SCAA Celebrates A Decade Of Service
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Mandy Beard serves as the Director of Second Chance Animal Alliance. Volunteers are the heartbeat of the organization and also include Robin Ware, Liz Dixon, Barbara Harmon, Sital Sigh and Sandra Evans.
WATER VALLEY – Ten years ago, in December 2014, Second Chance Animal Alliance (SCAA) was born out of heartbreak and necessity. Just weeks prior, in November, a Water Valley resident experienced a frightening event: their dog, picked up by the city’s animal control, was almost euthanized.
“This tragic incident brought to light the grim reality of animal control practices at the time,” says Mandy Beard, Director of the SCAA. “The city’s holding pen, located near the Waste Water Treatment Facility, was little more than a temporary stop for stray dogs before they were taken to the woods and killed.” This was a system in dire need of change.
SCAA stepped in to rewrite this story. The organization began by taking over the care of animals at the city pound, providing food, cleaning, veterinary care, and, most importantly, finding them homes. What started as a grassroots effort soon grew into a vital lifeline for animals in the region.
“In 2017, SCAA received two monumental blessings,” says Beard. “A generous donor purchased buildings and property on Highway 315, giving the organization a permanent home. Another donor provided funds to renovate one of these buildings, transforming it into a shelter with 15 concrete kennels. Five of these kennels offer indoor-outdoor access, ensuring the dogs have a more comfortable living space.”
Today, SCAA operates with four paid employees who care for shelter animals daily, ensuring they are fed, medicated, exercised, and loved. The organization’s dedicated board of five unpaid, hands-on members steps in whenever necessary, whether on holidays, during snowstorms, or even amidst tornadoes. Two founding members, Sandra Evans (secretary) and Mandy Beard, have been pillars of the organization since its inception.
Volunteers with Second Chance Animal Alliance helped Sam get adopted into a loving home after he was discovered chained without food.
While SCAA receives $1,000 monthly from the City of Water Valley to house dogs picked up by animal control and covers utility bills, the organization relies heavily on donations to cover the rest. Payroll alone averages $2,500 monthly, and expenses for veterinary care, food, toys, cleaning supplies, and transportation add up quickly. Every dollar donated goes directly toward the care of the animals.
A previous contract with the county strained resources to the breaking point. When the county declined to renew the contract with adjusted terms, SCAA continued to assist injured, elderly dogs and puppies, as well as stray animals in surrounding counties, despite the lack of formal support.
Behind the statistics and financial challenges are the countless lives SCAA has transformed. Sunny and Sam, the organization’s first court case, were found chained without food but were later adopted into loving homes. Ruby, one of the most heart-wrenching cases, defied the odds after months of veterinary care and found her forever family. Spencer, a long-term resident, was trained as a service dog and now accompanies his owner to college, complete with his own student ID.
Northern rescue partners have been invaluable, helping SCAA place dogs in regions where strict spay/neuter laws prevent overpopulation. These collaborations ensure many dogs find loving homes far from their beginnings in Water Valley.
Volunteers are the heartbeat of SCAA. Robin Ware has worked tirelessly, fostering countless dogs and coordinating adoptions. Liz Dixon revitalized adoption events at Hollywood Feed and Tractor Supply, vastly improving adoption rates. Barbara Harmon established relationships with northern rescues, coordinating the complex logistics of transporting dogs to their new homes. Sital Sigh, the organization’s “tech queen,” launched the website, initiated fundraisers, and created the “Doggy Day Out” program, offering dogs temporary escapes to enjoy a day with caring volunteers.
Veterinary support has been another cornerstone of SCAA’s success. Clinics like Bottletree Animal Hospital, Animal Clinic of Oxford, Dr. Denman in Water Valley, and Crossroads Animal Hospital in Oxford have provided crucial care, often extending credit during difficult times.
SCAA’s commitment to being a no-kill shelter means they never euthanize for length of stay or space constraints. Long-term residents like Polly and Quincy, who have been with the shelter for years, are treated with the same love and care as new arrivals. Polly enjoys human interaction, while Quincy, though untouchable, has made progress in accepting treats from staff.
“As long as the dogs are happy, they have a home with us as long as needed,” says Beard. This philosophy extends to their fostering program, where volunteers welcome dogs into their homes, prepare them for adoption, and then selflessly let them go to make room for the next.
SCAA’s journey from a small rescue effort to a community cornerstone is a testament to the generosity and compassion of its supporters. From donors and volunteers to veterinarians and rescue partners, it’s a collective effort to give animals a second chance.
Visit www.secondchance wv.org to learn more about SCAA’s programs and how you can help. Together, we can ensure that every dog—no matter how broken or abandoned—finds the love and care they deserve.
