The Bond Between (formerly Secondhand Hounds)

The Bond Between (formerly Secondhand Hounds) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that focuses on building the bond animals and people share. Since our founding in 2009, we've rescued over 30,00 dogs cats and impacted the lives of countless humans.

There's no way around it- this year has been harder than most. Our community has needed us more than ever this year. We've rescued hundreds of cats from hoarder homes in northern Minnesota. We've stretched our pet food shelf to meet the needs of those facing economic uncertainty in the Twin Cities (feeding 3,000+ pets each and every month). We've partnered with other nonprofits to bring respite foster care to domestic violence victim/survivors, veterans, families facing emergencies, and people without housing. We started a pet loss support group to support people in the midst of grief. We've said yes and yes and yes to both people and pets. 

Yes is our favorite word. We live and breathe for the moments that we can say it when other organizations can't. The broken dog alone at the shelter, the woman with no other options for her beloved cat, the partner who is advocating for animals sitting in kennels for months. 

The truth is, we've always been able to say yes because of you. 

Since 2009, our organization has been working to save animals. Over time it became clear that we don't just save animals - we help save people, too. Because of you, our community, we have rescued over 30,000 animals. We have provided care for hundreds of hospice dogs and cats. We have saved dozens of neonatal animals. We find it impossible to say no to broken animals who need thousands of dollars worth of surgeries. We love every single animal who comes through our doors and we won't stop saying yes until there are no animals dying in shelters. However, all these endeavors require substantial funding. It's a significant financial commitment. Yet, we firmly believe that this represents the future of rescue - creating a holistic approach to keeping pets with their adoring guardians, delivering comprehensive wellness care, and much more.

Nothing happens at The Bond Between without you. Donations from this community are transformational for our organization. They allows us to dream bigger, offer programs that do not bring us a return, and save thousands of lives each and every year. To our donors - you make this work possible. You drive us forward and allow us to accept dozens of animals every single week. Thank you. To our engagers, using your connections to introduce our mission to new communities and new people, promoting us through social media and by word of mouth - thank you. To our matching donors, who have been so overwhelmingly supportive of all our goals and of our dreams - thank you. 

You are the difference between no and yes for SO many animals and SO many families. We thank you. Whether you donate $5 or $500, we are indebted to you. Today, you make dreams come true.

There's no need to emphasize the immense positive impact animal companions have on us, both physically and emotionally. Our connection with our animals is vital to our well-being. They offer immeasurable comfort, encourage us to be present, and impart priceless lessons in unconditional love. Recognizing this, we earnestly ask you to show great generosity today. Our need is greater than ever and we promise you this: If you provide us the means, we will find the way. And together we will all thrive.

Thank you for giving. Thank you for believing in this organization – where we are and where we are going.