Second Life celebrates over $1 Million donated to pet charities

When Toby Tobias and Tanya Mahrous opened the doors of Second Life in Avondale Estates in January of 2011, their dream for the upscale thrift shop was to give homeless pets a second chance at life by supporting animal rescues. As the store celebrates its seventh anniversary, they are elated to announce that Second Life has now donated over a million dollars -- $1,000,000 -- in cash grants to animal rescues and spay/neuter programs, proving help with medical care, community outreach, spay/neuter assistance, education, and more!

They knew achieving their goals would be would be a community effort, and they were right. According to Tanya, "We could never have achieved this without the support of everyone who donates their gently-used items and shop for bargains at Second Life, our many volunteers who donate their time, and our team members who support all we do to achieve our mission of helping animals."

Toby adds, "We knew opening the store would be a risk, but it was one we had to take so we could follow our passion. It's truly amazing what all of our supporters have accomplished! Like the pieces of a puzzle, we couldn’t do any of this without them."

While achieving the $1 Million milestone is testimony to the dedication of many people, hearing the “happy tails” stories from the charities really exemplifies our mission -- in very canine (and human) terms.

“We cannot begin to say THANK YOU for all that you do for the animals in our state. You are helping so many animals in so many communities in Georgia,” wrote grantee Spay Georgia.

“Every time we receive pictures of dogs or cats that are now loved family members, or a heartfelt thank you like this one," says Tanya, we know we are making a difference in the community. We strongly believe that saving animals ultimately helps people. One million dollars has made a big difference in a community where far too many animals never get a second chance at life.”

The idea of this wonderful store was inspired by Toby and Tanya's late Dalmatian Lucky, who was days away from being euthanized when they were asked to foster him for a “few weeks." He had been deemed unadoptable but a rescuer wouldn’t give up on him. Lucky inspired them to foster and volunteer with animal rescue – and then to open Second Life as they realized the tremendous need for funding to help the animal charities save lives.

Lucky was the store’s first Chief Smile Officer (CSO). Shortly after passing away at 17 years old, his position was taken on by Riley, another foster dog they rescued from a shelter in Egypt. He now roams the store looking for ear scratches and is an ambassador for rescue dogs.

"Helping families be a part of the solution to pet overpopulation is a big focus for us," Tanya explains. "Grants are provided specifically to organizations that help low-income families spay and neuter their family pets and stray neighborhood cats. To date, more than $400,000 in spay/neuter grants have been provided, helping between 5,000-6,000 cats and dogs get fixed. "We know there are many people who want to do the right thing, but simply can't afford it -- and we're glad to be able to help."

Come out to Second Life to help them celebrate the $1 Million Milestone at their 7th Anniversary Celebration on March 17 for a great day of fun. In addition to a 40% off storewide sale in both stores, at select times there will be giveaways, snacks, a Greyhound Meet & Greet, photos with their Luckydog mascot, and a pet food drive to help a grantee, Pet Buddies Food Pantry.

With over 6,500 square feet in their side-by-side stores, shoppers find gently-used clothing, housewares, electronics, home décor, furniture, books, and so much more!

Second Life has two upscale thrift stores created with the mission of giving homeless pets a second chance at life. Celebrating 7 years, they have provided over $1million in grants to animal rescues and spay/neuter programs. Their main store is located at 1 N. Clarendon Avenue and their Furniture, Décor & More store is located next door at 89 N. Clarendon Avenue in downtown Avondale Estates, just a half mile from the DeKalb Farmer’s Market and close to Downtown Decatur. A non-profit organization, donations are tax deductible and volunteers are always needed and welcome. For more information call Second Life at 678-974-5671, email us at contactus@secondlifeatlanta.org or visit online at www.secondlifeatlanta.org.

##