Meet Alix Smith | Founder, Second Leash on Life

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alix Smith and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alix, how does your business help the community?
I believe my business helps the community in a variety of ways. First and foremost, we are saving dogs who would otherwise be living on the streets, dying of treatable medical conditions or euthanised at the shelter. In addition we have helped over 400 people find their forever pet. The dog who was once living on the street is now living in luxury being spoiled by the person who desperately wanted a furry friend. It’s a win win. We have adopted dogs out to countless families and young couples but my personal favourite adoptions are to senior citizens. Many times they are denied the ability to adopt because of their age but it is so very important for them to have a companion and each and every one has a plan for they dog in case something happens to them. I love to see the joy on their face when they go home with their new dog. I also love adopting to children who have wanted and begged their parents for a dog for years. A lot of these kids are very dedicated and have watched dog training videos and are very receptive to my suggestions on how to bond with the dog. Lastly, and probably most importantly, we occasionally have our dogs trained to be service dogs and donate them to people in need. We recently donated Elvis, the Golden Retriever Border Collie Mix to a little boy with Autism and Cystic Fibrosis. I am happy that I can help make a difference in the dogs’ and the peoples’ lives.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe what sets me apart from other rescues is that I do all of my own fostering and adoptions. I respond to people immediately and meet with them as soon as possible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love the beach so I would definitely take her to the beach! We would have to stop at Starbucks for coffee and then pick up something from Micheline’s Pita House. We may go to dinner at North Italia and we would definitely hang out with my family.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I never could have gotten my rescue up and running without two very important people. One, is my daughter Dakota who is my right hand girl. She helps me with the dogs, with the adoptions, with events and much more. I also could never have started the way I did without the generous donations from Robert and Vicky Meadows. They have been a tremendous help with their generous donations.

Website: www.secondleashonlife.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secondleashonliferescue/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Second-Leash-On-Life-110309334643361