Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Carmichael.
Hi Lisa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When we moved out here in 2017, one of the first things I noticed was the overwhelming number of stray dogs and cats. Everywhere we turned, there seemed to be another animal in need. It quickly became clear that this area was lacking a dedicated rescue organization and that’s where our journey began.
In 2019, a local business kind-hearted gentleman named Charles Morales, a true animal lover much like ourselves built us a beautiful warehouse a safe haven and a place the Rescue could finally call home. It became the foundation for what is now Second Chance Dog Rescue.
We started with very little limited experience, few resources but a tremendous amount of heart. Over time, we gained knowledge, built relationships, and grew far beyond what we ever expected. Today, on any given day, we care for around 50 dogs. Many of them come from heartbreaking situations and have been given absolutely zero chance at survival. Our MAIN focus our animals from these rural areas where there are no shelters. We work on rehabilitation and pairing each dog with the perfect home. We’re proud to say our return rate is nearly nonexistent a testament to the care and thought we put into every adoption.
Running a rescue in a rural area is no easy task. What once seemed simple has grown into a constant challenge as we face an animal welfare crisis like never before. But through it all, we remain committed to our mission.
Our organization operates seven days a week and is run almost entirely by volunteers the true heartbeat of everything we do. Every dog that leaves our program is fully vetted: spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed, heartworm tested, and either on prevention or treatment. We keep our adoption fees reasonable so that more pets can find loving homes.
At the end of the day, this is truly an affair of the heart. We couldn’t do it without the incredible support of our community and volunteers, who make it possible for us to continue saving lives one dog at a time.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road but it’s been worth every bump along the way. When we first started
Second Chance Dog Rescue, we had no idea just how much work, sacrifice, and heart it would take to keep things going.
The emotional side of rescue is probably one of the hardest parts. You see so much neglect, abandonment, and suffering and it can really take a toll.
On the practical side, funding is always a challenge. Veterinary costs, food, supplies, and building maintenance add up quickly, especially when you’re caring for 50 or more dogs at a time. We rely heavily on donations and volunteers, so keeping enough hands on deck and resources coming in is a constant effort.
Another big challenge is finding good adopters and making sure each dog is truly ready for a home. We put a lot of time and heart into rehabilitation both physical and emotional and that takes patience, consistency, and dedication from our whole team.
There have been moments when it felt overwhelming, but the wins seeing a once broken, scared dog finally wag its tail again or watching it leave with a loving family make every struggle worth it. This work is definitely not easy, but it’s deeply meaningful.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As the Director of Second Chance Dog Rescue, I can honestly say this work has become more than a passion it’s part of who I am. When I started this journey, I didn’t have all the answers or the experience, but I had a heart that couldn’t look the other way. We saw a tremendous need in our community too many dogs left behind, too many people who wanted to help but didn’t know how and somehow it just all came together.
Over the years, this rescue has grown from a dream into a thriving safe haven for dogs who had nowhere else to go. I’ve learned that leadership in rescue isn’t about titles or recognition it’s about resilience, compassion, and doing the hard things even when no one’s watching. It’s about getting up in the middle of the night for a sick dog, comforting volunteers after a tough day, and finding strength to keep going when resources are thin and the needs are endless.
What fuels my passion is witnessing transformation not just in the animals, but in the people around them. I’ve seen dogs that came in terrified and broken begin to trust again. I’ve seen families’ lives change when they bring home a rescue dog who completes them. And I’ve seen volunteers discover their own purpose through helping these animals heal. Those moments are what keep me going, even on the hardest days.
As a director, I believe in leading with heart and integrity. I make every decision with the animals’ best interest in mind, while also fostering a supportive environment for our volunteers and adopters. It’s not always easy rescue work rarely is but it’s meaningful, and it has given my life a sense of purpose that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
At the end of the day, I’m passionate because I’ve seen what’s possible when love, compassion, and community come together. We can’t save every dog, but for the ones we do, we change their world completely. And that’s why I’ll always keep fighting for them.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is seeing the transformation watching a dog that came to us broken, scared, or unwanted finally find peace, confidence, and love. There’s nothing quite like watching that moment when a dog realizes it’s safe, or seeing it leave with a family that will love it forever. That’s what fills my heart every single time.
I’m also happiest when I see our community come together volunteers giving their time, families opening their homes, and people stepping up to help animals in need. It reminds me that there’s still so much good in the world.
At the end of the day, making a difference whether for an animal or a person is what brings me the most joy.
It’s the reason I do what I do every day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.scdrm.com
- Instagram: SCDRMANSFIELD
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SecondChanceDogRescueMansfield
Image Credits
Lisa Carmichael
