The Little Thrift Store That Could. Second Life Atlanta On Track To Give A Million Dollars To Homeless Pets

  AVONDALE ESTATES, GA - 02/07/2017 (PRESS RELEASE JET)

Second Life Atlanta, a six-year old nonprofit thrift store in metro Atlanta thinks homeless pets are worth a million dollars. And store owners and co-founders Toby and Tanya Tobias want to make sure they get it.

Inspired by a Dalmatian named Lucky who was deemed  "unadoptable" - that is, until the Tobias' adopted him - Tanya left a career at Delta Airlines and she and Toby opened Second Life Atlanta in Avondale Estates, Georgia, in early 2011.

The early months were rough but the store's varied merchandise and mission caught on and by late 2016 Second Life had given grants to over 60 Atlanta and Georgia pet rescues and animal charities totalling $760,000 while operating Second Life with a handful of employees and a few dedicated volunteers.

"We are all about giving homeless pets a second chance at life. That's where our name came from," explains Tanya Tobias.

Second Life Atlanta is all of the following: a non-profit retail business, a support system for shelters and rescues, an advocate for pet adoption, a hub for humane education to help pet owners, and a supporter of spay and neuter to reduce shelter overcrowding. The stores regularly host adoption events for local rescues and allows customers to bring their dogs shopping with them.

They expanded to two thrift stores, located next door to one another at 1 and 89 N. Clarendon Ave., total 6,500 square feet. Both spaces are bursting with donations: gently-used and sometimes new items from designer clothing to vintage collectibles, furniture, pet supplies, toys, kitchen ware, art, jewelry, sporting goods, lawn furniture and decor. Everything from wedding dresses to golf clubs have found a way onto their shelves at one time or another.

"There's very few things that haven't come through our stores in the last six years," says Tony Tobias, "We get the greatest donations and have incredible support."  Toby can often be found working at the stores alongside Riley, a dog the couple rescued from Egypt when Lucky the Dalmatian passed on. Riley was given his own position and title in the organization: CSO. 

"Chief Smile Officer!" says Tanya.

Second Life Atlanta always welcomes support, volunteers, donations of goods and any help toward their million dollar goal for pets in need. 

Learn about Second Life, their million-dollar misson, and how to help at www.SecondLifeAtlanta.org