Some pandemic pets are now being returned, straining some shelters

A local animal shelter is left looking for answers as someone stole vital equipment from the Second Chance Animal Sanctuary.

Board member Christine Cooper, a retired OB/ GYN speaking for the 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that rescues, coordinates and provides shelter for animals across the Sooner State, told Southwest Ledger that someone had taken their black 26-foot tandem axle trailer from the sanctuary located at 4500 24th Street NW over the weekend. Area businesses, law enforcement officers and others are reviewing video surveillance, she said.

Mutts Across America Gives Surprise Grants to 50 Animal Shelters, One in Each State

Local animal shelter owners are seeing the impacts of COVID-19 on their facilities.

Many animal shelters around the nation saw mostly empty kennels due to increased adoptions last spring. However, some shelters in Norman are seeing increased intake rates and less adoptions in recent months.

Norman residents looking to add a pet to their family can visit the Cleveland County Habitat for Humanity ReStore on Saturday.

Second Chance Animal Sanctuary of Norman, a nonprofit animal shelter, will have pets available for adoption from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturday at the CCHFH ReStore located at 1100 W. Main St.

Deb Melser has time and time again seen pets from local city shelters that are completely detached, to the point where they have no trust for others and don’t even know how to be a dog or cat.

Melser, a kennel technician and vet assistant at the Second Chance Animal Sanctuary in Norman, spends her days choosing animals from various city pounds and shelters to bring to Second Chance for adoption.

The weather may not have been kind to Second Chance Animal Sanctuary's first Bark & Roll event at Hollywood Corners Saturday, but that didn't stop anything.

Students in Moore Norman Technology Center's Career Exploration Education program have worked most of this school year to assist Second Chance Animal Sanctuary with raising funds, purchasing pet supplies out-of-pocket, and most importantly, growing in their understanding of what service means by giving of their time and hard work.

Second Chance Animal Sanctuary of Norman will hold its 10-year reunion celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. June 19 at the sanctuary's new facility, 4500 NW 24 in Norman…