Second Life Helps Homeless Pets

It’s official: Second Life, the new upscale thrift store in Avondale Estates that benefits animal charities, is now officially a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

This means all donations to this resale shop are tax deductible. 

Second Life Upscale Resale opened its doors at 1 N. Clarendon Ave. less than a year ago. Today it’s full of bargains and is beginning to achieve the goal for which the store was created: supporting Atlanta’s pet charities and helping homeless pets find a second – and happier – life.

Second Life started when husband-and-wife team Tanya Mahrous and Toby Tobias put their love of animals and their fondness for finding a bargain together. They created the shop in a building that used to be a drugstore and plumbing-supply business.

Joining them is Lucky, who they call their “Chief Smile Officer.” Lucky is the 16-year old Dalmatian they adopted just days before he was to be euthanized. He became the inspiration for Second Life. Second Life is also pet-friendly for customers’ dogs.  

After a number of years in the corporate world, Tanya decided to put her passion for helping animals, especially homeless cats and dogs, to a practical application. While visiting her hometown in the Midwest, she discovered a newly-opened boutique thrift store that benefited pet charities and had a light-bulb moment.

It took over a year to create the business plan, find the location and get the donations coming in so the store would be stocked when the doors opened.

“Our mission is simple,” Tanya said. “We offer a quality thrift shopping experience that encourages recycling and reuse while supporting animal rescue organizations in their goal to find homes for homeless pets and reduce pet overpopulation. A motto? Save Money. Save a Pet’s Life.”

Second Life is what Tanya calls “upscale resale,” selling better-quality clothing for men, women, and children, home décor, household items, furniture, books, movies and music and, of course, pet accessories.

The store is also becoming the site for regular special events, including “Christmas in July” and the upcoming “Pet Portrait Picture Drive” with professional photographer Bill Reichardt on Sept. 17.

They also host pet adoptions and hope to continue building awareness of the need to spay and neuter pets. The store is a pet food drop-off and distribution location for Pet Buddies Food Pantry.

The four charities which Second Life currently supports include Lifeline Animal Project, Friends of DeKalb Animals, Ahimsa House and Royal Potcake Rescue.

“Eventually,” Tanya says, “we want to donate up to 80 percent of our net proceeds to these animal charities.” 

Second Life Thrift Store Inc. is looking for animal rescue organizations and businesses who are interested in holding pet adoptions and pet-related activities at the store.  For more information, call 678-974-5671 or go online to www.secondlifeatlanta.org.

Store hours are Wednesdays through Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  The store is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

Editor's note: Elizabeth Wilson is a regular volunteer with Second Life.