“The goal is to nurse them all back to health and place them in loving homes,” said one volunteer.
HIGH RIDGE, Missouri — Off a quiet two-lane highway in High Ridge, Missouri, there exists a place of solace and salvation, a sanctuary where every wag of its tail signals a new start.
Second Chance Ranch, as it is affectionately known, is more than just a shelter. It is a haven for older dogs and cats who have faced hardship, abandonment, or loss of a human companion. After a decade of animal rescue, ranch founder Tracy Rumpf embarked on this journey determined to provide a lifeline to animals often overlooked in a fast-paced world.
“I think we live in a very disposable world,” Rumpf said. “When you get a little too old, people ignore you. And I've definitely seen that happen with dogs.”
Inside the farm, volunteers like Erin O'Donnell work tirelessly to ensure all animals receive the care and attention they deserve.
“We have some dogs that are here because their owners have passed away,” O'Donnell said. “Or you have a dog that is in animal control and needs a place to go or it will be euthanized.”
The ranch is run solely by the dedication of volunteers and has no paid staff. Tammy Knappmiller, one of the enthusiastic volunteers, expressed her deep commitment to the effort.
Why does she come back every day?
“Because I love being here,” she said. “This is my place of peace.”
Since its founding three years ago, the ranch has provided shelter to more than 340 dogs and cats. Each has a unique story of resilience. They include Charlotte, a dog who was found abandoned in a field with a broken back, and Kaya, a seven-year-old husky who lost her eyesight due to neglect and diabetes.
“We want to give them the best life possible,” O'Donnell said. “And the goal is to nurse them all back to health and place them into loving homes.”
Whether it's Charlotte taking her first steps or Kaya regaining her sight through lens replacement surgery, every success story on the ranch is a beacon of hope for everyone.
“When you see them come in, they're just broken, completely broken,” Knappmiller said. “And they…Charlotte, she'll be able to walk. They'll be Kaya, she'll be able to see. It brings me joy.”
A dog barking in the background is a reminder of the vibrant life currently thriving within these walls. This is a testament to the power of compassion and enduring resilience of the animals that call Second Chance Ranch home.
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