What do flowers, chocolates and dogs have in common? Other than their sweetness, not much. However, a local animal rescue in Kansas City hopes to be synonymous with those Valentine’s Day bestsellers by providing love in its furriest form to homes across the metro area.
Since its opening in October 2021, Valentine’s Second Chance Animal Rescue has given a new lease on life to over 300 dogs who were abandoned by their owners or at risk for euthanasia, but it all started with just one.
Brieanna Willis rescued “Valentine” on February 14, 2021, and it did not take long for this passionate advocate to dream up a way to help other dogs like Valentine.
“She was absolutely terrified, pregnant and only days away from being euthanized,” she said. “She was originally a foster, but quickly she knew that she had already found her forever home.”
Through social media and other fundraising methods, Willis created this foster network solely with the help of her Kansas City community. They work to place dogs in loving homes to alleviate the crowding in local animal shelters, and ultimately, be adopted. Knowing how difficult it is for animal rescues across the nation to stay afloat, she values how much growth Valentine’s has seen in the past two years.
“Our animal welfare industry is currently experiencing a nationwide crisis. Every day, thousands of dogs are losing their lives for no fault of their own,” she informed. “At Valentine’s Second Chance Animal Rescue, we see firsthand the amazing result of taking a dog from an overcrowded shelter and showing them the love they deserve.”
Love in the form of flowers might smell nice. Love in the form of chocolate might taste great. But according to Willis, there is truly nothing better than feeling the love from a shelter pet.
“Honestly, I do not think there is a better feeling in the world,” she said. “Pets can be your biggest supporter and most loving companion. We spend our days filled with the love of so many amazing pets, and we know you won’t regret opening your home and heart to a pet in need.”
Especially during the winter months, community support is so important. Whether in the form of volunteers, donations or fostering, Valentine’s is focused on creating more opportunities for the community to be involved.
“There are so many ways you can help support local animal rescues and no act is too small,” she said. “Since we do not have a brick and mortar shelter, our community opening their homes to shelter is quite literally life-saving,”
And of course, a Valentine’s Day does not go by without an added push for foster and adoption, in honor of the original Valentine. A yearly fundraiser event for Valentine’s Day featuring a puppy kissing booth and silent auction are in the works.
You can find more about Valentine's Second Chance Animal Rescue and get to know the available animals online at http://www.valentinessecondchance.com/