After numerous, recent cases of serious illness and injury, the Humane Society of Central Arizona has started the Second Chance Fund out of necessity. This fund will help with the large amount of growing medical bills that are necessary to treat our dogs and cats needing specialty care.
Please consider donating to our 2nd Chance Fund
Although we have had several animals that have used the 2nd Chance Fund, these are some of the stories that we would like to share with you.
Wilma was brought into our care in late September 2024 as a stray. She had a microchip, but unfortunately, the information was outdated, and no one came forward to claim her. Despite this, Wilma quickly won the hearts of our team.
A few weeks after her arrival, we noticed that Wilma was no longer putting weight on her right hind leg. After a veterinary exam and X-ray, it was confirmed that she had a torn ACL. To help her, she was put on kennel rest with pain medication, and we began managing her weight—she was slightly overweight—through a restricted diet to ensure the best chance for a successful surgery and recovery.
After consulting with a specialist, it was determined that due to Wilma’s size, a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) surgery wouldn't be the best option. Instead, she would need a TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) to restore stability to her knee joint and relieve her pain. Fortunately, Wilma found a loving foster home after her story was shared on KRIM, a local radio station.
Initially, only her right hind leg required surgery. However, as Wilma compensated for her injured leg, she began overloading her left hind leg. As a result, she now needs TPLO surgery on that leg as well. This means a long road to recovery for Wilma, but the outcome will be worth it—walking pain-free and with full mobility once again.
Her first TPLO surgery is scheduled for March 12, 2025, at Arizona Animal Hospital with board certified surgeon, Dr. Savicky. This surgery will focus on her left hind leg, which is currently in the worst condition. A month later, we’ll proceed with the surgery on her right leg. Throughout this journey, Wilma will remain in the care of her dedicated foster, who will provide pain management and support for her recovery, while our medical team will assist with her rehabilitation.
We kindly ask for your support in helping cover the costs of Wilma's surgeries, pain medication, antibiotics, follow-up care, and x-rays. Your donation to Wilma’s fund will make a world of difference in her healing journey.
We will continue to provide updates as Wilma undergoes her surgeries and recovery process. Thank you for your compassion and for supporting the Second Chance Fund, enabling us to give animals like Wilma the special care they need.
To donate directly to Wilma's care please use the QR code on the right or you can follow this link, https://humanesocietycentralaz.networkforgood.com/projects/248022-wilma-s-second-chance.
No matter how big or small the donation, we thank you for your support.
Honu's Story
February 20, 2024
Honu, was seen wandering in Gisela for over 2 weeks, presumably dumped by unknown persons. Due to his circumstances, Honu was hesitant to trust any humans and had to be trapped. Once he was brought into HSCAZ he was found to be emaciated and had large amounts of hair missing from his legs and face with a wrinkled appearance on the top of his head and suffering from a severe skin infection.
At first, we thought he might have mange (a skin condition in dogs caused by parasitic mites), but fortunately, his skin scrapes were negative for any parasites. However, although he didn't have mange, his skin infection treatment plan was still going to be lengthy and he needed special medication and medicated baths. Donations made to the Second Chance Fund assisted us in helping Honu on his road to healing.
After months of treatment and gaining almost 20 pounds of much needed weight, August 13, 2024 was a happy day - he found his forever human who overlooked his unique appearance and is now giving him the love he most definitely deserves.
Luigi's Story
November 30, 2022
Verde's Story
May 31, 2021
Every animal deserves a second chance after being left to fend for themselves. Verde was found on the side of HWY 87/260 by chance, standing off to the side hiding between dead brush and a hill. She was emaciated and had several injuries throughout her body. Ready to accept the care she so desperately needed, she allowed her finder to scoop her up and be driven to HSCAZ. Weighing in under 39 pounds she began her journey through gaining weight with consistent feedings, medications to fight off the abscesses and open wounds causing her pain, and a comfy bed to call her own at night. Fast forward 3-4 months, Verde has gained enough weight that you can no longer see her defined spine, protruding ribcage, and hip bones. All of her injuries have finally healed just leaving behind the remnants of scarring. Her eyes are full of joy being surrounded by a medical team, staff, and volunteers to care for her needs and let her know she doesn’t have to struggle to survive every day.
Shoes' Story
Update on Shoes!
Almost four months ago, Shoes was found in the forest with a broken leg. Although he has a microchip, his owners did not want him back when they learned he
needed medical care. We've spent the last four months treating Shoe's broken leg but it just wasn't healing properly. After months of radiographs, splint changes, vet visits, and love and care, the decision was made to
amputate his broken leg yesterday. Shoes is recovering well and resting. We look forward to the day when he can walk out of our shelter and into his new home. Thank you to all the staff, volunteers, medical team, and our supporters who donate to our Second Chance Fund. Your donations go directly to dogs like Shoes that need care above and beyond basic medical.
December 3, 2019
It has been almost three months since Shoes came into our care. He was found out in the forest with his front right leg shattered. Although he had a microchip and owners, sadly they did not want him back after they discovered the extent of his injuries. Shoes has been in our care for three months now and is making progress. His splint is changed many times per week and the lucky man is healing nicely. Being in a shelter environment for a long amount of time, Shoes started getting depressed. He is getting better every day and really enjoys spending time at one of our dedicated volunteer's homes during the day to help cheer him up. Your donation ensures that special dogs and cats (like Shoes) will continue to have access to the best care, a safe place to rehabilitate, AND help us save more lives. Thank you for your support!