Second Glances

 Quarterly Newsletter Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries
Fall 2002 Number 4 

Paw Prints

   Holiday pets, the giving of a puppy, kitten, or other living gift to a child, grandparent or friend during the holidays, should begin with strong decision making and thought by the giver. This gift potentially becomes the close companion of the recipient for the next ten to twenty years, sharing and building memories that will indeed last two lifetimes ... the lifetimes of both pet and human companion.

    Does the age and lifestyle of the recipient allow ample time for this pet? Animals become very devoted and need "quality time" each day with their human. If the gift is to your child, are you prepared to become the primary guardian as your child's life passes in and out of the commitment levels?

    Along with the joys come expenses for veterinary care, toys and other supplies, spaying or neutering, identification tags and food.

    Consider also that the dream of your gift will hopefully create the perfect match. Will this puppy

or kitten be the right one? Would an adopted homeless animal be a stronger choice? Would a creative

approach that includes having your child, family or friend accompany you on a pet search or share the

actual purchase of supplies and furnishings build stronger memories and bonds? Passing the gift of love, companionship and devotion that pets give us to a loved one IS a wonderful idea. This is a decision, however, that will last a lifetime.

    Paw Prints articles from Second Chance Sanctuaries are found in the  Wellsboro Gazette. Each article, based on sound advice from many sources, helps pets, pet owners and caring individuals.

Santa's List To Pet Lovers

1. Pets like special treats too! Remember that chocolates    and some foods are not OK. Catnip and biscuits are!

2. Trees topple.

3.  Pets need water. Tree water can be harmful.

4. Many Christmas plants and berries are poisonous.

5. Pets smile for Seasonal Memory pictures too!

6. Nobody likes to be left outside for the holidays.

7. "Wild" friends like presents all during the winter!

8. Don't forget Grandma's cat.

9. Don't forget the animal shelters. Baking biscuits, or sleep mats or the human touch is always appreciated.

PERFECT MATCH  Looking for a perfect companion? Check our website for pets and people looking for each other. http://secondchanceas.tripod.com or email: secondchanceas@yahoo.com

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Dear Friends,

    As we venture through the final quarter of 2002, I look with excitement at the possibilities ahead as well as reflect on the many acquaintances we have made throughout the year. One of our major goals this first year has been to become recognizable in Tioga County and surrounding areas. Indeed we have met that goal. We receive calls weekly from people who are willing to volunteer their homes or their time to help out when the need arises. From appearing at nearly every festival or event this past summer and fall, to running a weekly ad in the Dollar Saver and Penny Saver as well as our monthly Paw Prints column in the Wellsboro Gazette, we gained exposure and friends. The public has shown that it is behind our cause and will support us in our endeavors.

    As a result of manning the booth at the many festivals and receiving donations, our treasury has reached a point where we are able to give back in some way to the community. We are beginning our Grandpaws program (see related article) and are conducting a holiday pet food drive in conjunction with Sara Guilds, owner of Full of It Thrift Shop. We are also working on requesting grant monies for a low cost spay-neuter program in the county.

    Our placement of animals has been very successful as well. We have developed a fairly extensive network of people who have agreed to foster animals or are seeking that one special kind of animal. Through this network we have been able to find nurturing homes for a growing number of animals. Our web site is updated weekly with new animals up for adoption as well as success stories of animals who have found a home. Please visit it if you have access to the Internet and view our success stories!

    As the holiday season is upon us, we wish you and your loved ones, four-legged and other, a very happy, safe holiday. May 2003 bring you peace, joy and harmony. Please continue to join us in providing hope and bright futures for unfortunate animals. God bless.

Susan Cook, President

Until he extends his circle of compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace."

 Dr. Albert Schweitzer 

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   The love and companionship exchanged between pets (often referred to as companion animals) and senior citizens has long been acclaimed for providing vital companionship, improved mental and physical well-being, and in many cases, longevity. Our memories can often reflect back to a grandfather or grandmother nestled into a family rocker or comfortable recliner. Curled up alongside was Max the dog or Fluffy the favorite cat, content and understanding of their favorite and comforted human friend. Even an occasional kitten or puppy brought a call, letter, or photo from an excited grandparent acclaiming the exploits of their new friend. Today senior care homes, families, and nursing homes are more and more recognizing the vital role animals play in adding meaning to the lives of seniors. Love, laughter and improved outlooks radiate from the elderly. The companionship of cats, dogs and other pets help older adults overcome hurdles that confront them. Unfortunately many seniors find themselves unable to provide the food, health care, spaying and neutering, or even transportation to health clinics for their beloved companions.

    This story represents the fundamental reason why Second Chance Animal Sanctuaries has launched its program of providing food, companion animal health care assistance, and an assortment of other related services to elderly members of our community. This new addition to the growing list of involvements aimed at improving the lives of pets and people is funded through the Blue Donation Can Program generously assisted by businesses located throughout our community. For further information, to volunteer your hand, to make a donation or to help identify a senior citizen and pets in need of these services, please contact us at (570) 724-7919 or (570) 724-4077.  

Have you found a blue can?

   The money collected in these donation cans will provide the major funds needed for our Grandpaws program to provide food, medical needs, spaying and neutering and other assistance for the companion animals of senior citizens.

Present locations include:

Pump'N Pantry Marts in Tioga Mansfield and Lawrenceville

Tioga Area Federal Credit Union

 Mansfield Veterinary Medical Center

 Tioga Office Products

 Downtown Timesaver

Wellsboro Small Animal Hospital

 Owlett's Sunshine Market

Terry's Hoagies

 Pit Stop Auto Sales

Chez Gabrielle Beauty Salon

George's Rest.

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Featured Friend

   1. Remove film from box and load camera.

 2. Remove film box from puppy's mouth and throw in trash.

 3. Remove puppy from trash and brush coffee grounds from muzzle.

 4. Choose a suitable background for photo.

 5. Mount camera on tripod and focus.

 6. Find puppy and take dirty sock from mouth.

 7. Place puppy in pre-focused spot and return to camera.

 8. Forget about spot and crawl after puppy on knees.

 9. Focus with one hand and fend off puppy with other hand.

 10. Get tissue and clean nose print from lens.

 11. Take flash cube from puppy's mouth and throw in trash.

 12. Put cat outside and put peroxide on the scratch on puppy's nose.

 13. Put magazines back on coffee table.

 14. Try to get puppy's attention by squeaking toy over your head.

 15. Replace your glasses and check camera for damage.

 16. Jump up in time to grab the puppy by the scruff of neck and say, "No, outside! No, outside!"

 17. Clean up mess.

 18. Fix a drink.

 19. Sit back in chair with drink and resolve to teach puppy "sit" and "stay" the first thing in the morning.

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SIGHS OF THE HEART

"She keeps repeating it over and over again. We've been back to this shelter at least five times. It has been weeks now since we started all of this," the woman told the volunteer.

"What is it she keeps asking for?" she asked.

"Puppy size!"

"We have plenty of puppies, if that's what she's looking for."

"I know. We have seen most of them," she said in frustration. Just then the young child came walking in the office. "Well, did you find one?"

"No, not this time," she said with sadness in her voice. "Can we come back on the weekend?"

The two women looked at each other, shook their heads and laughed. "You never know when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there's always a supply," the volunteer said.

The young child took her mother by the hand and headed to the door. "Don't worry, I bet we'll find one this weekend," the child said.

Over the next few days both mom and dad had long conversations with her. They both felt she was being too particular. "It's this weekend or we're not looking any more," Dad finally said in frustration. "We don't want to hear anything more about 'puppy size' either," Mom added.

Sure enough they were the first ones in the shelter on Saturday morning. By now the young child knew her way around, so she ran right for the section that housed the smaller dogs. Tired of the routine, Mom sat in the small waiting room at the end of the first row of cages. There was an observation window so you could see the animals during times when visitors weren't permitted.

The young girl walked slowly from cage to cage, kneeling periodically to take a closer look. One by one the dogs were brought out and she held each one. One by one she said, "Sorry, you're not the one."

It was the last cage on this last day in search of the perfect pup. The volunteer opened the cage door and the child carefully picked up the dog and held it loosely. This time she took a little longer. "Mom, that's it! I found the right puppy! He's the one! I know it!" she screamed with joy.

Mom, startled by all the commotion, came running. "What? Are you sure? How do you know?" she asked.

"It's the puppy sighs!"

"Yes, it the same size as all the other puppies you held the last few weeks," Mom said.

"No, not 'size', 'sighs'. When I held him in my arms he sighed," she said. "Don't you remember? When I asked you one day what love is, you told me "Love depends on the sighs of your heart. The more you love, the bigger the sighs!"

The two women looked at each other for a moment. Mom didn't know whether to laugh or cry. As she stooped down to hug her child she did a little of both.

"Mom, every time you hold me I sigh. When you and Daddy come home from work and hug each other you both sigh. I knew I would find the right puppy if it sighed when I held it in my arms," she said.

Then holding the puppy up close to her face she said, "Mom, he loves me. I heard the sighs of his heart."