Project Second Chance

Project Second Chance Dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating & finding homes for homeless dogs from PR & high kill shelters We aren’t your typical rescue.

Project Second Chance is a 501(c)(3) is an Alexandria-based nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, & finding forever homes for homeless dogs in Puerto Rico, disaster hit areas, high kill shelters or in emergency need. In addition to providing transport to DC/MD/VA for adoption, we also cover medical costs, spay and neuter stray dogs in Puerto Rico, and run feeding routes for stray dogs t

hat would otherwise starve on the streets. We believe kindness matters and in supporting the local community. Since Hurricane Maria, we have saved over 3.000 homeless dogs. And, during the pandemic, we have raised over $20,000 to support local businesses in the Alexandria community through our pay it forward campaign. Through this effort, we invited families applying for a rescue dogs to spend $25 or more at local businesses in lieu of an application fee to our rescue. It was a huge success and made a direct impact on our local community. When we rescue dogs off the streets of Puerto Rico, from high kill shelters, or take in dogs in dire need of medical treatments, we invest extensive time, resources, and funds to get each dog ready and healthy for adoption. Not only do we cover transportation costs which can include flights, long drives, and multiple transfers; but all of our rescues receive comprehensive medical care (including specialty care when needed), vaccinations, micro chips, deworming, and multiple veterinary check ups from the moment we rescue them to the moment they reach their new family’s home (and sometimes after!). To keep the adoptions accessible to all families willing to give our rescues the best home, our adoption fee never covers the amount that we invest in each dog, which is why your donations are critical to continue our mission.

As Giving Tuesday winds down, we’re asking for a little help in these final hours. This fundraiser is one of the biggest...
12/03/2025

As Giving Tuesday winds down, we’re asking for a little help in these final hours. This fundraiser is one of the biggest parts of our year — it fuels the care, food, and medical treatment for the dogs who need us most.

We understand how difficult things are for so many right now. But even the smallest donation — truly — makes a difference here. It keeps a bowl full, a senior comfortable, a medical dog healing, a frightened soul finally safe.

If you can spare anything before the night ends, we would be so grateful. Every dollar becomes a second chance.

12/02/2025

Bunny is one of the most challenging rescue cases I’ve ever taken in.

Her owners dumped her at our veterinarian’s office to be euthanized — covered in severe wounds, missing a front leg, and completely paralyzed in her back legs. She was broken, scared, and in pain… but when we looked at her, we didn’t see a life to end.
We saw a life worth fighting for.

Our veterinarians believed that if Bunny was given time, safety, and rest, she might still have a future. So we gave her everything we had.

Months of tender care, laser therapy, acupuncture, pain management, crate rest, and love led to something I still struggle to describe — a moment that felt like witnessing a miracle.

Her first little wheelchair arrived, and she began trying. Hoping. Believing.
And then one day during acupuncture, before we even placed her in the chair…
Bunny stood up.
She took steps.
And then she ran — all on her own.

There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

Bunny reminded me why I never give up on second chances.
She is proof that life can bloom again, even when the world has thrown you away.

Please donate and help us save more just like bunny. ♥️

✨ Today is Giving Tuesday ✨Today is the day our rescue family comes together to make magic happen for the dogs of Projec...
12/02/2025

✨ Today is Giving Tuesday ✨

Today is the day our rescue family comes together to make magic happen for the dogs of Project Second Chance. 💛🐾

PSC is a rescue and sanctuary built on compassion — saving highly adoptable dogs who just need a safe place to land, and giving seniors, special-needs pups, and long-term dogs a soft, loving home for as long as they need. Every dog here is family.

Your support today fuels everything we do:
• lifesaving medical care
• mobility support & neurological care
• high-quality food & prescriptions
• daily enrichment and playgroups
• safe, warm shelter for our sanctuary dogs

Every dollar truly makes a difference.
Whether you donate, share our link, or start your own fundraiser — you’re helping us give dogs the life they deserve.

Thank you for believing in second chances. 💛🐶

Donate:
🔗 project-secondchance.org
💛 Venmo: -secondchance
💛 PayPal:

As I wrap up the day here at the farm, the dogs are settling into their crates, the seniors are tucked into their soft b...
12/02/2025

As I wrap up the day here at the farm, the dogs are settling into their crates, the seniors are tucked into their soft blankets, and the house is finally quiet… and I’m sitting here thinking about how far Project Second Chance has come.

What started in my cozy home has grown into a sanctuary where senior dogs, special-needs pups, and the ones who had nowhere else to go finally get to feel safe and loved. It isn’t always easy — but it’s the greatest joy of my life.

Tomorrow is Giving Tuesday, and it’s one of the most important days of the year for us. Your support truly keeps this rescue going — from medical care to food, to the everyday things that keep our rescue dogs healthy, warm, and cared for.

If you’ve ever adopted from us… volunteered… donated… shared a post… or simply cheered on our pups from afar, thank you. ❤️🐾

And if you’re able to support us tomorrow, it would mean the world. Every dollar makes a difference for the dogs who depend on us.

project-secondchance.org
Venmo: -secondchance
PayPal:

From me and all the pups here at PSC — thank you for believing in second chances. 💛

🎉🏈 HAPPY ADOPTION DAY, TOUCHDOWN! 🏈🎉Our little superstar Touchdown has officially made it home — and he’s already living...
11/29/2025

🎉🏈 HAPPY ADOPTION DAY, TOUCHDOWN! 🏈🎉

Our little superstar Touchdown has officially made it home — and he’s already living the dream with his amazing new family and his brand-new furry brother. 💛

From the moment he arrived at PSC, we knew he was something special. This tiny guy with the big personality stole every heart he met, and watching him grow into the happy, confident pup he is today has been pure joy.

Today, Touchdown begins his next big adventure: a forever home filled with love, snuggles, safety, and the playful big brother he always wanted. 🐾✨
He walked through the door and never looked back — as if he knew he was finally right where he belongs.

To his adopters: thank you for opening your home and hearts to this little miracle. He hit the jackpot… and so did we, knowing he’ll be cherished every single day.

Touchdown, you adorable little nugget — keep shining, keep wiggling, and enjoy your beautiful new life. 💛

For those who remember Timber, Coco, Latte, Ember, Norman, Butternut, Squash, and Maple, these sweet pups were once tiny...
11/10/2025

For those who remember Timber, Coco, Latte, Ember, Norman, Butternut, Squash, and Maple, these sweet pups were once tiny rescues with uncertain futures — and today, they reunited for a joyful playdate and some puppy painting fun. 🎨🐶

Seeing them so loved, happy, and thriving with their families is exactly why we do what we do. Thank you to everyone who came out and helped make the day so special. 💕 We can’t wait to do it again next year — hopefully with even more of the litter back together!

🧡 Meet Chance 🐾Chance’s name says it all. This little Beagle–Spaniel mix was found running down a road in Puerto Rico af...
11/08/2025

🧡 Meet Chance 🐾

Chance’s name says it all. This little Beagle–Spaniel mix was found running down a road in Puerto Rico after being dumped from a moving car — desperately chasing after the people he thought were his family. He didn’t understand that they were leaving him behind; he just wanted to be loved.

When he was rescued, his tail was tucked tight and his eyes were full of fear. You can still see it in his face — the confusion of a dog who doesn’t yet understand he’s finally safe.

Chance is now at our partner veterinary clinic, La Muda, where he’s getting the gentle care, comfort, and reassurance he needs. The team is helping him rebuild trust while he receives his vaccines, full veterinary exam, and upcoming neuter surgery.

At just 10 months old and 21 pounds, Chance is fully grown — the perfect size for cuddles and companionship. We know that, with time, love, and care, his spirit will shine again. 💛

Please consider donating to help cover Chance’s veterinary care and give him the true second chance he’s been chasing. Every gift helps us heal both his body and his heart.

🐾 Donate to help Chance get his second chance at life: Venmo -secondchance or PayPal 🐾

🏈 Touchdown is ready to join your team! 🐾This adorable 12-week-old pup is a total MVP — Most Valuable Puppy! 💛 Rescued a...
11/01/2025

🏈 Touchdown is ready to join your team! 🐾
This adorable 12-week-old pup is a total MVP — Most Valuable Puppy! 💛 Rescued as an orphan in Puerto Rico, he’s now healthy, happy, and running full speed toward his forever home.

Touchdown is as sweet as they come — he loves dogs, people, and cuddle time after play. He’s crate-trained, working on his potty training, and full of puppy energy and heart. Based on his current growth (he’s 12 lbs now with modest-sized paws), we expect him to be at least 30 pounds full grown — the perfect size for a starter player!

🏆 Don’t sit on the sidelines — submit your adoption application today and make Touchdown part of your winning team!

10/27/2025

Ghostbusters, Bumblebees, Scooby Doo, and Mario too! 🎃🐶 Our Halloween Pawty at Brut Wine Bar was a spooky success — so many smiles, wagging tails, and amazing costumes. Can’t wait for next year!

🐾💛 A Huge Thank You to Felix & Oscar! 💛🐾We’re so grateful to our friends at  for stepping up to help our rescue dogs! Th...
10/23/2025

🐾💛 A Huge Thank You to Felix & Oscar! 💛🐾

We’re so grateful to our friends at for stepping up to help our rescue dogs! They’re now accepting orders of Fromm Gold dog food on behalf of Project Second Chance — and will have the bags delivered straight to us! We need more adult food!

If you’d like to help feed our rescues, it’s super easy:
📞 Call: 703-866-0222
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Order Online: shop.felixandoscar.com/products/shop — just select pick up snd let them know it’s for Project Second Chance, and they’ll handle the rest!
📍 Felix & Oscar, 5840 Kingstowne Ctr, Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22315

Every bag makes a difference for the rescues, sanctuary pups, and medical cases who depend on us daily. Thank you for helping us keep every bowl full and every tail wagging! 🐾✨

Please take a moment to read this important and heartbreaking story.A groomer in Alexandria, VA has been charged with mu...
07/27/2025

Please take a moment to read this important and heartbreaking story.

A groomer in Alexandria, VA has been charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty, including a felony related to the death of a dog. (He was fired only after being charged despite the business knowing about his improper and rough handling of pets in their care.)

Cases like this are heartbreaking—but they’re also incredibly rare in one important way: animal cruelty is almost never prosecuted.

This case is moving forward because a courageous whistleblower—a former employee at the business—came forward and shared video evidence with authorities. That led investigators to seize and review over 600 hours of surveillance footage, ultimately resulting in criminal charges.

Sadly, abuse often happens behind closed doors. Most of the time, we never see it.

That’s why it’s so important to choose your pet’s groomer, trainer, and boarding facility with care. Even places with good reputations can have bad actors slip through the cracks.

Here are a few things you can do to help keep your dog safe:
✅ Ask for references and read reviews across platforms, including reports to the Better Business Bureau
✅ Tour the facility and observe how animals are handled and housed
✅ Avoid places that don’t allow transparency or seem overly rushed or don’t allow an unscheduled visit
✅ Ask about staff training and how emergencies are handled
✅ Ask about the caretaker-to-animal ratio
✅ Ensure video cameras are present in all dog care areas
✅ Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is

We’re not sharing this to create fear, but to empower fellow pet parents with information. Our dogs rely on us to be their voice—and their advocate.

A routine bond hearing in Alexandria circuit court on Friday morning revealed graphic new details how a local dog groomer allegedly engaged in animal cruelty.

Some stories deserve a standing ovation — and this is one of them.When Sandy arrived at our rescue, she was a little bro...
07/26/2025

Some stories deserve a standing ovation — and this is one of them.

When Sandy arrived at our rescue, she was a little broken. Her world had turned upside down after losing her person, and the grief weighed heavy on her. But we gave her time, care, and the gentle reassurance that she was still so deeply loved.

And something amazing happened — Sandy blossomed. With every belly rub, every soft word, and every moment of kindness, she began to come back to life. She’s lost weight, gained confidence, and looks years younger (even if her nose has turned a little greyer — we like to think that’s just from all the kisses she’s been getting 💗).

Today, she’s found her forever family.
She adores them and is soaking up every minute of her second chance.

She’s also living her best foodie life — Sandy now loves blueberries, apples, and pretty much every veggie you can imagine. 🫐🍎🥕

Senior dogs remind us that it’s never too late for love. And at our rescue, we never give up on a dog — no matter the circumstances.

Sandy hit the jackpot with her new family — and so did we, in getting to love her.
We have no doubt that her first mom is smiling down, heart full, knowing her girl is surrounded by love again.

Address

Mailing Address Only: , Project Second Chance , 610 Madison Street, Suite 101 #622
Alexandria, VA
22314

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Project Second Chance: Making A Difference One Sato At A Time

For almost 20 years, the founder of Project Second Chance, Tara Zurawski, has been rescuing satos in Puerto Rico as part of other rescue initiatives. After Hurricane Maria destroyed Puerto Rico in 2017, the homeless animal population reached crisis levels on the streets of Puerto Rico. That’s when Tara formed Project Second Chance. PSC started feeding routes for homeless dogs so they would not die of starvation and dehydration, initiatives to spay and neuter homeless dogs to try and limit the number of puppies born on the streets, and, most importantly, asked the community to begin caring for these animals as volunteers, feeders, transporters, and fosters. And recognizing that the people of Puerto Rico are also suffering from the lasting effects of Hurricane Maria, earthquakes, and now the pandemic, PSC also provides assistance to our human helpers.

PSC strongly believes that the solution to the animal welfare crisis in Puerto Rico begins with community action. The community must care, act, and solve the problem. We strive to provide the tools and support for broad community action.

All of our rescues are placed in loving foster homes, rather than a shelter environment. This allows them to heal in the comfort of a home and avoid the stress of a shelter experience. And, once they are healthy and strong, we transport them to the DC metropolitan area for placement in loving homes.

Since PSC formed, we have rescued over 1,500 homeless dogs (and 1 kitten) from the streets of Puerto Rico. We are proud of our efforts to date, but have so much work left to do! Please consider supporting our efforts through donations, volunteering, or adopting.