Help us save our first 5 dogs. Donate NOW
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They're not abandoned.
They're waiting.
We keep dogs safe while their owners fight to come home.
Because a temporary hardship shouldn't become a permanent goodbye.
About Second LeashSecond Leash is an Arkansas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to keep dogs and the people who love them together during temporary hardships.When a pet owner faces incarceration, treatment, hospitalization, housing instability, or another life crisis, surrendering a beloved dog should not be their only option.We provide temporary foster placement through compassionate volunteer Leash Holders who offer safety, stability, and care until families can be reunited whenever possible.Our mission is simple: protect the bond between dogs and their families — because hard times shouldn’t mean permanent goodbyes.
Founder: Brandie Self Founded: 2025 Location: Arkansas Status: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
How Second Leash WorksSecond Leash provides temporary foster care for dogs when their families are facing a temporary crisis.1. Request Help
A pet owner, family member, or approved contact reaches out and completes an intake form so we can understand the dog’s needs.2. Create a Care Plan
We review the dog’s routine, medical needs, personality, and expected timeline to find the safest temporary placement.3. Match With a Leash Holder
A volunteer foster provides a safe and loving home while the owner works through their hardship.4. Support During Separation
Second Leash helps coordinate communication, supplies, resources, and care throughout the foster period.5. Reunification Whenever Possible
Our goal is to return dogs home to the families who love them — because temporary hardship should not mean permanent goodbye.
Our Impact StoriesEvery dog has a story. Every family has a reason. Second Leash exists to protect both.Caesar & Leo’s Journey HomeCaesar and Leo’s mom wasn’t giving them up — she was fighting to keep them.When life circumstances meant she had to be away temporarily, Second Leash helped create a plan to keep her dogs safe while protecting the family they already had.Within hours of sharing their story, a compassionate Leash Holder stepped forward to provide Caesar and Leo a temporary home until reunification is possible.
Through temporary foster care, they are receivng stability, love, and care without losing their connection to the people who love them.Their story represents why Second Leash exists: sometimes families don’t need to say goodbye — they just need help getting through a difficult chapter.Because hard times shouldn’t mean permanent goodbyes.
Who We Help
Owners or family members of dogs whose humans are temporarily incarcerated
Approved organizations or reentry programs
Partnering jails looking to provide safe temporary housing for dogs
Why This Matters
5.8 million
pets enter shelters each year30%
are surrendered by owners597,000
animals euthanized annually
Every year, millions of pets enter animal shelters across the United States — many not because they are unwanted, but because their families are facing temporary hardships.For individuals navigating incarceration, rehab, or recovery, the fear of losing a beloved pet can be devastating. Many dogs enter shelters simply because their owner has no safe place for them during these critical periods of transition.Second Leash exists to change that.By providing temporary care for dogs whose owners are experiencing incarceration, rehabilitation, or recovery, we help keep dogs out of shelters, reduce strain on local animal services, and give families the chance to reunite when their situation improves.Because sometimes all a dog — and their human — needs is a second chance.
Help Give Dogs a Second Leash on Life
Dogs shouldn't lose their homes because their owners are facing a difficult chapter.Second Leash provides temporary care for dogs whose owners are incarcerated so they can be reunited when their human returns.Your donation helps provide food, care, and safe placement for these dogs.Support the mission ----->100% of donations go directly toward the care and safety of the dogs we serve.
Contact UsHave questions, need assistance, or want to learn more about how to help? We’d love to hear from you.Whether you are a family member seeking help for a dog, a correctional facility looking for information, or a community partner interested in working together, please reach out.Brandie Self (Founder/President)Email:
[email protected]Location:
Georgetown, ArkansasWe do our best to respond to all inquiries as quickly as possible.
Privacy PolicySecond Leash respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the information shared with us.Information we collect may include names, contact information, foster applications, pet information, and details voluntarily provided when requesting assistance or supporting our mission.We use this information only to:
• communicate with pet owners, fosters, volunteers, and supporters
• coordinate temporary foster care
• provide appropriate care for dogs in our program
• process donations and nonprofit operationsSecond Leash does not sell or share personal information for marketing purposes.Information may only be shared when necessary to provide care, coordinate services, comply with legal requirements, or protect the safety of people and animals.Questions about privacy may be sent to:
[email protected]Last updated: June 2026
Second Leash
Keeping dogs and their families connected through temporary hardship.Second Leash is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
EIN: 33-3031631
Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.[email protected]
(870) 456-3950Because hard times shouldn’t mean permanent goodbyes.