Seven years ago, Toby Tobias and Tanya Mahrous opened Second Life Atlanta Thrift Store in Avondale Estates .
Their dream for the upscale thrift shop, located at 1 N. Clarendon Ave., was to give homeless pets a second chance at life by supporting animal rescues.
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Since then, the business has donated over $1 million a million in cash grants to animal rescues and spay/neuter programs, providing help with medical care, community outreach and education.
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
The four-legged inspiration for the shop was Lucky, who was days away from being euthanized when the couple were asked to foster him for a few weeks. He had been deemed unadoptable but a rescuer wouldn’t give up on him. Lucky inspired them to foster and volunteer with animal rescue – and then to open Second Life as they realized the tremendous need for funding to help animal charities save lives.
Credit: HANDOUT
Credit: HANDOUT
Lucky was the store’s first Chief Smile Officer . Lucky lived until he was 17. His position was taken on by Riley, another foster dog they rescued from a shelter in Egypt.
Second Life will celebrate their anniversary from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday . In addition to a 40 percent off storewide sale in both stores, at select times there will be giveaways, snacks, a dog adoptions, photos with their Luckydog mascot, and a pet food drive to help Pet Buddies Food Pantry.
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