On 50 acres of quiet countryside near Auburn, Kansas, you’ll find the Second Chance Animal Refuge Society (SCARS)—a dog rescue no-kill shelter that offers not just second chances, but often last chances, to dogs who have been discarded, abused or neglected. At the heart of it all is Maureen Cummins, a retired high school teacher of 25 years, author, and tireless advocate for dogs in need.
Maureen founded SCARS in 1999 with her late husband, Terry, a certified public accountant and educator who shared her deep love for dogs. The two met in a storybook-worthy way—Maureen was featured in the Topeka Capital-Journal for her work in dog rescue, and Terry, charmed by both the dog and its rescuer, reached out with an adoption offer… but only if Maureen came along with the dog. Their shared passion quickly became a life mission.
Together, they built SCARS into a true sanctuary. Today, it is the only state-licensed dog rescue shelter in Shawnee County, and it remains operational thanks in part to Terry’s meticulous financial planning before his passing in 2022.
“I couldn’t do it if he hadn’t left us financially stable,” Maureen says. “SCARS is our legacy, and I honor him by continuing the work we did together.”
The Shelter Life
At any given time, SCARS cares for approximately 50 dogs—and often has a waiting list. These aren’t easy intakes. Many of the dogs are brought in from abuse cases, neglectful environments, or simply abandoned in rural areas with nowhere to go. Maureen refers to them as “end-of-the-road dogs.” They often arrive emaciated, infested with fleas, suffering from infections, untreated medical conditions, or simply too frightened to be handled.
Each dog receives a personalized care plan. Some go directly to a local veterinarian in Auburn; others Maureen can initially treat on-site. All are placed in heated or air-conditioned indoor/outdoor spaces—no full-time kenneling. The property includes large runs with doggie doors, blankets, toys, and access to nature. Volunteers play a crucial role, helping walk the dogs, bathe them, and offer socialization—especially important for animals afraid of human contact.
“It’s a slow process,” Maureen explains. “Some dogs never fully recover emotionally. And that’s okay—they stay here and live out their lives in peace.”
She speaks of dogs like Kane, who only trusts Maureen, and Max, a severely abused dog featured in her first book who never regained trust in people but found safety and routine at SCARS.
A Lifetime of Stories
Maureen’s work as an author is deeply intertwined with the shelter. Her books, Under a Kansas Sky and On a Kansas Prairie, include dozens of stories of transformation, heartbreak, and resilience. One of Maureen’s favorites is the story of Blue Bell, a puppy brought in by a student who found her dumped in a parking lot. Diagnosed with hydrocephalus, Blue Bell had just 5% normal brain tissue. Still, she recovered after a high-risk surgery and lives a happy, energetic life at the shelter.
“She’s a miracle dog,” Maureen says.
Another story is that of a silver lab rescued from a hoarding situation. Her legs were weak but with time, patience, and lots of swimming, she regained strength and was eventually adopted into a loving home. With time, patience, and lots of swimming, she regained strength and was eventually adopted into a loving home.
Rooted in Discipline and Compassion
Her days start early and end late. With the help of a small team of volunteers, three staff members, and a reliable maintenance man named Keith, Maureen keeps the operation running. But she recalls being alone with 50 dogs to care for during a recent blizzard—a grueling, emotional time that took her weeks to recover from.
“I cry a lot,” she admits. “But I also keep going. I was raised to be strong, and I know these dogs need me.”
Maureen credits her resilience to the way she was raised. Her father was a graduate of the Naval Academy and WWII veteran who instilled discipline, strength, and a deep sense of duty in Maureen and her sister.
“They teach Midshipmen at the Naval Academy to live for a cause greater than themselves, and my father passed that to my sister and me,” she says. “I like to think being a teacher and rescuing dogs fit into that category.”
How to Help
Other than Terry’s visionary planning for the financial future of the shelter, SCARS receives some funding from donations and a couple of annual grants. The newsletter remains the primary source of financial support. Adoption fees are low, and Maureen says she is mindful to never charge more than she thinks people can afford. Donations can be made at www.scarsusa.com or by mail to SCARS, P.O. Box 22, Auburn, KS.
Maureen shares available dogs on the SCARS website, Facebook page, and Petfinder. The adoption process requires an application and in-person visit to ensure a good match.
“These dogs are worthy of patience and love,” she says. “They’re not going to know your rules on day one—but they’ll learn, if you give them the chance.”
A Quiet Recognition
Over the years, Maureen and SCARS have earned recognition from organizations like the YMCA Women of Excellence, the Jefferson Award, and even a feature in César Millán’s magazine. But for Maureen, the spotlight isn’t the point.
“I’ve never cared much about awards. I just want to contribute something meaningful,” she says, adding that she is proud of her years as a public school teacher and an animal advocate. She knows her father would be proud that she chose to live for a cause greater than herself.