The Second Chance Program provides veterinary care for thousands of sick, injured and special-needs animals that come through the Cleveland APL's doors.
CLEVELAND, Ohio — Do you believe in second chances? The Cleveland Animal Protection League certainly does – and has a fund devoted to them.
The non-profit believes all animals deserve the medical care their bodies need – right alongside lots of loving attention – to help them recover. This cost for care is great and in the past, it was not always financially possible.
But thanks to the APL’s Second Chance Program, these adoptable pets are getting the medical help they so deserve.
Meet Mash – a sweet 3-year-old pup doing his very best to tolerate this surgical cone, though it's putting a serious dent in his playful persona.
You should know Mash is a staff and volunteer favorite for his sweet disposition.
He's also benefitting from the APL's Second Chance Program. It provides veterinary care for thousands of sick, injured, and special-needs animals that arrive at the APL before they are made available for adoption.
“People believe they deserve a chance. And people believe that a dog like Mash should not have to have his leg amputated to be saved, that we can save him and his leg and give him a more normal, better quality of life,” said Sharon Harvey, CEO and President of the Cleveland APL.
Mash came into the APL with a gunshot wound to his back leg.
Advanced orthopedic surgery would not be possible without this program, which financially supports animals with complex needs.
Harvey introduced us to a stoic orange tabby, who has benefitted from the program too.
“Van Gogh simply is a diabetic cat. There was a time that we were unable to treat and place diabetic cats. So, the most humane thing we could do for them at that time was to euthanize them. But we're not there. Now, not only can we diagnose that is what the cat has, but we can provide treatment and help our adopters,” Harvey shared.
Help for adopters is in the form of the APL’s community pet clinic, which serves low-income pet owners in Cleveland and APL animals who have been adopted.
The Second Chance Program's biggest fundraiser takes place on November 4 at the APL's annual Fur Ball gala. Last year, it changed the lives of approximately 3,000 animals.
The annual fundraiser helps, but the APL needs donations all year long.
“Because you never know who is going to come in needing what,” Harvey said.
If you would like to donate to The Second Chance Program, you can do so HERE.
Interested in learning more about Van Gogh? Head HERE.
And we have great news to share about Mash. Not long after our visit, he went into the APL’s “foster to adopt” program. If all works out his foster home will become his forever home. Good luck Mash!
