Shelter animals move back in after storm damage repaired

A Boonville animal shelter damaged in a July storm will once again be in the business of rescuing pets.

After three weeks of being displaced, the animals of Second Chance animal shelter and rescue got to move back into their home. Over 40 cats had to live in foster homes after the July 7 storm blew the roof off part of the shelter, destroying food and supplies, causing around $75,000 in damages. After the repairs and remodeling, the shelter boasts a brand-new roof, storage facilities and cat condos, but the cats don’t seem too impressed. The Second Chance director said it might take a while for the felines to settle in.

“They’re stressing today and they’re meowing a lot. We’ve arranged a lot of cubbies and dark places for them to hide in, so they can get comfortable again. And then when the forklift leaves and the noisy stuff leaves then I think by tonight they can start making this their home again,” said Valerie Shaffin, executive director of Second Chance Animal Rescue.

Around 60 dogs move back in next weekend when Second Chance will have its grand reopening and cookout. Shaffin said Second Chance is a unique animal rescue, in that, the dogs only spend weekends at the shelter. During the week the animals live in foster homes. She said to teach the dogs how to be great family members.

Second Chance said it’s always looking for donations. They said 91 cents of every dollar donated goes towards the animals’ care, food and maintenance.