Second Chance Animal Rescue

09/25/2025

💙 We want to take a moment to recognize our incredible volunteer Board Members at Second Chance Animal Rescue in Norman, Oklahoma. 💙

Many have been serving for years—some over a decade—giving their time, energy, and expertise to guide our mission forward. Behind the scenes, they are making important financial decisions, working with contractors and the City to prepare the shelter, and even welcoming new members to help us grow stronger.

Their dedication and heart make all the difference for the animals who depend on us. We are so grateful for their leadership and the countless hours they give to ensure every animal has a true second chance. 🐾

09/25/2025

✨ Make Your Legacy Part of the Story ✨

At Second Chance Animal Rescue, we believe every animal deserves their happy ending. Right now, you have the opportunity to write yourself into that story. Through our Naming Opportunities Campaign, your generosity can leave a lasting impact—whether it’s a kennel, play yard, or even an entire space in our shelter that carries your name.

For over 30 years, Second Chance has been where abandoned pets find safety, healing, and love. And now, as we prepare our shelter for the future, we invite you to join us in a way that ensures your legacy shines for decades to come.

Much like a great Sooner game or your favorite TV drama, every chapter here is filled with heart, triumph, and second chances. With your support, our story gets bigger—and the animals’ stories get brighter.

👉 Explore opportunities to make your name part of our future:
🔗 https://secondchancenorman.networkforgood.com/projects/255333-make-a-lasting-impact-naming-opportunities-at-second-chance

We’re thankful for your support

09/22/2025

🐓 Amazing step in the right direction 🐾

🔥 BIG NEWS: Oklahoma cockfighting leader charged

The McIntosh County D.A. has issued an arrest warrant for Anthony DeVore after our investigation documented him at an illegal cockfight. At the same time, the Oklahoma Ethics Commission dismantled his pro-cockfighting group and hit it with $10,000 in fines for campaign finance violations.

This is accountability in action. If you have information on animal fighting in Oklahoma, email [email protected]. We pay rewards for tips leading to arrest and conviction.

09/22/2025

💛🐾 Rehome with Dignity. Adopt with Love. 🐾💛

Every pet deserves a safe, loving home—and sometimes, life changes mean we need a little help making that possible. That’s where Pet Connect: Rehome and Adopt comes in. Whether you’re looking to rehome or adopt, Pet Connect is a compassionate, community-powered platform designed to make every transition thoughtful and safe.

For Pet Guardians:
✨ Create a free 7-day listing with just a photo and short form
✨ Access guidance, resources, and tips to make rehoming easier
✨ Connect to low-cost services like spay/neuter, vaccines, and pet food pantries
✨ Get support every step of the way—because rehoming isn’t giving up, it’s giving your pet a new beginning

For Adopters:
✨ Browse photos and stories of cats and dogs looking for a second chance
✨ Learn directly from current guardians about each pet’s personality and needs
✨ Find cats ready to curl up in your lap 🐱 or dogs eager for a new adventure 🐶
✨ Adopt with confidence, knowing you’re offering hope, love, and stability

From playful kittens and snuggly seniors to loyal pups with big hearts, every pet on Pet Connect represents someone’s effort to do right by an animal they care deeply about. By using the platform, you’re part of that story—whether you’re helping your pet find their next chapter or welcoming a new one into your family.

👉 Explore adoptable pets like these cool cats: https://www.secondchancenorman.com/pc-adopt

👉 Put their best paw forward to find a new home: https://www.secondchancenorman.com/pc-rehome

09/21/2025

💙 Sometimes building a family starts with opening your heart—one weekend, one foster, one moment at a time.

From Veronica:
"This is our story of how Second Chance Animal Rescue has brought us some of the best memories, our foster experiences and introduced us to our boy Huck. Sorry in advance for this being so long....

Before my husband Kevin and I got married, we talked about getting a dog. Me being a little bit of a type-a and wanting to plan ahead, I wanted to make sure we both realized what kind of commitment we would be making. So, around late spring 2015, we began volunteering at Second Chance and each time we volunteered we set aside money so we could save up to be responsible pet parents. During this time, the dog kennels were having some work done, so all the puppers needed to be fostered for a long weekend. We stayed at a friend's house and fostered a sweet puppy. He was about 9 months old and named Dean...and we fell in love. It was hard to take him back after that weekend, but our apartment complex had rules about dogs. We talked for about two or three weeks trying to figure out how we could make it work to adopt Dean. We finally decided to go forward and then we found out Dean had been adopted at an event and was renamed Lucky. We were happy he had found his forever home but devastated it wasn't with us. It was hard and we took a break from volunteering for a few months.

On October 17, 2015 we went back to see about volunteering again and when we walked in Madison asked us if we were there to see Dean's brother...we froze and then said absolutely! That was when we met our soul dog...he was named Dewey at the time and immediately stole our hearts. We asked to foster him for the weekend to make sure he liked us. On Tuesday, Kevin got a call asking about how Dewey did and was told there was a family interested in learning more; Kevin said we are a "foster fail" and Dewey who had been named Huck was staying with us. We came in on Wednesday October 21, 2015 and officially adopted Huck! Huck got to experience some great things like picking out his first toy. When Huck realized that the sofa was his spot too, he would snuggle with us on the sofa. Huck learned to steal the blankets snuggling in bed. Huck settled in and loves playing with and destroying fluffy toys.

For his birthday and ours, we would celebrate by donating back to Second Chance with treats, toys, and our time when we could. Our second pupper, Finn, can into our lives through a different kind of second chance in 2019 when he was found on a country road by an acquaintance. His story in a nutshell is he was six weeks old and had parvo so his first 2 weeks were in the hospital. He recovered and thrived, learning to play with big brother Huck and following him everywhere.

Second Chance has always been important to us and Rose has been a phenomenal director with great plans in store for the animals. Kevin and I volunteered with events when we could, taking pictures for Facebook posts and gathering items for scent sticks to help the dogs decompress.

For Christmas break in December 2022, we fostered a sweet girl named Macintosh, who has been adopted and is named Mackenzie. We called her Mac and she had been at the shelter so long she was getting depressed and needed a break. Mac got along with our boys, playing outside, wrestling and having zoomies and snuggling. She was thin so I put her in sweaters so she wouldn't be cold and she loved to snuggle with us. We cried when we dropped her back to the shelter after the New Year and had so many special things for her...a slow feeder, sweaters, and info on her likes and dislikes. We were so happy when she got adopted and love to see updates on her through the Second Chance Alumni page.

In April 2023, we got called to help take a puppy to the emergency vet. We took a sweet little boy named Leaf to be seen at the emergency vet and then fostered him for about a week. Leaf...who temporarily was named Maple Leaf Moose while with us, was a curious puppy, so active that most pictures of him are a blur. Leaf wanted to everything Huck and Finn were doing and would follow them. He grew bigger even in the one week we had him while healing. When we took him back to Second Chance after he finished his medicine, he showed off his mischievous side by sneaking out of his kennel to go running around in the lobby. Leaf was an adorable boy and quickly found his family.

Second Chance started our fur-family and we are thankful for every day we have with our pups.

Have a Paw-some day!
Veronica, Kevin, Huck and Finn"

This is what rescue is all about—fate, second chances, and the everyday love that goes into building family and community. We're so honored to have dedicated adopters, friends, and foster families who love our critters as much as we do! 🐾

✨ As we work to rebuild and improve our shelter, we’re reminded that every adoption and every foster begins with someone saying yes. You never know which dog will steal your heart, or how many lives you’ll change along the way. Even $1 helps lay the foundation for more second chances, more happily-ever-afters, and more families like Veronica and Kevin’s.

👉 Click here to donate today! https://secondchancenorman.networkforgood.com/projects/255333-make-a-lasting-impact-naming-opportunities-at-second-chance

09/20/2025

✨🐾 Looking to add some purr-sonality to your life? 🐾✨

Swing by Petsense by Tractor Supply and meet our adoptable cats & kittens—like Pencil (always sharp ✏️), Drake (certified lover boy 💕), Celexa (he’ll boost your mood instantly 💊💖), and Rojo (full of fiery charm 🔥🐱)!

Adopt today and let the cattitude begin! 😻

09/20/2025

💛 When life changes, love finds a way. 💛

We know how hard it can be to face the decision to rehome a beloved pet. Whether it’s due to a move, health issues, or other life changes, you don’t have to go through it alone. Pet Connect: Rehome and Adopt is here to make the process safe, supportive, and full of compassion.

✨ Free 7-day listings to connect with loving adopters
✨ Step-by-step guidance and helpful resources
✨ Links to low-cost spay/neuter, pet food pantries, and more
✨ A thoughtful way to help your pet take their first steps toward a new beginning
✨ Plus—browse adoptable pets already waiting for a second chance!

Rehoming isn’t giving up—it’s giving your pet the gift of a safe and loving future. And if your heart is open to adopting, you’ll find wonderful pets like these guys--Abraham, Cottonmouth, Mr. Mittens, and Casper--who are ready to become part of your family. 🐾

👉 Create a listing today: https://www.secondchancenorman.com/pc-rehome
👉 Browse adoptable pets: https://www.secondchancenorman.com/pc-adopt

09/19/2025

In Norman, it’s illegal to leave a dog or cat tethered unattended. This ordinance, effective since September 1, 2019, was enacted to prevent the suffering and dangers associated with tethering animals. 

Why does this matter?
• Physical Harm: Chained dogs often suffer from injuries due to entanglement or being attacked by other animals.
• Mental Distress: Being confined without interaction can lead to anxiety, depression, and aggression in pets.
• Weather Risks: Exposure to extreme temperatures without adequate shelter can cause hypothermia or heatstroke.

Norman Animal Welfare emphasizes that while enforcement is complaint-driven, education is key. They aim to inform pet owners about the risks and responsibilities of pet ownership. 

What can you do?
• Report Violations: If you see an unattended tethered animal, contact Norman Animal Welfare at 405-292-9736. If the report needs immediate response, call 405-321-1444.
• Educate Others: Share information about the ordinance and its importance.
• Support Local Shelters: Donate or volunteer to help animals in need.

Let’s work together to ensure all pets in Norman are safe, loved, and free from harm.

09/18/2025

🎨✨ Amy is on a roll! ✨🎨

Today, Board Member Amy connected with acclaimed artist Tim Kenney and secured a stunning painting for our silent auction! This vibrant piece, valued at $250, will be available for bidding at our Bark and Build event on October 19.

Tim Kenney is an abstract impressionist and colorist renowned for his bold use of color and thick textures. His subjects range from aspen trees to flowers, oak trees, sunsets, and anything else that captures his eye. Tim paints with oil on canvas, predominantly using palette knives, which allows him to apply broad strokes of thick paint and multi-dimensional textures.

Don’t miss your chance to own this beautiful piece while supporting a great cause! Mark your calendars and get ready to bid at our Bark and Build on October 19 at Hollywood Corners 🐾

09/17/2025

💚 Some of the most rewarding moments with a dog come from discovering their one-of-a-kind personality and little quirks!

From Liz:

“I wanted to write a little bit about our pupper Mackenzie - she was called Macintosh when she was with you all, but we call her Mackenzie now - she’s often called “Mac Attack” at doggie daycare and by friends. She’s such a special girl with such a big, loving heart. I’m still pretty new to dogs (I’ve been a cat person all my life), but she’s been so patient with me and is helping me learn.

My favorite thing she does - I will try to get video of this at some point - is when she wants to be let through a closed door, she will spin/twirl in place - it’s the cutest thing! Her big sister Jasmine has gotten bumped a few times, so she tries to stay out of the way of the tiny tornado.

We’ve had her DNA tested - we know she is 100% American Staffordshire Terrier. She’s a little small for the breed - only about 45 pounds - so I think she may have been the runt of her litter, but she is just perfect to us.

She is a terror to all stuffed toys - we brought home a stuffy once and timed how long it took her to rip it apart - it was less than ten minutes. But I get her NylaBones and she loves those too - and her Kong, definitely. She loves the back yard - she’s fallen in the pool a couple of times, but fortunately not lately - she has to get a bath afterwards, and she’s not a fan of baths. She doesn’t like being in the yard by herself, though - she’d rather one of us come with her. She doesn’t like to be separated from me or my husband.

She loves riding in the car - I try to take her with me when I’m running errands (if it’s not too hot or too cold, and if I’m not going inside anywhere). She also LOVES her Pupsicle. I should have gotten her the “Super Chewer” version because it’s already full of teeth marks, but she loves it so much - “best treat ever, Mama!” She loves to lick, so it’s a great treat for her.

She DOES NOT like loud noises - she loves going to daycare, but she doesn’t like how loud it can get in the kennel area. They keep her harness on her for support, and I will probably send her in her ThunderShirt at some point.

Thank you so much for letting us adopt her. She’s been such a joy in our lives and a perfect part of our family.”

Every adoption is a chance to rebuild lives—because you never truly know who a dog is until you spend time with them. 🐾💖 Every breed, every size, every personality brings surprises and love in ways you never imagined.

✨ By supporting Second Chance Animal Rescue, you'll be helping us rebuild and improve our shelter from the ground up, creating a safe landing spot for dogs like Mackenzie while they wait to find their perfect forever families. Even $1 makes a difference and adds up to create real change!

Click to donate! 👉 https://secondchancenorman.networkforgood.com/projects/255333-make-a-lasting-impact-naming-opportunities-at-second-chance

09/17/2025

💔 You may have seen the heartbreaking story in Spokane, Washington recently—pet owners everywhere were shocked and outraged when veterinary clinic staff took selfies during a family’s pet’s euthanasia. That kind of breach of trust is devastating, and it was all over social media feeds nationwide.

At Second Chance Animal Rescue, we take these moments very seriously. Even though we are a no-kill rescue, there are times when euthanasia is the kindest option for a suffering animal. To ensure our families are always treated with respect and compassion, our staff completed training with Dr. Kathleen Cooney on “The 7 Habits of Good Death Dialogue” hosted by Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy. We are committed to supporting both the animals and the people who love them, handling every goodbye with empathy, professionalism, and care. 🐾💛

We provide outstanding education in Companion Animal Euthanasia to improve the overall experience fo

09/16/2025

Dogs in costumes: adorable or unnecessary?