Aussies' generosity saves animal rescue shelter from closure

Marisa Debattista started Second Chance Animal Rescue from her living room 17 years ago.

Through the dedication of volunteers, donations and fundraising, the vital service in Melbourne's north has rescued and rehomed more than 17,000 pets, handed out more than one million meals and desexed 10,000 cats and dogs.

When we last spoke with founder Marisa, Second Chance Animal Rescue was facing the heartbreaking possibility of closure.

"The financial crisis has really made it hard, not only for the community, but for not-for-profit like ours," Marisa explained to A Current Affair.

"Funds aren't coming in at a sustainable rate for us to continue serving the community."

To remain open, Second Chance needed $200,000 by November.

"Too many people and pets rely on us being here and having our doors open, and we're going to do everything it takes to ensure that that happens."

The shelter's plight touched the hearts of Aussies and thanks to A Current Affair viewers, who opened their hearts and their wallets in response, Second Chance now has its very own second chance.

"The kind words, the calls and the emails we've received, they've been a lifeline, they've kept us going through this really difficult time, they've given us hope.

The $200,000 target was incredibly reached two months ahead of schedule, leaving the team "shocked."

"The community jumped in and helped us keep our doors open, and we are just ecstatic.

"Thank you so much to A Current Affair and to all of the viewers for your support. It honestly means the world to us at Second Chance. Thank you."

For more information about Second Chance Animal Rescue, head to the shelter's website.