Nonprofit believes canines should get a second chance

RUSSELLVILLE A grassroots effort to address canine welfare in Franklin County has grown into an organized nonprofit focused on education, fostering and promoting responsible pet ownership.

“We’re just a group of friends and others who came together after seeing there was a need,” said Kyra Britton, board president of Second Chance Canine Advocates. “We’re working on trying to get grants — it’s a slow process putting everything together.”

Founded March 17, 2022, the group’s primary focus is on the Russellville area, but it has supporters both inside and outside Franklin County.

“Our goal is to create better community awareness, and education is a big part of that,” Britton said. “We’re also trying to get the word out about the importance of spaying and neutering, fundraising, fostering and getting more volunteers.”

Patricia Cox shows off her dog, Charlie, a rescue. PHOTO BY MARIA CAMP

Board member Patricia Cox said the group began with a shared concern about the number of neglected or stray dogs in the area.

“We kept seeing dogs that weren’t being cared for or were running wild,” Cox said.

Members of the organization have reported seeing dogs that are abandoned, malnourished or denied proper medical care.

Britton said the group helps where and when it is able.

“We held an adoption day at Tractor Supply, and we help people with pet food or basic care education, but funds are limited. There’s a huge need for fosters — people who can care for a dog temporarily to help prepare them for adoption.”

Fostering involves basic training and socialization, including crate training, leash walking and learning commands.

“It makes for a much easier transition for both the dog and the new family,” Britton said. “Even first-time dog owners can adopt successfully when a dog’s been fostered.”

Cox said basic actions, like making sure dogs have collars with ID tags, can help return lost pets and prevent dogs from being mistaken as strays.

“Some of the dogs are in pitiful shape — starving, diseased, injured,” she said of the animals the nonprofit has helped. “You can’t just dump a dog when you don’t want it anymore. That causes real problems for both humans and dogs.”

Board member Anne-Marie Bucholtz said Franklin County lacks a formal shelter.

“There’s just an area where dogs are taken and euthanized,” Bucholtz said. “We’ve worked with rescues up north to save more than 200 dogs.”

Kyra Britton takes care of her foster dog, Buddy. PHOTO BY MARIA CAMP

The group also advocates for the enforcement and improvement of local animal laws.

“We want the limited laws on the books to actually be enforced,” Bucholtz said.

Joy Dickey, another board member, said the issue of roaming dogs is a growing concern.

“In the 1980s, I let my dogs roam. I wouldn’t do that now,” Dickey said.

“Dogs are naturally roaming animals,” Britton added, “but it’s not safe — for them or the community. That’s why leash laws exist. You walk your dog to keep it with you, to prevent injuries or property damage, and to maintain control.”

Second Chance Canine members emphasize the importance of spaying and neutering to reduce pet overpopulation.

“Sometimes, we can find programs to help cover costs, especially for people on Social Security,” Britton said. “There are resources out there.”

She pointed to the Alabama Spay and Neuter website, alspay.org, as one option for assistance. The American Veterinary Medical Association also stresses that spaying and neutering not only prevents unwanted litters but may also improve pets’ health and lifespan.

Donations also make a big impact. “Even five dollars helps,” Britton added.

“Public safety should be a major concern,” she said. “Uncared for pets can cause property damage, spread disease, injure people, and hurt businesses — all preventable through responsible ownership.”

Board member Elaine Vaughn said the group hopes to educate owners about microchipping pets and ensuring they have ID collars.

“People love their pets, but sometimes they get loose. We need a way to help them get back home.”

Anne Marie Bucholtz with her foster, Timber. PHOTO BY MARIA CAMP