Geography is no match for Second Chance Pet Network’s mission to save animals. Located in northwestern Ontario, and four hours away from Thunder Bay, they have saved over 76 animals just in the last 2 ½ months. We interviewed President Silvia Scheibler and Treasurer Ann Owens to learn more about how they deal with the geographic challenges, what their favourite part of rescuing is, and more. 

 

1. How did your organization start?

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In October 2008, six people started talking about how this area needed a shelter for the animals that was more willing to help people and animals than the one that was operating in the area. The shelter that was supposed to cover this area was 86 miles from Dryden and not everyone needing or wanting to adopt was able to get there. After the ground work was done, we started on February 1, 2009.

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2. How does your organization operate?

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We follow the teachings of Nathan Winograd and the NO KILL Equation as closely as we can.

 

3. How do you manage helping animals across a large part of the province?

 

We have standard operating procedures that we follow and we have terrific volunteers that are willing to drive to help the animals that need us.

 

4. What is the hardest part about rescuing animals?

 

The hardest part is finding room for all the cats and kittens that need help. This has been a very difficult year because of the large number of kittens that have been found outside. With the cold weather fast approaching, we, as with every other shelter, are struggling to get in as many as we can. Space is an issue as they need to be in quarantine for a couple of weeks and all need to be vet checked.  In the past 2 ½ months, we have rescued 76 animals. Money is a constant challenge as we spay/neuter, microchip and vaccinate all the animals before adoption.

 

5. What is the easiest part about rescuing animals?

 

The easiest part is when we are able to return a lost animal to the family & everyone is crying tears of joy, or when someone comes to us and finds the one animal they just cannot live without. Looking into those eyes, and to see a change from hopeless, and despair to joy, hope, and gratitude is heartwarming.

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6. What is your favourite rescue story?

 

It is extremely difficult to pick one story, as there are many over the years. One of the more recent stories is of a lone surviving kitten called Phoenix - her young mother had complications during delivery, and she and the other siblings did not survive. Things did not look very good for Phoenix – eyes started to glaze over, and things looked very bleak. Ann said she got up the next morning expecting the worst – but was greeted with a look of hope and started syringe feeding every hour. We have a photo – taken when Phoenix was less than a pound. She hung on to that syringe as a lifeline, and battled her way back, and started gaining weight.  She was around 3 pounds in the second photo, and is FEARLESS! She is not afraid of other cats, dogs or birds, and has energy to burn. A family was in to our shelter; fell in love with her, and now PHOENIX IS ADOPTED!!!! Those are the stories that warm your heart and soul!

 

7. What is the one thing you want people to know about rescuing animals?

 

When picking out an animal that you think needs help, be willing to help yourself. Don’t just assume that the shelter will take the animal right away. Sometimes it may take a day or two to make room or find the right foster home. Most shelters or rescues are run by volunteers, and as with all groups, it is the same people doing all the work all the time and people wear out. You do not know what they have been through that day and they may just need time to breathe.

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8. What is the best piece of advice for people who want to adopt an animal?

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This is a life. Be sure you are ready to commit for life. Puppies and kittens are cute – but they grow up and change. Have a backup plan in case something happens: [A] job is lost, illness, marriage break ups, relocation etc. Remember – to YOU the animal is only one part of YOUR LIFE – but to the ANIMAL YOU are THEIR WHOLE LIFE!!

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