SCARS (Second Chance Animal Refuge Society)

11/15/2025

When Craig Underhill found out Ziggy Stardust's name, he was on a mission! He knew, just knew, this little guy needed guitar to fulfill his destiny, so he began his search which included ordering on Amazon, (takes too long) so off to the pet store in his quest until the employees found one in the clearance bin!!
Now Ziggy is feeling the vibes! Mission accomplished.

11/14/2025

Thank you, Joy Bishop, for connecting us with your friend JJ, a Karuna Reiki Master who works with animals. I will be honest, I knew and still know very little about Reiki, but with Ziggy's problems I was willing to try whatever works.
Watching JJ do a "healing session" on Ziggy was fascinating. Ziggy shook a lot and I guess, he has not relaxed in a long, long time, After JJ finished we picked him up and I was stunned at his demeanor. He looked "stoned!!" for want of a better word. He had a spacy look and was so chilled I hardly recognized him. However, he popped back fast but seemed relaxed and last night I took this picture of him FINALLY sleeping in his bed.
I tend to hold my breath and worry until a dog relaxes and knows he is finally safe. So, with that in mind, I think we are making progress.
I think too much damage has been done to the back legs, so weak and wobbly, but there might be hope for the front....we are on it!
And, by the way, he seems happy tonight, has a great appetite, and he is loved by everyone who meets him. Welcome to the world, Ziggy Stardust.
We are glad you are here.

11/12/2025

When a form message comes through on my page, it is almost always about surrendering a dog. It usually comes with limited information and no pictures. However, when I can sit down, I follow with a list of questions. Sometimes I can help. Sometimes I cannot. Yesterday I chose to help.
The owner had a “disabled” dog who had to go due to the landlord’s decision. I will not go into details, but after washing dishes, feeding etc, I sighed and decided to call him. Why was this one different. I have no idea but I felt a tug, and urging I could not ignore.
A few hours later I found myself driving across town and searching for the number on a row of houses. When I pulled into the driveway, a neighbor emerged and asked if I was coming to the dog next door. I assured him that was my plan and he thanked me.
The background is vague, but the owner was in a difficult position and finally agreed to surrender his dog, the right decision.
The “dog” was/is a 15 lb, 8 yr old mixed breed….mostly MinPin and maybe Corgi or Chihuahua. Upon inspection, all four of his legs were paralyzed. His nails were long, curled and one grown into his pad. His skin was raw and red, scabby and it smelled bad. He looked at me with such incredible sadness that I knew I had made the right decision, whatever the outcome.
I loaded him up and called our vet who happened to have a cancellation in20 minutes, and I hit the gas pedal and headed that way.
XRays showed an arthritic spine, possible trauma and the outcome was grim. He was diagnosed with a severe yeast infection from a past flea infestation. The list went on, and we left with several pill bottles and medicated shampoo.
As luck would have it, Kelly worked last night and launched into action. He was bathed over and over and the water was black. He ate wet dog food heartily and we finally got him settled in for the night. He has to be carried everywhere.
In the scheme of things, Ziggy is but a speck, at best, in this universe, but he is a life and a life worth saving. If in the long run we cannot give him a better quality of life, we will make the humane decision. Can he ever regain use of his legs...the back ones no, the front a distant possibility.
But in the meantime, he will not suffer, he will be comfortable and loved. Terry and I always agreed to treat them with dignity and not force a dog to live in discomfort.
But today is a new day. We will worry about tomorrow later. There is much work to be done.

11/10/2025

Remember Harley, the adorable Chinese Crested pup? Well, I do believe he has found the perfect family and was off to their home today.
His new mom lost her dog last year and felt she could never get another she was so sad, but when she saw Harley's picture, she fell in love. His eyes are so warm and wise and we, and his first owner, are all so happy he is safe in his new home tonight.
Thank you Lori and Cindy for fostering this cutie until his forever family came along.

11/01/2025

Burt and Ernie heading home all caught up on vaccines and neutering! They were so happy to get back to their room and yard!

10/31/2025

Harley is a 9 month old registered Chinese Crested male. He is neutered, current on vaccines, potty pad trained, microchipped and adorable. (not sure of weight ,,maybe 15 lbs) However, his mom got him as a playmate for her female Yorkie and the Yorkie does not want anyone else in her mom's lap..or life. In this case I totally agree with her decision to do the best for him..find a better home. He is lively and fun, good with all dogs, cats and kids BUT right now he is a bit overwhelmed in his foster and feeling timid. We feel the sooner he gets settled in a new place, the better. He can be an only dog or with another dog who LIKES him and wants a friend. Fill out an app on scarsusa.com. Please do not send me a message saying "Tell me more about Harley." I cannot take the time to sit at my computer with a long conversation. If you fill out the app. I then have a record with your info and phone no and will call you. Thanks!

10/28/2025

Thank you to everyone for your apps and sharing Delilah's story! She is off to her new home and has an older sister, Violet, a cattle dog for companionship! We are so happy for her.

10/26/2025

Delilah is a 6 yr old Chihuahua who weighs 10 lbs. She must be a mix with those beautiful blue eyes. She is spayed and current on vaccines. We have no history on her as she showed up in the country in another county and not microchipped. All efforts to find her owners failed. She is now in foster with Lori, lots of other dogs, cats and a 4 yr old who she loves. If interested in her go to scarsusa.com and fill out an app!

10/22/2025

Three years ago today I awoke to the squeals of nine tiny border collie puppies.
Their mother had been brought to a vet in another county with a mangled leg that needed to be amputated but the owners had no money to cover the surgery. The clinic, feeling she was too young to be put down, began calling shelters to see if any would cover the cost….all said no. But then one of the staff suggested SCARS.
I had just lost my husband and was dealing with excruciating grief, so not helping a dog in need would only have made me feel worse. But could I take care of a three legged dog recuperating from surgery with the rest of the 45 dogs here. I was exhausted and not sleeping well, but I knew what Terry would have wanted me to do.
Surgery was scheduled and as a precaution, they did several Xrays and found something unexpected….she was pregnant with nine puppies. Oh boy, I rolled up my sleeves and got ready.
Today those puppies are three years old and all were adopted to wonderful families, including Annie, the mom.
Annie is now living in Florida with her mom and dad and thriving. They love her and sent multiple pictures today. I also opened my phone to pictures of Possum and Phoenix. Possum is now Abegail and Phoenix was the only black and white female. All of the rest are also happy, healthy and loved.
Someone once told me when we die we do not regret the things we have done as much as the things we did not do. Not to have saved her life and the lives of her puppies would have been a tragedy. To have said no would have resulted in nights of sleeplessness and regret and I had enough of grief to last a lifetime. Saving their lives may have been a gift to them, but in reality, it became a gift to me.

10/21/2025

Thank you Patty Clark and Linda Orton for the wonderful donations....and everyone else whose names I do not have.
It is greatly appreciated!!

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10/21/2025

Today our two precious pups were off to the vet for a checkup and shots. Since they need names, we went with Burt and Ernie. They were perfect angels and walk on a leash. Of course, everyone loved them and they are totally chilled. One great thing about deaf dogs is nothing bothers them....no storms or loud noises because they cannot hear them. These boys are lovers and very squishy and huggable! In two weeks they will be fixed so no more passing on deaf genes.

10/20/2025

Our new volunteer got lots of attention from our adorable Boxer pups!! They love people and other dogs! Going for a vet check tomorrow and all of their shots.