The Bond Between

It's official. Secondhand Hounds is now The Bond Between! We've embarked on a journey to strengthen the bonds between us all — people, animals, and the community. The path of animal rescue has often felt like a sinking boat, rescuing tirelessly yet facing overflowing shelters. It's time for change, and we are proud to unveil our new identity: THE BOND BETWEEN. Over the years, we've worked on a holistic approach to rescue, aiming to mend the leaks in the boat of animal welfare. Our programs extend beyond just rescue; they keep families together, connect pets with their forever homes, and provide unwavering support for pet ownership. Our new name reflects our commitment to fostering and nurturing the bonds between animals and people. The Bond Between is about embracing the inherent right of every being to live with dignity and love. We believe in creating a world where the bond between people and animals transcends barriers and limitations. Join us in creating a world where kindness knows no bounds. Because when we're kinder to animals, we're kinder to each other. Spread the word and share the love for this new chapter of compassion and connection! With love and gratitude, The Bond Between Team

Two hours was all it took… Two hours to settle in, feel safe, and know that they are loved once they get into a home. This sweet puppy went from the overwhelm of kennels and dogs barking to snuggled up with his foster family ❤️ How special is it that we have the HONOR of making this happen for thousands of puppies and kitties every year? Together, we’re making the difference between stress and comfort for these animals. We might be feeling just a little be sappy looking back at 2024 🥲, but we are seriously so thankful and proud. Thankful for you. Proud of this community. Grateful to be able to see pictures like this every day 🙏🏼

Wow! Look at all of those beautiful lives saved 🥹 One of The BB’s amazing fosters, Nikki, shared her way of honored her foster dogs in her home. Just this year, Nikki and her family fostered THIRTY PUPPIES 👏🏼 We can’t thank foster families like Nikki enough for the work they do every day to save lives with us. Each photo on this wall represents how one person can make a difference for so many animals in our community and beyond. Join us in congratulating Nikki and all of our amazing fosters in the comments!

"In 2011, my family rescued our very first dog from Amery, Wisconsin. I had wanted a dog for what felt like forever, and after years of persistence, my parents finally caved. One day, I stumbled upon a picture of a young chocolate lab mix in Wisconsin. Something about him caught my attention. His name was Bently. I showed the photo to my family, and a few days later, we packed into the car with no supplies, telling ourselves we were "just going to meet him." Well, we all know how that story goes. A few hours later, we found ourselves heading home with Bently in tow. We were no longer a family of five—we were a family of six. We made a pit stop at Walmart to buy the essentials: a leash, a kennel, and some food. For 13 amazing years, Bently was the center of our world. He taught us about love, patience, and family. Like all dogs, he had his little quirks—some of which annoyed us at times—but those quirks were part of what made him the great dog he was. When Bently passed peacefully with us by his side, we were heartbroken. About two months after his passing, Florida was hit with devastating hurricanes. My favorite shelter, The Bond Between, sent out an urgent post seeking foster families for shelter dogs in Florida. I knew right away this was something I wanted to be part of. I scrolled through the photos of dogs needing homes, hoping to help in any small way. And then I saw another chocolate lab staring back at me from the screen. I immediately reached out to The Bond Between to express my interest. However, they soon let me know the lab was no longer available. They had another dog—a sweet Pittie mix named Valentino—who needed a foster. I’ll admit, I was hesitant. My family had never fostered an adult dog before, let alone a bully breed. But something in me said to take the chance, and I agreed. From the moment Tino (as we now call him) stepped into our home, he fit right in. He was gentle, kind, and loving to everyone he met—including the people who had loved Bently all those years. It didn’t take long for us to notice something extraordinary: Tino shared so many of Bently’s quirks. The little things—the ones that used to drive us crazy but made us smile—were suddenly back in our lives, this time through Tino. Those small reminders of Bently helped me realize something big: Tino wasn’t just a foster dog. He was family. He had filled the space in our hearts that we didn’t think could be filled again. Tino needed to stay, and we needed him just as much. Today, Tino has made our home whole again. I know Bently would be so proud. He’d be wagging his tail at the thought of us opening our home to another shelter dog—and even happier knowing that Tino gets along with our 20-year-old cat, just like he did. I want to thank The Bond Between and their partnering shelter, Alaqua Animal Refuge, for bringing Tino into our lives. Rescue truly is the best breed. Because of Bently, we opened our hearts to rescue. Because of Tino, we are whole again."

💚 THANK YOU ❤️ Thanks to hundreds of donors at Chuck & Don's Pet Food & Supplies this holiday season, dozens of dogs and cats that have been in our programs for long stays received Christmas presents 🥹 These ornaments hung on a tree at the store letting shoppers know each dog and cat’s Christmas wish. And our community delivered! Yesterday our hospice friends got together to celebrate- each getting their very own gift! This is Julia Goolia picking up the toy she wished for 🎁 We’re forever grateful for this community and the giving spirit you all share. Happy holidays!!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year—and one of our absolute favorite traditions: the holiday photoshoot with our hospice animals and furry friends!😍🎄🐾 We love this program more than words can say, and every year this little tradition reminds us why. These animals mean the world to us, and capturing moments like these is such a gift.❤️ Swipe through for big smiles, festive feels, and more “aww” moments than you can handle.🥰

Can you believe the dog in these photos is the same one?🥺 This is Big Girl, and this is her story. Over eight months ago, Big Girl was found wandering, her body ravaged by one of the worst cases of demodex mange anyone had seen. She was nearly bald, her skin swollen and covered in open, oozing sores. Finally, one fateful day, a kind woman managed to catch her. Big Girl was taken to a vet, but her condition was so dire that she was brought in to be euthanized. That could have been the end of her story, but a partner rescue in Arkansas refused to give up. They decided to try, providing her with the medical care, love, and support she desperately needed. Under their care, Big Girl slowly began to heal. She started growing back her fur, her wounds mended, and her playful, loving personality emerged. After months of recovery, she was ready for the next chapter of her journey. That’s when she came to us—full of hope, wagging her tail, and ready for her second chance at life. Since arriving, Big Girl has stolen every heart she’s met. She greets everyone with a big smile and proudly offers her favorite toy to visitors, her tail wagging like crazy. She’s house-trained, adores other dogs (especially puppies), and is endlessly sweet with every person she meets. She’s still heartworm positive and will need a family ready to continue her care, but her incredible transformation reminds us every day why we do what we do. Now, Big Girl is officially adoptable, and we’re looking for her perfect match—a family who will give her the love, care, and home she’s waited so long for.❤ Are you ready to be part of her next chapter?💕 https://lnkd.in/gstK92ZN

🚨 We’re Hiring! 🚨 Are you organized, people-focused, and passionate about making a real difference for animals? Join our team as an Inventory Coordinator at our Minneapolis location! As a key player in our operations, you’ll manage inventory, coordinate supplies, and foster strong relationships with partners and volunteers—all while supporting animals and the people who love them. What You’ll Do: 🐾 Keep our inventory stocked and organized for the animals and pet food shelf clients who depend on us. 🚐 Coordinate supply pickups and deliveries between our Minnetonka and Minneapolis locations. 🤝 Cultivate partnerships and work closely with volunteers 📊 Track metrics and help improve processes to ensure we’re always operating at our best. If you're ready to be part of a team that's saving lives and making a difference in the community, we’d love to hear from you!🎉 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/grbVtRSn

Reunited at last ❤ Back in August, Merry found his way into our rescue through one of our amazing tribal partners. He was discovered in a casino parking lot, alone and without identification or a microchip. Despite their best efforts to locate his owners, no one came forward. Just last week, a wonderful woman reached out to us, claiming Merry was her long-lost dog, Ace. As we started talking, she shared an overwhelming number of photos and stories from Ace's puppy days to adulthood. Our phone was buzzing with images—Ace snuggled on the couch with her kids, running around in the park with their other dog, and more. It was clear how deeply she loved and missed him. She had been searching for Ace for months, and she was overjoyed to finally find him. Her son had even asked Santa for just one thing this Christmas: to bring Ace home.🥹 Ace's foster family, who had come to love him dearly over the months, was surprised by the news. When they tried calling him Ace, he lost his mind in excitement, and then she knew he was meant to be with them.❤ This heartwarming reunion reminds us of the power of love and the joy of second chances. We're so happy for Ace and his family as they reunite just in time for the holidays!🫶

WE NEED YOUR HELP 🐾 It’s been a while since we’ve asked for specific donations, and that’s because you all have been so generous—we’ve been able to keep saying YES to so many animals in need. 🥹🫶 But right now, our shelves are running low on some of the most important items we use daily, and we’re hoping you can help us restock. Here are the top 5 items we’re running low on: 1️⃣ Kitten & Puppy Formula 🍼 This is a lifesaver for neonates, like Baby Bruce Wayne from the Chihuahua litter. We’re down to just four cans of puppy formula, which isn’t nearly enough for the babies relying on us. 2️⃣ Wet Kitten Food 🐱 Orphan litters and expecting moms need this nutrient-packed food to grow healthy and strong. Our shelves are almost bare, and one or two litters could wipe out what’s left. 3️⃣ Slip Leads 🐕 We use slip leads every single day to handle dogs safely, and every foster gets one, too. With 30+ slip leads sent out weekly, we’re in desperate need of restocking! 4️⃣ Poop Bags 💩 It might seem like a small thing, but we go through SO MANY poop bags every day. This is one of those items we always need! 5️⃣ Pill Pockets 💊 Ever tried giving a dog medicine without one? Let’s just say, it can be a struggle. These pill pockets are be a lifesaver for making sure our animals get their medications! You can order directly from our Supply Wishlist and the items will ship right to us 📦 𝗔𝗺𝗮𝘇𝗼𝗻: https://shorturl.at/kVGAu 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝘄𝘆: https://shorturl.at/gHlVA Even the smallest contribution makes a big difference—whether it’s a pack of poop bags, a can of formula, or a box of pill pockets. We don’t take asking lightly, but we know we can count on this incredible community when we need it most. Thank you for standing by us, for the animals we love, and for making it possible to say YES to every life we can save. 💕