About SCARS

Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS) is dedicated to reducing the number of homeless animals in Northern Alberta, Canada

We believe that there is a suitable home for all homeless animals: young or old; large or small.

As a volunteer-run, registered charity, we care for these animals by providing veterinary care and foster homes for animals in need until a permanent home is found. These private foster homes provide the animals with warm shelter, food, exercise, and tender loving care (something that so many of the animals we receive have never experienced).

SCARS does not practice selective intake procedures and operates in a triage manner: taking the animal in most medical need first. As a result our medical expenses are enormous. Please consider donating to our rescue efforts.


Look At Us Now!

To date, SCARS has rescued and rehomed over 3,000 animals.

Because these animals live in our homes, we deveop a very deep bond with our fosters. Many of the adoptive families keep us updated on how well their new companions are thriving in their new homes.

To all the wonderful foster homes, all the tireless volunteers, all the compassionate furever-homes: we say a heartfelt thank-you!

Please support your local rescue society and consider adoption as opposed to buying your new friend.


Tuesday 28 March 2006

Annie

My name is Annie, i kept my name when i was adopted by my mommy. I was adopted December 8 2005. My mommy and me have been so busy since i came to my new home that i forgot to write. I love my home and my mommy, she's very good to me. My sister was Allie and she got adopted before me, now i have a new sister her name is zoe and she is the golden retriever in my pictures.
My sister and me are the best of friends and we play all day long. I came to SCARS with my sister Allie, we followed a lady home when we were about 6 weeks old and she brought us to SCARS. My sister and I were supposed to be fostered by a family but my sister got adopted, so it was just me that went.


My foster family was very nice to me and i had many other dogs to play with. One night my mommy came over to their house because she knew the family and she saw me and fell in love with me because i was just so darn cute. I was only at my foster home for one week then i went to my new home. My grandma and grandpa love me very much, just as much as my mommy does. i am a lot bigger than i used to be, i used to weigh about 8 pounds and i am now 30 pounds at 5 months old. My mommy takes me to the dog parks to run around and play and she also takes me out to the lake to run free all over the place. well i have to run now its about supper time, i'll write again sometime soon. Love Annie

Monday 27 March 2006

Daisy (aka Opal)

Hi!


I don't know if you remember Daisy (Opal) but we thought you might like to know she is doing awesome!!!

And we are looking forward to our first christmas together.

I thought I would send a couple of Pictures to show you what she looks like.

Hope you are doing well. *Deanna

Sunday 26 March 2006

Sadi

Just want you to know Sadi is doing just fine.

Was trying to take a picture but they play so much I can't get one.


So here it is. Rest Period. Morley in front. Sadi at the back.


They are alive just taking a break....
Thanks Elaine

Indy (aka Crystal )

I wanted to send a couple pics of Indy (aka Crystal). She is doing very well and has come a long way! She is still very timid but is getting better. She is starting to play well at the off-leash area and just adores our other dog Peyton. She had some issues with separation anxiety at first but seems to be getting over that slowly but surely. I was looking on the website today and noticed that one of her babies is back. We would love to come out and visit with you and have Indy see her baby if she's still around Anyway, should run. I will keep in touch. Luv, Tanis, Corey, Peyton and Indy

Murdoch (aka Ernie)


Just some pictures of Murdoch, we have had him for about 3 months and we just love him!!!!! He goes to the local dog run and/or a walk everyday (most days twice), Murdoch has about 15 to 20 dogs he plays with and one cat.
Thank you for him
Fred and Debbie

Friday 24 March 2006

Linus (aka Sherlock)

Naomi and I are enjoying our dog who's name we changed to Linus. He is doing really well... no health problems, well behaved, excellently house broken... he is one of the best at his obedience classes. He is right now at dog daycare having fun with some of his friends. He is a great addition to our family and we have lots of fun (and exercise). I am sending a picture of him
in the last few months.

Thank You & Have a nice day,Rajeev.

Jenny (aka Sassy)

I just thought I would give you a quick update on Jenny. She joined our family a year ago when she was about 6 months old. Her first few days with us were quite mellow as she was still recovering from being spayed. After she was feeling better, she quickly learned her housetraining and enjoyed playing with our kids, who were 2 and 3 at the time.



Although she is an extremely loving dog, she is very timid of anyone who is not part of her family. We believe this is due to her lack of socialization at the start of her life. We got some private, one-on one training for her to help her overcome her fears of everything unfamiliar. She has made great strides and is truly a wonderful pet and companion.


She is well loved and we are so glad that she is a part of our family.We were a bit surprised at Jenny's change of personality once we got her home too, but considering her terrible early experiences, it was quite understandable. She has really come a long way since we first brought her home. Even though we got her some private training, she will never be an outgoing, trusting dog with unfamiliar people, but when she is with her family and in her comfort zone, she is the most loving, affectionate, happy dog. She walks great on a leash, although she doesn't need one as she never leaves our side. When we first took her to the off-leash areas, she was very nervous of all the other people and dogs, but she is becoming more and more confident each time we go, and will even let strangers come within 5 feet of her. (This is a HUGE improvement. She used to run in the bush when a stranger would approach, and come out only after they had passed us). When I first started taking her for walks, the street traffic would stress her out, and anyone approaching on the sidewalk would send her into a panic. She is still very cautious of others while on our walks, but will not bolt off the sidewalk and take all of the leash to avoid them now. Small steps, but they all add up.


She is quite funny with her treats too. It has only been in the last few months that she does not go and stash them somewhere as soon as she gets them. She has been known to keep/play with a milk bone treat for 2 days before eating it. She will smell it and lick it, and savor it for a good day before deciding to eat it. She's smart as a whip too. I can ask her to go find her "treat", "biscuit" or "pig's ear" and she will know exactly which one I'm asking for, and go retrieve it from her one of her many hiding spots!


She really is quick learner and is very eager to please. I am hoping to get her involved in agility training or flyball in a year or two, if I can find the time. I'm sure she will really enjoy it, and I think it will help her a lot with her socialization.


We have a cat also, and they play chase all the time. LOL The cat pretends to not like it, but half the time she will start the fun. My sister has a little Yorkie/Pom cross, and they are the best of friends, so she gets to play frequently with another dog too :-)


Listen to me..... going on an on like a new Mom! LOL We all love her very much and couldn't imagine our family without her. I would also like to say "thank you" for working so hard for such a wonderful rescue organization. I have told everyone I know about SCARS and encourage them to adopt from you folks. Sincerely, Stephanie.

Thursday 23 March 2006

Cooper

Hi all it is me, Cooper


Well I have finally done it, I have found my forever home. Just thought I would let you know how I am doing. My new family along with 4 cats and my dog friend Scamper absolutely love me. My new mum and dad spoil me rotten . I have lots of toys, a bed, and get to go to the off leash park almost everyday. Grandma spoils me lots too. To show how much I care I collect all my favorite things and bring them to my bed, almost every night. Things like my mum's shoes, clothes, even the cat's beds. Just wanted to thank scars and especially Andrea for giving me a wonderful home. I can't think of any place I would rather be. Here's a pictures of me.

Love Cooper

Wednesday 22 March 2006

Cooper (aka Kiya )

As promised I am finally sending you some pictures of my new kittens Benjamin (blue collar, aka Diego and Simon) and Cooper (green collar, aka Deuce and Kiya). I hope you can pick the best one out and put it on the update page of SCARS. They are 5 months old now and were neutered and microchipped last week, everyone at the vet loved them as they stayed overnight. The dogs with the cats are mine, Allie (yellow) and Duncan (black). The cats and dogs are doing well together, Benjamin is definitely adjusting better to them than Cooper. Cooper can still be a bit of a fraidy cat. I'm glad I was able to adopt two wonderful kittens from you, thanks for all of your hard work. Amber

Tuesday 21 March 2006

Toby

Hi, my name is Toby; (I have kept my name that I was given) I was recently adopted by Barry, Janie, Brittany, and Curtis. My new family is very nice to me, they take me for walks, give me treats, and best of all they play with me and give me lots of attention.

Since I have been at my new home, I have discovered lots of new sights and smells. I like to sit and watch the birds as they whistle and move around in their cages, though I’m not to sure what to think about them and their not sure what to think about me either. They watch me with suspicion, not sure what I will do.

I have a new friend named Max; he is a lot older then me and has taught me many things. He’s taught me to speak when my masters tell me to in return for a treat. He has also taught me that it is better to go to the bathroom outside then in the house. In return for treats I will now shake my paw, speak, sit down, lay down and when told to. And they are currently teaching me how to roll over. I know not to beg for food, and when my family is eating at the dinner table, I know not to be in the kitchen.

I sleep on my mom and dads bed (taken over) with Max and I now wait until morning before I go to the bathroom. Since I have been here I have only had a few accidents in the house, but now, most times, I ask to go outside when I need to go.

I don’t mind the leash anymore, and Brittany has gotten me a bigger and better collar for me to wear. I am used to it now so it doesn’t bug me nearly as much as it used to.

In the morning when Janie is getting the kids up for school, I often follow her to their rooms and jump on their beds and help to get them up in the morning. A cold nose on warm skin is a good method, it works. Brittany and I often wrestle out in the living room; also we will play tug of war with all my toys.

When I am bored and want attention I will go up to a member of my family and bark at them and then they will know that I want to play. I don’t like strangers very much but I am deeply in love with my family and I get very excited when they come home from work, or from school. I love to run, whether it is to chase a toy or just because. I like to be out in the country running most of all, hiding in the tall grass and pouncing out of nowhere and surprising Max.

My favorite toys, by far have got to be bouncy balls and ice cubes. I push them around with my nose, I pounce on them, and I step on them with my paws so that they go zooming across the room and I chase after them.

When I first came here I was just a little shorter then Max, but now I am proud to say that I am twice his size, and the last time I was checked by the vet I was 33 pounds. I have been given the nickname Toblerone by Janie. Curtis likes to take my pictures

Brittany eats an apple every morning before she goes to school and one time she gave me a piece and I discovered that I really like apples. Since then every time she has an apple I wait patiently until it is almost gone and I help her to finish what is there, though I will eat almost any kind of fruit or food that they put in front of me. I have recently tried pineapple, and I found that I enjoy that too.

I also discovered that I like water. Janie was spraying the birds one day, and I wanted to know what it was and I got in her way and ended up being sprayed with the water. I like to try and bite the water out of the air, I think of it as a game. I don’t really mind baths though, I have had a few of them since I have been here and I don’t really care for them, though I do try to make it hard by getting out of the bath every now and then.

I also have a couple of other friends, one is named Boxer, he is the neighbor’s dog, and he is also a German Shepard cross. I also don’t know what to think of the neighbor’s cats, they don’t seem to mind me overly much, and as long as I don’t bug them they are fine with me. As for myself, I am curious but I don’t mind them much either. Love you all, Toby

Monday 20 March 2006

Indiana (aka Scooby)

My name is Indiana but you may have known me as Scooby. I thought I would send you an update on my new life. Everyone admires my chin whiskers and you should have seen the number of presents I got when I came…Bones and toys oh my! Mom and Dad are determined to spoil me though they don’t always agree how. Dad is trying to make me into a fat lazy dog and Mom says “No way!” I personally like Dad’s idea better as I love my treats. Mom is always letting me sneak up on the couch and we both get scolded. Mom is big into cuddles and has no problem letting me sit on her lap whenever I want though she seems to have a problem with me sitting on her head in the morning! I’m just trying to wake her up! I’m very happy now and I am even helping to foster another SCARS dog, Ramse. I keep him in line for Mom and Dad but I haven’t figured out how to open the door to let him out to the washroom yet…if I figured it out…I’ll let you know. Ta ta for now and please keep adopting from SCARS; they are great people and we are great dogs!

Monday 13 March 2006

Benjamin (aka Simon )

As promised I am finally sending you some pictures of my new kittens Benjamin (blue collar, aka Diego and Simon) and Cooper (green collar, aka Deuce and Kiya). I hope you can pick the best one out and put it on the update page of SCARS. They are 5 months old now and were neutered and microchipped last week, everyone at the vet loved them as they stayed overnight. The dogs with the cats are mine, Allie (yellow) and Duncan (black). The cats and dogs are doing well together, Benjamin is definitely adjusting better to them than Cooper. Cooper can still be a bit of a fraidy cat. I'm glad I was able to adopt two wonderful kittens from you, thanks for all of your hard work. Amber

Saturday 11 March 2006

Tessa

I’m Tessa.

Mine is a distant memory of how I was left alone to perish. I remember it wasn’t long before the despair set in and I became very depressed. It was November and getting colder and the days were shorter. It didn’t take long before I finally gave up and curled up in a ditch worrying about what was to become of me.

With the noise of a vehicle, I lifted my head and there was my angel, a lady with soft eyes and a caring smile. She was patient with me as I was very scared….but something in her voice said to go with her. In her car I jumped, not knowing where or what was to happen to me. She was stopped on the road by a couple of men out looking for me, but it was only later I knew that they were looking to shoot me and that I had escaped with my life by minutes.

I’m now in my forever home with my forever family. I wasn’t up on the site very long so some of you reading this may not remember me. However, I became a Second Chance dog and look at me now! I went from a wayward stray to graduating class with honors. Going to school was great fun and I learned so much. Thanks to Kim, my trainer, and my mom who worked with me through some of my issues. I know that there’ll never be bad times for me ever, my days are filled with fun, love and contentment. My only words to all homeless and abused animals are …..


I believe there are angels among us.
Sent down to us from somewhere up above.
They come to you and me in our darkest hours.
To show us how to live, to teach us how to give.
To guide us with a light of love. (Alabama)
Thank you to Sylvia and all the volunteers at Second Chance…who truly are our angels.

Friday 3 March 2006

Steve (aka Melvin Comes With Spots)

When my family adopted me back in November, I was a really shy little guy...only about 20 lbs. When they would take me for a walk, I would stop every 5 metres or so and wait to be coaxed along. The city was a pretty unfamiliar place to me. My family worked really hard to build my confidence and to socialize me around people and other dogs and now I'm a happy-go-lucky 9 month old 45 lb puppy. I completed Beginner obedience classes with my friend Rufus and I love going to the dog park. My favorite thing to do on a walk is to climb all the hills in the river valley becauseI have tons of energy! I am a very smart boy. I have learned to ring abell when I want to go outside, and I love to play fetch and show off my repertoire of tricks (my favorite is high-five). I'm hoping to start agility training in the spring.

I love my family very much, and like to cuddle with them on my couch in the
evening after a long walk.

Rrrrrrrruff!
Steve Born with Spots (aka Melvin)

Thursday 2 March 2006

Nova (aka Sydney)

The past 3 months have flown by.

Life is great now with my daily walks and my many attempts to catch a moose or a deer.


So far I haven’t caught anything, but I’m still trying!
My pack mate, Shannon ensures that I’m never left alone and often uses cuddling me as an excuse to avoid chores but who am I to complain.



Life is great.