Webster First donation helps Pogo the cat receive lifesaving surgery

Published December 19, 2025 by Angela Talbot | Reading Time: 3 minutes

Categories:  
• Webster First

In October 2025, Webster First hosted a “Boo-tiful Photos Contest” to celebrate the bond between our members and their pets. The contest showcased adorable animals dressed in Halloween costumes and festive scenes, bringing smiles to our community. But the celebration went beyond just cute photos.

Coupled with this contest, Webster First donated $2,000 to Second Chance Animal Services, Inc. This nonprofit organization operates shelters and veterinary hospitals in North Brookfield, Southbridge, Springfield, and Worcester, MA, providing critical care to animals in need. This contribution recently played a part in a heartwarming story involving a resilient cat named Pogo.

 
 
 
 

The story of Pogo

When a one-year-old cat named Pogo arrived at Second Chance, his situation was dire. He was dragging his hind leg, suffering from a heartbreaking injury. Veterinary staff determined that he had likely been shot, leaving his femur shattered beyond repair.

Pogo needed an emergency leg amputation to relieve his immense pain and give him a chance at a new life. Thanks to the resources available at Second Chance, Pogo was able to undergo this complex surgery. He came through the procedure like a champ, showing incredible resilience.

Today, Pogo is thriving in a loving home with a new name: Bacio. It is the Italian word for “kiss,” a fitting name for a sweet cat who got a second chance at life. Bacio’s recovery is a testament to the skilled veterinary team at Second Chance and the community support that keeps their doors open.

Second Chance Animal Services: Transforming lives

Organizations like Second Chance are vital to the well-being of pets in our local communities. They do more than just facilitate adoptions; they work to keep pets with their families whenever possible.

Second Chance helps transform the lives of pets. They do so much for pets and pet owners who might be struggling. In fact, over the past year alone, they have helped more than 56,000 pets.

Lindsay Doray of Second Chance explains their mission best: “At Second Chance, we believe every pet deserves not just a home but a safe, healthy life in that home. We are transforming lives one pet at a time by tackling the root causes of pet suffering and surrender by providing affordable veterinary care, a pet food pantry, and other essential resources. Our four Community Veterinary Hospitals in North Brookfield, Southbridge, Springfield, and Worcester deliver full-service veterinary care, including subsidized pricing for qualified households, to keep pets with their families whenever possible.”

The impact of community support

Stories like Bacio’s are only possible through the generosity of donors and community partners. Veterinary surgery, especially emergency procedures like amputations, can be incredibly expensive. Without the subsidized care and medical resources provided by nonprofits, many animals would not receive the help they desperately need.

Support from generous donors ensures that Second Chance can continue to operate their hospitals and shelters. Every dollar helps provide medicine, food, surgery, and a safe place for animals to heal before finding their forever homes.

Webster First’s commitment to community

At Webster First, we believe in supporting the organizations that make our communities stronger and kinder. We are proud that our donation could contribute to the life-saving work being done at Second Chance Animal Services.

Seeing a cat like Bacio go from a traumatic injury to a happy life in a new home reminds us why supporting local nonprofits is so important. We encourage our members to learn more about the incredible work Second Chance is doing right here in Massachusetts.

If you would like to help animals like Bacio, please consider visiting secondchanceanimals.org to donate or learn about volunteer opportunities.