Hi, my name is Diane Gockel and I am a former high school teacher devoting much of my life to rescuing, fostering and adopting homeless and neglected pets.  First and foremost, I want to share my love of animals, and for people to experience their loving and forgiving nature; their vulnerability and need for our protection and care.

Ever since I was a small child, I have loved and rescued animals. It’s just who I am and what I love. If you look in the barn at Second Chance Ranch, you will see a colored, childlike drawing framed on the wall – it’s of a barn that looks much like Second Chance Ranch.  I drew that barn when I was 12!  It was my dream! So, dreams do come true if we keep them alive and stay true to our purpose. I had no idea how all this would come together and was just doing what I love to do; what I was made to do!

What has developed from the ranch has astounded me! I had no idea this place would fulfill a need for people to unplug and “experience” something together- not just “watch” something together or compete.  The farm has given others a much-needed chance to reconnect with nature and experience the unconditional love of an animal friend. We don’t always have to LOOK for our purpose; often times it finds us when we aren’t even looking!

Second Chance Ranch is located in the heart of Sammamish, Washington. It is the home of the animals of Sammamish Animal Sanctuary; a non-profit place where formerly homeless animals, are cared for and loved by many as they live out their lives.

Many of these animals have come from abusive and seemingly, hopeless situations. When an animal finds it’s way here, we first address any medical needs they may have. Then, we give them the love and attention they deserve and in time, they become trusting, friendly and happy pets that welcome all our daily visitors.

This farm and the many friendly animals that live here, are so fun and amazing we just have to share them! We don’t just allow visitors, we encourage them to come and enjoy the peacefulness of the farm. Visitors are greeted by dogs, goats, donkeys and horses. Kids and adults alike will find something inspiring at the farm, so leave your troubles at the gate and come share in the life of our rescued pets!

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Diane is a featured author for Microsoft’s Skype in the Classroom program, where she reads her Rescue Series books to children in classrooms around the United States.  She has skyped with schools in many other countries as well, including India, Vietnam, Brazil, China, Argentina, Spain, Mexico, Canada and more. Her 7 children’s books are stories about real animals on the rescue farm, told from the animals’ perspective by the animals themselves.  She also visits schools and talks to the kids about her farm and life as an author. 
 
Diane and her husband, Don, bought the farm property in 2000.  The first to arrive were rescued goats and a couple llamas.  Diane was on the board of Puget Sound Goat Rescue for nearly 10 years and many of our current goats are ones she has fostered from there. More and more rescue animals were added over time.  Many people walking by were curious about the animals and so Diane put up a sign with the names of the animals and an invitation to come visit them.
 
  
For over 15 years, Diane and Don managed and funded the rescue operation on their own but decided to become a non-profit at the request of many visitors who wanted to contribute.  Today they accept donations with the understanding that 100% of the donations go directly to the rescue, feeding and vet care of these precious animals.  Don and Diane personally fund the rest, including their new Barn Manager, Morgan.
 
Diane and her husband Don, have 4 grown children and 3 grandchildren and live on the farm in Sammamish, Washington.