Friday, April 19, 2024
BEST FUR-ENDS: Sandi Walker, middle, has operated Second Chance Farm, a special needs animal rescue and rehab, since 2012. Rebecca Faiola, far right, a performer in the musical duo JetBlacq with her husband Frank, is hosting a Christmas benefit in support of Walker's nonprofit organization. Jingles with JetBlacq is scheduled from 5-8 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4, at Warren’s Backyard, 2901 Weatherford Highway. Walker and Faiola are pictured with two of Walker’s rescues, Charlie Brown, left, and Gus.
PUPPY PAMPER: Rebecca Faiola couldn’t resist giving some extra lovin’ to one of Sandi Walker’s rescue dogs, Jolene, during her most recent visit to Second Chance Farm.
Christmas is a season of giving, and what better way to give back than to host a holiday show to benefit a well-deserved nonprofit?
Rebecca Faiola — Pecan Plantation resident and performer in the musical duo JetBlacq with her husband, Frank — has decided to host a Christmas show to benefit Second Chance Farm, a local nonprofit special needs animal rescue and rehab.
“Second Chance Farm with (owner) Sandi Walker and her team is known for their kindness and compassion rescuing animals from small to large,” Rebecca said. “From a Texas longhorn down to a tiny Chihuahua on wheels, Sandi’s compassion and love for all animals has no end. With so many supporters and followers, they are always in constant need of funding for food, board, emergency vet bills and surgeries.”
The show, Jingles with JetBlacq, is scheduled from 5-8 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4, at Warren’s Backyard, 2901 Weatherford Highway.
Featuring live holiday music, a visit from Santa and a dog kissing booth, this family-friendly event will be sure to instill the holiday spirit in everyone who attends.
“We've done holiday shows over the last 25 years and for me, doing a holiday show with a purpose is where it's at,” Rebecca said. “When I met Sandi, my heart just broke and opened up to her because I was so impressed with what she does here. I think she's basically an angel here in Granbury and should be helped in every way possible. For me, this is kind of a labor of love and gift, and I consider this show a big Granbury hug for Second Chance Farm.”
SCF was first established in 2012, but Walker previously told the Hood County News that she’s been helping animals for more than 20 years.
Over the years, Second Chance Farm has become a home for not only special-needs dogs, but also donkeys, goats, chickens, cows, ducks and pigs.
When asked how many animals she is currently taking care of, Walker provided a blunt-but-not-appropriate-for-publication answer, explaining that “so many animals come and go” that she can’t keep track of them.
Earlier this year, Walker also opened a new business not associated with SCF called Canine Cabins, a boarding facility for dogs — which is how Rebecca first met Walker.
“I saw this Canine Cabins advertised and knew that Dexter (her Weimaraner, terrier and pit mix dog) would love it,” she said. “I was watching Dexter-cam (a video feed available in each cabin) and she and I were texting. (Animals) are your family member and it’s kind of like, if you don’t love animals, then you can’t be in my life. We’re gonna have a kissing booth with the Second Chance Farm animals, and it’s going to be amazing.”
Walker said there will be five dogs from her rescue at the kissing booth on Dec. 4, including Cheddar, the Chihuahua-on-wheels and Samsonite, a pitbull and one of the SCF “rockstars.”
Samsonite has been with SCF for almost a year now, but his rescue story is heart wrenching.
"These guys tortured this dog. They burned him, they set him on fire, put him in a suitcase and then put him in a dumpster,” Walker said. “He was in the suitcase in the closet for five days and was only seven months old. They sprayed him with hairspray — they admitted this — and they set him on fire, and then they poured alcohol on him just to see what it would do. Then they put him in a suitcase three fourths of his size. The pain that that dog endured . . . But he's healed up. He's got scars, but he'll be there December 4. We're gonna start using him as our rock star — and he's a good spokes dog for animal cruelty.”
On Dec. 4, Santa will be arriving for visits between 5-6 p.m. Michael James, a local musician, will be performing from 6-7 p.m. Then, Jingles with JetBlacq will be performing from 7-8 p.m.
Granbury’s own Mama’s Creative Sweets will add to the sweetness of this “hoping-to-be-annual event,” while Biggie’s Yardbird food truck will be on hand for a tasty supper.
Admission for the event is $20. Cash or check at the door will be accepted as well as online tickets. For kids age 12 and under, admission is free.
When asked what it means for Rebecca to host this benefit for SCF, Walker replied, “I love it.”
“It's gonna help us out tremendously and get the word out about us more,” Walker said. "Just that (Rebecca) has a passion for what we do makes me happy too. She loves what we do.”
To purchase tickets, visit eventbrite.com/d/united-states--texas/jetblacq/ online, or follow the Facebook event: Jingles with JetBlacq Annual Christmas Show and Benefit.
For further information, contact Rebecca by calling 510-326-3553, Walker at 817-243-8172 or Brett Berry, owner and operator of Warren’s Backyard at 817-219-0567.
