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.


Saturday 30 September 2006

Maebe (aka May)

Wow, it seems like only we met SCARS at the Pet Expo. How our lives have changes!
Since I last emailed SCARS, Maebe (formerly May) has really gotten great at walking on a leash. (No more dislocated shoulders). The halty really helped and now she is great 90% of the time on her halter.
She is quite a character, and love chewing on my favourite pillow as well as tearing the garbage apart anytime we turn our backs. But honestly, she is a very good dog. We recently found out she is an olympic level swimmer. She loves water, so we got her a kiddy pool for the backyard. I think she loves that more than treats. She also loves riding in the car and especially going to work with her dad. Everyone there loves her.
She is officially a Pet Smart Beginner graduate and likes to flaunt her tricks to anyone who will watch. She can shake a paw, give high-fives and balance food on her nose without eating it. I know...GREAT self control.
Mae has been the best addition to our family. She is definitely our little girl. We even have a "fairy dog mother" and a "dog father" for her. Every day we think about that first day we saw her (and walked her : ) and realize we made a great choice.
Thanks for all you have done for our family!
Beth, Neill and Mae

Tuesday 26 September 2006

Rocky

Here's a little update on Rocky. He was found in a ditch along with his sisters and Scars is now taking care of his mom Junebug.

We have now had Rocky for 3 months and he's doing great! He's grown a lot since the first day we saw him at 6 weeks, now he's 5 months and pushing 35 pounds!
He's in day care twice a week and really enjoys playing with the other dogs and we have started obedience classes.

As you can see by the pictures from when he was a little tyke to now….he sure like to eat! Thanks to Scars for all they have done for him and if Tony gets his way, Rocky will have a playmate soon from Scars!

I would love to know how Rocky's sisters are doing, if you have any info on them I would love to hear it. Thanks again!

Monday 25 September 2006

Coby


I know you guys are going through a rough time, but because of you I have a piece of magic in my life. ***A & C

Wednesday 20 September 2006

Ella

Aug 28, 2006
Good morning Sylvia and everyone at SCARS:
Summer is coming to an end and what a wonderful summer I had. I have been out to the lake with Alison and the family a few times and had a wonderful time running and playing and swimming in the lake. We just got back from 4 days camping in Edmonton. We took a trip there to see family and friends and stayed at the rainbow campground in Edmonton. I had a great time there, but I had to stay on my leash as there were just too many squirrels that I wanted to chase and catch. At night when we slept in the camper I did not like my bed on the floor and took over the table bed. Alison had to put my pillow on the bed and that is where I slept. The second night I even made her cover me; I figured they had blankets I should get one too, lol. A lot of people at the campsite stopped and talked to me and told me what a pretty girl I was and how well behaved I am. I do try, even though I still have my moments, lol. I still get taken for Ice cream once a week and I so look forward to those days. Orange Sherbet is my fav. I have gotten a lot better with my separation anxiety. Even though Alison is with me most all the time, and takes me with her most all the time, there are days when I am here alone and I have got real good at being good while she is gone. I have learned that she will always come back home. I went to daycare a few times but at first I was real bad there. The first time I thought she gave me away but she came back in two hours so the second time I was a bit better. Now though I know that she loves me too much to leave me and I am good for other people. I miss her when she is gone though. She has been teaching me new things and we have so much fun playing our games. I now can sit, shake hands, play dead, roll over, I know my right from my left, and I now do them all with only a hand command and I even sing sometimes. We are still working on the singing still though. When people come to visit I meet them at the door, I don't jump or bug them though I sit and extend my paw to shake their hand before I do anything. Alison tells me that I am the smartest girl she has ever known and swears that I am part human or at least that I must think I am, lol. All it is though is those Scobby snacks, if you have never had one you should try them, they are the best. I don't mind doing anything trick she asks cause I know there will be a scobby snack at the end and they are worth doing anything, lol. I heard Alison and Lionel talking and they are thinking of getting a second dog so I have someone to chase around the yard and play with. I have doggie friends that come over and play but they think I need a friend here all the time. Alison is on the SCARS website everyday so who knows maybe she will make up her mind soon and we will have another SCARS dog. Alison wants them all though and Lionel says only one. I am attaching some pictures of me taken at Rainbow Valley in Edmonton this past week, hope you like and enjoy. Time to go for a walk. Have a great day and lots of kisses to everyone at SCARS.
Love Ella

Hi Sylvia and Shelly:
I thought it was due time I wrote you both to let you know about Ella. She is a wonderful girl and there is not a moment that goes by that I am not happy about having her here. She has bonded very well with everyone here, especially me. She is very protective of me and does not like to be away from me for very long. She comes everywhere with that and me makes her very happy. She is extremely good in the vehicle and loves to travel with me. I just returned from a week vacation in Vancouver, went to watch the Eskimos win the grey cup, and Ella stayed here with my son. She had a rough first day but adjusted well and was very very happy to see me come home. She has gotten real good on the leash and even better off leash. She loves going to the off leash park everyday and runs and plays and listens to every command I give. She has taken over the one chair in the living room and if she wants up on it and someone is sitting there she lets you know who is boss and whose chair it is. I have my Christmas tree up and she was very interested in that all day yesterday, she didn’t know what to think. She tried to go after the decorations but listens very well to the word NO. All in all she is doing excellent and she seems to be very very happy.
I will write again after Christmas and send pictures of her first Christmas with us. In the meantime here is one of her taken a few weeks ago in her favorite chair.
Kind regards, Alison & Ella

Happy New Year Sylvia and everyone at SCARS,
I celebrated my first Christmas with my new family and did I ever have a good time. We had this big green tree with lots of bright decorations on it in the living room. All the decorations looked like they would make great chew toys but I realized fast that they were only to look at. I got lots of presents .. one present was a big rawhide bone, which I found under the pretty tree about two days before Christmas. It smelled so go I just had to chew all the paper off it and eat it. I also got a bag full of orange toys, some of them squeak when I chew on them, I love the squeakers! I gathered all my new toys up and put them on the couch and chewed on them most of the day. I wouldn't let anyone touch them. The green ones were not mine but I took the green bone anyways and hid it with my toys and played with that one also. I can be a real toy hog when I want to be. Christmas Day we went for a car ride to visit family in Prince Albert and I got lots of treats there too. I am very spoiled and just loving it, I give lots of kisses though to show my appreciation. I really love my new home and I have been very good for my new owners, especially Alison, I listen to everything she tells me (well ok almost everything), I still have to learn the food on the counter is NOT for me. I get to go to lots of places with her, she takes me to the off leash park where I can run and play. She plays fetch with me and I am really good with bringing the ball or frisbee back to her. There are other dogs at the park and I run and play with them and I have made a few friends there that I look forward to seeing when we are at the park. I miss you all at SCARS but I love my new home too. I hope all the dogs there can find loving homes like I have. Alison's daughter is getting a new dog from SCARS, Jonah, and I am looking forward to a new friend to go and visit and play with. Tell Jonah that he is really lucky. They love me to pieces here and I love them all back. I think I heard that Alison is going to Edmonton with them to pick up Jonah, so that means I get to go for a car ride to Edmonton too. Maybe I will get to see someone from SCARS that I know. I am so excited, I love car trips. Bye for now. Happy New Year to all of you at SCARS and thank you for all your help in giving me a second chance.
Love Ella

Benny


Sierra

My wife and I adopted Sierra from Scars about 2 months ago and she has been wonderful. She is the second addition to our family (we adopted Tundra as a puppy from CARES about 15 months ago). Sierra was a little nervous of humans at first, but we have been working day and night with her to help her regain her confidence. It is amazing how far she has come in such a short time. Sierra and Tundra are inseparable and go everywhere with us (they especially love camping and the off leash dog park). My wife and I would just like to thank you (SCARS) for everything you have done for these animals, and I know Sierra is thankful for everything you have done for her. We adopted Sierra from Coral, and my wife and I would like to say that she was wonderful to work with during the adoption process. Again we would like to thank you for everything. We have attached some photos of both dogs (Sierra is the bigger one with the purple collar). Sincerely, Ryan & Brianna

Monday 18 September 2006

Lobos (aka Teddy)

Lobos (was Teddy), who I'm pretty sure is Josie(Tanya)'s brother, is now a gorgeous 10 month-old. When we got him at two months, he was super-affectionate, but scared to go anywhere -- by foot or by car. We'd carry him out for walks and then he'd pull us all the way home.

Now he can hardly wait to go for a walk -- the longer the better, and he loves car-rides too. He has a couple of doggy-buddies to play with in the park a few times a week. That's just about his favorite thing in the world!

He loves just about everything and everybody, and even after all these months he still lives in hope that the cats will play with him. They punch him in the face when he comes too close, though. They're not scared of him, they just don't want to play with the giant.

His fur has changed colour and texture, so he doesn't look too much like the little Teddy we took home last December. His personality hasn't changed though. He's still just as sweet and good-natured as ever. We were very lucky the day he came into our lives! **Brenda

Saturday 16 September 2006

Sadie (aka Libby)

I wanted to send you some pictures of Sadie...she's had quite the summer! She already cruised about 6,000.00 Km and I can assure her car sickness has been cured!We bought a big motor home and took the kids and Sadie on a big trip. Here is a few shots of our super star traveler. Hope all is well with you guys!Fabiana

Friday 15 September 2006

Daisy & Duke (aka Audrey & Apollo)

Daisy (AKA Audrey) here.

Had to write and brag about how much fun my brother Duke (AKA Apollo) and I are having at our new home. Yes you read the names right...........Daisy/Duke. I don’t get the big deal about our names, but everyone just seems to think that it is just too funny. Mom always calls Duke first, I wonder why? Mom's nephew tells everyone......Daisy & Duke came from the Lost and Found. Is that where we came from, no matter...........we are just so happy to be together!

Let me start by saying that I am soooooo excited to have my little brother living with me! He is so much fun, and he is such a cool brother.......he lets me win most of the running races and the wrestling matches. Well so he says that he lets me. I just know that I am a wee bit more determined than he is. He says that since he has gotten his cast off, that his leg sometimes bothers him. Really I think that that is just an excuse, 'cause I don’t see that it bothers him very often at all. Far as I am concerned, him breaking his leg just gave him a cute little wiggle to his walk. Makes my mom giggle, so it can’t be a bad thing.

We both love to swim, in the doggie pool, the little lake or the big lake where the trailer is.........it dont matter. Anywhere we can splash is a great time! Fetch is a favorite past time, but not as much fun as wrestling. We wrestle for hours.

We love our squeaky toys, the louder the squeak the better, and sometimes mom thinks that we are going to drive dad crazy with the band that we are starting. Still needs some fine tuning, but practice does make perfect! Mom also reminds dad that a squeaky toy is a good toy, as long as they hear it..........means we are not getting into any mischief. He just sighs, and agrees.

Well, that is all for now. We will keep you posted on how things are going in our forever home. Mom says I got to write this letter, and that Duke gets to write the next one.

Till next time.... Daisy

"No one appreciates the very special genius of your conversation as your dog does."

Thursday 14 September 2006

Acadia & Guiness (aka Amy & Clarence)


Hi there! I just wanted to send in a photo of Acadia and her brother Guiness (aka Amy & Clarence) who were adopted about 5 months ago. Both puppies are doing really well and get to see each other since Guinesse's mom, Tina, and I are friends! So, here is a photo of Acadia and Guiness at our friends' farm. They are chillin' out and enjoying each others' company!We're all so happy that these beautiful little ones came into our lives! THANK-YOU!!!Cheers!Jaret & Amy Rink(P.S.) When looking at the picture, Acadia is on the left and Guiness is on the right (he's wearing a tag).

Sunday 10 September 2006

Kya

I just wanted to let you know that Kya has added action and adventure, not to mention loyalty and love, to my life from day one of arriving here at her new home. After recovering from her amputation and then surprising us with 6 puppies Kya has settled into a bit more of laid back lifestyle. She is near completion of basic manners in which she is doing very well. She has also become quite the social butterfly and loves any opportunity to meet new people and dogs. One of her favourite things to do is go down to the river to swim and splash with all the other dogs. What fun! Kya has proven that three legs are better than four, or at least equal to. She is a natural at long distance runs and climbing numerous flights of stairs. Nothing can stop this girl. I cannot imagine a better companion and know that my life is better with her in it! **Nola

See Kya's Rescue Story

Friday 8 September 2006

Emerson (aka Onyx)

I wrote back you back in October of last year to give you an update on how Emerson (Onyx) was doing since we adopted her. So, It’s been a while.

I felt like telling you again how much I want to thank you for doing what you do!! Without you and the Scars organization, Emerson may not have found the help she needed and the likelihood of her coming into our life would have been lost. So I want to thank you over and over again.

Emerson is doing wonderful. She adjusted like a duck to water in her forever home. We just love her to bits and pieces. She is so quirky and loving and just light up our lives. I thought I'd send you a few newer pictures because I know you had a special place in your heart for her. I just want you to know how much she is loved.


October 2005
I just want to give you an update on Emersen and send you a few pictures. She is settling in very well. She is enjoying her new sister and brother. And, they are enjoying having her. Emersen plays with her sister all the time. They are rarely ever too far ap
art from each other. We are slowly teaching her tricks like shake a paw and catch. She has a great temperament and is so patient with her sister Charlie when she just doesn't want to stop playing. We are slowly getting our back yard all finished up for the dogs. Emersen love to run around and have Charlie chase her. Her favourite toy/game is LASER. It's a laser pointer and we point it on the carpet and walls. Emersen just LOVES to chase it! Emersen love to give kisses and kisses and kisses to anyone and everything. Charlie likes to lie in Emersen's lap and Emersen just gives Charlie kisses and kisses all over her face. We are really happy to have her in our family and everyone just adores her.We will keep in touch.Kisses and kisses from Emmersen and Thanks from the Redels!

Tuesday 5 September 2006

Saturday 2 September 2006

Buddy

About 4 years ago my family adopted a collie cross puppy from your adoption center. He was only 3 months old then and the last puppy left in the litter. Although I was a little unsure about adopting a dog from a rescue center, it did not take long to figure out how smart the little dog (Buddy) was. He has now grown into the smartest dog I have ever met, mastering obstacle courses, livestock herding and not mention excellent obedience skill in all situations without the need for obedience classes. He has been the best friend a girl could have, and in a few years when I finish my education I will without a doubt get my new dog from SCARS. I recommend to anyone else thinking of getting a dog to adopt from SCARS too.
Thanks for a first class dog, Rebecca

Scout

Hi there! I thought everyone might like to know that Scout is doing great.


We just took our first vacation down in Ontario and he loved the lake. He's not the biggest swimmer there ever was, but he won't let his little brother go in without him! Christa

Friday 1 September 2006

Tootsie & Chappy

I too wanted a chance to put my "babies" pictures on the site, and boast foolishly about how wonderful they are. Both have brought such fun and laughter to our lives, it is hard to imagine what we did for fun before they came along. For such tiny dogs they love to swim in the river, and dig until they are too tired to go on. We hope the pain of their previous lives is just a distant memory to them. The W's