Animals dont ask for much; all they want from Santa Paws is a loving home. Lets work together to grant their wish!

At 8 months old, Sangria had bounced between homesher original owner was, according to her second owner, not nice to this little mutt girl, but her second owner wasnt able to properly care for Sangria, either. She kept the puppy chained outside 24/7 and fed her slop. Unsurprising after outdoor living, baby Sangria was already infected with heartworms; she was not yet spayed and had scabs and scars to boot.

For no reason other than the purity with which hard-done-by dogs can still approach the world, Sangria was sweet and social and wanted nothing more than to snuggle up to people. Because of our generous donors, Second Chance Pet Adoptions was able to rescue her in June; spay, vaccinate, and microchip her; and treat her heartworm disease. When Jeannette and Dillon bought their first home and sought to make a dog a part of their family in August, Sangria was taken in, once and for all. Shell spend this winter comfortablyand safelyindoors.

If Sangrias tippy-toe posturing and enchanting smile drew people towards her, Pandas eyes risked pushing people awaybut Second Chance couldnt resist helping the 5-week-old kitten that a local county shelter had taken in and named Kreacher. Admittedly the infection raging in both his eyes made it hard to look at him, but we knew if it was hard for us to look, it was impossible for him to see. A nonprofit rescue like ours was his only option, so we transferred him in from the shelter in June. While he must have been in immense pain (not to mention bothered by fleas that caused hair loss), Panda melted in our arms, just so happy to be cared for.

At just 1.25 pounds, though, it was a real gamble putting Panda through surgery to remove his eyes. At such a meager weight, we did our best to keep him comfortable until he grew morebut then his eyes protruded from his socket and his corneas ruptured. Thanks to those who donate so animals can receive quality medical care, we rushed him into surgery to remove both eyes. Though Panda is blind, he is pain-free, he uses sound and whiskers to play like a sighted (and spirited!) kitten (watch his video at www.SecondChanceNC.org/stockings), andbest of allhes a member of a family. His foster mom, Lisa, simply couldnt let him go!

Safe shelter; nutritious food; veterinary care; add in toys and treats, and our animals wish list for Santa is almost completebut their deepest desire? A loving forever family. Lets make sure each and every stocking is stuffed with all they need to find their families!

Can you save more lives by stuffing the animals stockings today?