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Second Life Thrift Store Turns Donations Into Second Chances for Animals

Nonprofit thrift store has donated $3 million to animal charities, including over $70,000 awarded through a special 15-year anniversary grant to give organizations a “second life” boost

Avondale Estates, GA — May 18, 2026 — Since opening their doors in 2011, Second Life founders Tanya Mahrous and Toby Tobias have had a simple vision: give gently used goods a “second life” through their upscale thrift store and use the proceeds to help give homeless pets a second chance at life.

Inspired by their Dalmatian, Lucky—who was once deemed “unadoptable” and just days from euthanasia—the couple and their dedicated team have built far more than a thrift store. As Second Life celebrates its 15th anniversary in Avondale Estates, it has become a community hub supported by passionate donors, shoppers, volunteers, and animal lovers working together to help animals across Georgia.

Over the past 15 years, Second Life has transformed donated goods into more than $3 million in grants for animal rescues, spay/neuter programs, and outreach efforts across Georgia, including its recent “15 Pawsome Years” special grant round, which helped fund projects and improvements that might otherwise go unfunded, but can make a big difference for the animals in their care. This special grant round provided funding 36 organizations, for projects such as:

  • A riding lawn mower to maintain safe pasture for rescued horses at Zorro’s Crossing
  • Additional cages to expand cat intake capacity at Floyd Felines
  • Funding for a Pilot community spay/neuter initiative for PAWS Atlanta
  • Foam insulation to create a safer environment for vulnerable animals at Screven County Spay and Neuter Corp.

Other grant recipients received grants for essentials like laptops, shelving, washers and dryers, fencing, and website support—tools that help organizations simplify care and improve efficiencies.

While the individual grants average around $2,000, their impact is anything but small.

“For many smaller and rural rescues, a grant like this can make everyday operations a little easier and provide much-needed breathing room,” said Tanya Mahrous, President and Co-Founder of Second Life. “Sometimes simple improvements—like fencing, insulation, or updated equipment—can make a huge difference for both animals and the people caring for them.”

At a time when many animal shelters and rescues are overwhelmed by overcrowding, rising costs, and limited resources, grants like these help organizations continue caring for animals that may need extra time, medical care, or simply a second chance.

What started with a rescued Dalmatian named Lucky has grown into a community effort that turns “bargains into belly rubs” and creates second chances for animals across Georgia. Lucky may have inspired the mission, but it’s the dedicated Second Life team and community that keep his legacy alive.

About Second Life

Second Life Atlanta is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that operates an upscale thrift store in Avondale Estates, Georgia, along with an online store. Proceeds from store sales are used to provide monetary grants to animal rescue groups, low-cost spay/neuter programs, and outreach efforts throughout Georgia.

Address: 1 N. Clarendon Avenue, Avondale Estates, GA 30002
Website: www.secondlifeatlanta.org

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Media Contact

Lauren Frost
laurenjofrost@gmail.com

770-364-9842

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