Debbie Eaglebarger Awarded "Champion of the Year" by Corning Chamber of Commerce

Debbie came to Corning five years ago and was just another nine-to-fiver with a fondness for dogs. But what she saw at the animal shelter shocked her and changed her whole life. She went for training in Utah on how to set up a shelter and when she came back she started Second Chance Pet Rescue and Adoption, a non-profit organization, specifically to monitor the Corning Animal Shelter. Four months later Debbie was appointed to take over the shelter. She knew that with her new job came no support staff, and no vacation. The only perk was free use of the trailer that sat next to the shelter. She didn't hesitate one minute, knowing that she was doing the right thing for the dogs.

Since Debbie has taken over the shelter and started Second Chance the euthanization rate has gone from 89% to only 9%, the disease rate nil and the adoption rate has gone up 1000%.

Whether it is articles for the newspapers, Pet of the Week on TV, transporting dogs to other shelters or rescues, doing home visits, writing the monthly newsletters, education at our local schools, Debbie is passionate and dedicated to what she does.

Debbie has brought low cost microchipping to the shelter, animal behavior help, information about the importance of spay and neuter and so much more. Debbie has worked hard to create programs that reach out beyond the walls of the Corning Animal Shelter.

Congratulations, Debbie, the Corning Chamber of Commerce Champion of the Year!

-Patty Panko