A Second Chance for Everyone

On a lazy Saturday afternoon, Susan Fischer sits holding a family of half-Daschund, half-Chihuahua puppies in her lap while a teenage boy stands nearby in case one wiggles away.

You’d never guess that the boy was Fischer’s son by his appearance, but the mother of 12 will quickly explain that her family isn't bothered in the least by their differences.

Fischer, who has 10 adopted children with special needs and two biological children, has mastered the art of giving kids a second chance in life.

But when it comes to rescues, Fischer, didn't stop at her children. The 48-year-old runs a shelter out of her home for animals that her brood rescues from high-kill shelters across the state.

Fischer Farm Animal Shelter is moving from Rome to a seven-acre farm in Hickory Flat. The Cherokee County home is better suited for the smallest Fischer, a 3-year-old with Cerebral Palsy, who can better navigate a one-story home.

After a decade of adopting, Fischer has acquired what she calls "the flock." Each child differs, but many share the same issues.

The 10 now-adopted children were all born with fetal alcohol syndrome, Fischer said. 

Although all of her kids are homeschooled, each went through a public kindergarten program. She doesn't like to talk about their disabilities, asking that you don't focus on that as part of her children's personalities.

Some have more severe disabilities including one son with Autism and one daughter with Cerebral Palsy.

Each of the children were fostered first before being adopting, and the state provides some funds for the family to live on. The Fischer Farm Animal Rescue adds additional revenue for the family.

When asked if there are men in her life, Fischer responds with a quick, sharp “no.”

She is divorced from the oldest two children’s father.

“There haven’t been any men in my life since my second child was 4-years-old,” Fischer said.

Fischer was born at Georgia Baptist Hospital and went to Druid Hills High School on the Emory University campus.

The non-denominational Christian said that her faith is the driving force in building her family.

“It was just God’s purpose for me in life,” Fischer said. “I have always wanted kids. I owned my own daycare center, private school and ran a daycare out of my house. My mission has always been with children."

Her oldest son is 27 and her youngest child is three. They range in ethnicity—white, black, biracial and Hispanic.

Fischer said she wouldn’t oppose adopting more children. 

“You can’t go against what God has planned for you,” Fischer said. “No matter what plans you make, he’s going to do what he wants to do.”

Fischer Farm was the result of a family meeting a year ago when the then-Floyd County residents realized there was no animal shelter in the area.

“It’s our family mission,” Fischer said. “The kids wanted to give animals a second chance like they had.”

Since its inception, the Fischer Farm Animal Shelter has placed countless cats, dogs and farm animals with loving families, Fischer said.

The animals live on the farm with the family and are cared for by the kids. 

One of the featured animals on their family blog was the story of Waggers, a dog that was shot in the head and left on their driveway.

After collecting donations, the family took the dog to the vet and then nursed the him back to health.

To keep animals from being euthanized, the Fischers collect animals that are set to be killed. Then they spend each Saturday at the in Canton advertising the animals and hopefully finding them good homes.

Linda Moss, PetSmart store manager, notes that Fischer’s desire to save animals and children is part of her giving personality.

“She has an amazing heart and a very giving soul,” Moss said.

You can donate to the Fischers through Paypal on their blog.