Second Life Upscale Resale Announces Expansion

After just two and a half years, Second Life Upscale Resale has provided provided more than $175,000 in cash grants to more than 25 animal charities.

When husband and wife team Tanya Mahrous and Toby Tobias opened the doors of Second Life in Avondale Estates in January 2011, the goal was not only to offer an upscale thrift store. More importantly, through the sales at the store, they've helped support animal rescue organizations in saving animals from kill shelters, placing homeless pets in forever homes, and supporting low-cost spay/neuter programs to help reduce pet overpopulation.

The popularity of their mission has not only led to valuable help to animal service organizations but now means Second Life is in expansion mode.
The company is expanding into 89 N. Clarendon Ave. — next door to its current digs and plan to be open by mid-November.

“Current space doesn’t allow us to display all the great furniture donations we receive.” Tobias said. “We are excited to be able to expand so we can help even more organizations.” 

Of the total grants made, about $47,500 was awarded to several organizations specifically to fund spay/neuter surgeries for pets belonging to low-income families and to support-trap-neuter-and-return efforts for feral cat colonies.

Included in these grants, Second Life is sponsoring the Healthy Pets DeKalb Community Outreach event on Nov. 16. This is a first-time effort and a new focus going forward. According to Tobias, more than 80,000 animals are euthanized in metro Atlanta shelters annually.

“There simply are not enough homes and the problem will only get worse unless more dogs and cats are spayed and neutered,” he said.

“These grants will result in an estimated 600 dogs and cats being ‘fixed,’ significantly reducing the pet overpopulation in Atlanta.” 

Added Mahrous and Toby Tobias: “We couldn't do it without our supporters: our customers, our volunteers, and our donors. Each person plays such an important role by helping these animal rescue organizations give homeless pets a second chance at life. And they have a great time finding unique bargains!”