About

Meet Maureen

Maureen graduated from Longwood University in Virginia with a degree in English and has a master's degree as a reading specialist from Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas. Maureen has held positions on the board of directors for four humane societies, has been an abuse investigator for multiple counties, was a humane society director, taught Freshman Composition at Highland Junior Collage and was an English teacher at Topeka West High School for 25 years.

In addition, she was a state representative on the Pet Animal Advisory Board for licensed shelters and rescues. She has been selected twice as a woman of excellence in Shawnee County for her humane society work and she and her husband were selected as Capitol Federal Citizens. SCARS was featured in Dog Fancy, Cesar's Way, Topeka magazine and on the front page of the Topeka Capital Journal newspaper. 

About SCARS

Second Chance Animal Refuge Society (S.C.A.R.S.) was established in June, 2001 to provide a safe haven for dogs in the Shawnee County area.  SCARS is a non-profit, 501(c)(3), no-kill, Animal Refuge Organization, located near Topeka, KS.  Our dogs have access to a securely fenced, 50 acre property, with two ponds where they can run and swim freely.  In addition, we have two large outdoor facilities, one of which has eight indoor/outdoor, heated and air conditioned runs with orthopedic beds.  

In 2014 we added a large “Meet and Greet” room which has two large kennel areas leading out to a six foot privacy fenced yard with windows so the dogs can see the fields beyond.  It also serves as an isolation area for abused dogs who need a quiet place to regain their health.  

S.C.A.R.S. provides veterinarian exams to each new dog immediately upon arrival.  During this examination, the rescued dog's health is assessed, any required emergent testing and treatments are performed and an appropriate diet is established.  An assessment of future needs including, but not limited to, spaying or neutering is also performed.  All immunizations and medical procedures are done by a licensed veterinarian.

Stories About the Dogs of SCARS

You must live for a cause greater than yourself ~ Our father, Edward Michael Luby, Captain, USN, was guided by these words taught to young midshipmen at the United States Naval Academy which he later passed down to my sister and me. I found my cause 40 years ago when I brought two abandoned dogs from the streets of Puerto Rico to the states and began my journey in animal welfare. The Second Chance Animal Refuge Society (SCARS) is a 501 (c) (3) no kill dog shelter located on 50 acres on the edge of the Kansas Flinthills. Homeless and abandoned dogs for miles around are treated for medical problems, exercised, socialized, and eventually adopted to forever homes. If they are never chosen for adoption they remain here where they are cared for and loved. This journey has ushered over 1000 dogs on the road to SCARS. These are just a few of their heroic stories.
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More Stories About the Dogs of SCARS

I began writing this book at the tag end of winter, with spring around the corner. But instead of bringing May flowers, it brought the COVID 19 virus that struck fear into the hearts of people around the world. This was uncharted territory for us and as state after state, and county after county began shutting down with a SIP order, we did not know what we were facing. Hand sanitizer became a necessity and paper goods were not to be found. Store shelves stood empty row after row, and hoarding ran rampant.

My writing far into the night became a sort of therapy and distraction from what seemed such an alien invasion of our lives. As I recorded story after story, I realized how fortunate I was to spend my days with animals and the people who shared our love and devotion to them. The virus situation reminded us all of what was important: the basics of life and caring for our neighbors, our children, our pets and our planet.

It brought us down to Ground Zero.
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