a restaurant. What started as a two-room shelter has expanded to a facility able to accommodate up to 20 dogs and 100 cats. The shelter has two outdoor dog exercise yards, a large grassy, fenced in area for dog walking, a pet socialization room, administrative offices, an isolation ward for new arrivals, an operating room for spay/neuter surgeries, an infirmary and an education barn.
The website is here
How to help is here
Adoption info is here
Benji came to SCAC because he and the family dog did not get along. Benji can be an indoor/outdoor kitty but does use his litter box correctly. Benji would prefer a home without a dog but does get along with other cats here at the shelter. If Benji sounds like the boy for you please stop by and meet him.
Adoptable Cats
Barn Cats
If you have a barn, stable, or warehouse, you can help save a cat!
Sometimes we have cats who cannot live as house pets. Cats in our barn cat program fall into one of three categories:
Cats whose litterbox habits make them unsuitable to live in the house
Cats who are just too independent to appreciate being cooped up in cages here at Second Chance
Cats who are feral, shy or fearful of people, and who may prefer the company of other cats and animals
Please note that we do not adopt cats who are suitable to be household companions to barns, only those cats without other options.
It’s not just for barns!
We refer to these cats as “barn cats” because that is the most common housing option. However, there are many types of buildings that could provide a safe, happy home for one of these special cats. Perhaps you own a warehouse, a workshop, or a garage – as long as the cat(s) will be safe from vehicles and other common dangers, we are willing to consider creative locations!
What we provide:
All cats available for adoption are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. When you adopt a barn cat, we will go over with you how to acclimate your new cat to their new surroundings and make them feel at home. The $20 adoption fee for barn cats helps us cover some of their medical costs.
What you need:
When you adopt a barn cat, you agree to give them:
Shelter in a barn, outbuilding, or stable
Daily food and water—cats cannot live on mousing alone
Long-term veterinary care, as needed (they’re neutered and vaccinated now)
A secure place to keep them for the first 2-3 weeks, while they acclimate to your barn. This can be a tack room or any secure indoor enclosure from which they can not escape. We can lend you an introduction cage if no secure area is available.
Adoptable Dogs