Melissa’s Second Chances is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue based in Shawnee, Kansas, dedicated to giving pets a second chance at life and love. Since opening in 2019, the organization has rescued dogs, cats, and small mammals from shelters, breeders, and owner surrenders, placing them into caring foster homes throughout the Kansas City area. With a focus on community involvement, they also operate the Second Cup Cat Café in Olathe, where adoptable cats can socialize in a cozy, welcoming space. Committed to a 99% save rate and a no-kill mission, Melissa’s Second Chances offers a compassionate path to adoption while empowering volunteers and fosters to make a difference.
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Melissa's Second Chances
Meet our Photographer,
Stuart Heidmann
Meet Stuart Heidmann, the talented photographer behind our Annual FURniture + Friends Pet Calendar. With a passion for capturing the charm of our four-legged companions, Stuart brings creativity and heart to every shot. We’re thrilled to have him return for the 2026 edition, where he’ll once again showcase the personality, joy, and spirit of pets in our community. Take a peek at some of his amazing work and see why we’re so excited to collaborate with him again!
Take a Look Pet Calendar
The 2024 Furniture + Friends Pet Calendar is back, spotlighting adorable pets and stunning furniture for a heartfelt cause: raising funds for and awareness of rural and long-term shelter animals through On A Mission KC. For just a $20 entry (with $10 for each additional pet), every entrant receives a professional portrait session by Stuart Heidmann - whether or not they’re selected. A panel of judges will choose 12 pets to be featured as “Pet of the Month,” including a rescue on the cover, and ALL participants receive their pet’s beautifully captured portraits. The entire profit from the contest goes directly to On A Mission KC.
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How and Why the Calendar Started
The FURniture + Friends Pet Calendar began in 2019 with the simple yet powerful idea of pairing beloved pets with beautiful furniture to support local animal shelters, bringing together clients, industry partners, and their furry companions in one creative fundraiser. Its success inspired the biannual campaign model, which expands each year to feature charming pets, showcase furnishings from manufacturing partners, and generate funds for shelters - while raising awareness of On A Mission KC’s mission to support rural shelters through outreach, visibility, and sustainability.
Kansas City
14720 W 105th St
Lenexa, KS 66215
St. Louis
1325 N. Warson Rd
St. Louis, MO 63132
Manhattan
1880 Kimball Ave, Suite 120-C
Manhattan, Kansas 66502
Springfield
2137 W Kingsley St, Suite C
Springfield, Missouri 65807
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