By Amanda Matwie
Amanda Annetts got sucked into the world of animal rescue “in the best way” about ten years ago when her husband (then boyfriend) was screening adoption applications for Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS). She was intrigued by his commitment and now, a decade later, she is “fully invested in animals and willing to help around the clock to get things done.” In addition to being a full-time SCARS employee, Amanda also volunteers. This “around the clock” bit is something she jokingly says may be her greatest downfall, and yet she pushes on.
In addition to being the SCARS intake cordinator for cats (despite being a self-proclaimed “dog person”), Amanda helps SCARS founder, Sylvia, with dog intakes. She also helps with raffles, grant applications, puppy yoga, social media, and planning some of the biggest fundraisers that SCARS puts on every year. As if that doesn’t take up enough of her time, Amanda is also a Foster Home Supervisor.
“There is always an emergency,” Amanda says. The requests for help are 24/7. There are always intake requests to field, drivers to book, and vet appointments to complete. Often, the requests are from people whose pets are experiencing unexpected health emergencies or age-related issues. Vet bills can be incredibly expensive, especially without pet insurance or savings, and Amanda encourages pet owners (if they are able) to set aside a bit of money each month or purchase insurance for their pets. This bit of forethought and preparation can make a huge difference when health issues come up and would help alleviate some of the demand placed on rescues.
“I handle all the requests for cats, so if there is no space for intake it is heart wrenching,” says Amanda, “When I can say YES to an intake because a foster home is open, my heart is full.” Most days, she handles dozens of requests, responding to emails well into the evening and trying to help as many animals as possible. It’s impossible to save every single animal in need, but SCARS is able to save approximately 150 animals per month with the help of generous donations and an army of committed volunteers. It’s those 150 success stories that keep Amanda going, as well as reminding herself that “at the end of the day, we are all here to save more animals in need.”
At the time of writing this story, SCARS is at capacity. Dogs that have been in care at the Morinville facility for months, puppies that need space to spread out and learn social skills, pregnant cats who need calm environments to birth and nurse their litters, entire litters of kittens that will soon be ready for adoption, and on goes the list. If you can’t adopt, please consider fostering. If fostering is not for you, consider donating money, items, or your time. Every little bit helps. You can find out about ways to help SCARS here.
