Special offer

Foreclosures are effecting our four-legged friends

By
Real Estate Appraiser with Estimation Nation Corporation

The Oregon Humane Society has seen the effects of our economy. 

Hugo's family faces foreclosure so the OHS description tells.  Sergio Rodriguez's family might be in the same situation.  This may also be why Cassie was left on the side of the road with her pups.  There also seem to be more dogs like Cooper Farris with medical issues arriving at OHS, likely more victims of the economy.

In fact, OHS has been supporting new proposed legislation that helps abandoned pets in foreclosure situation. "Suzanne Bonamici, D-Beaverton and introduced at the request of the OHS, would for the first time establish a clear process for placing animals abandoned because of foreclosure in loving, caring homes. Mortgagors, for example, would be required to provide minimum care for an abandoned animal and to contact the appropriate agency or animal shelter to take custody of the animal. While many mortgage companies and banks try to do the right thing, current law is unclear when it comes to the issues of animal care and ownership transfer."

There is an upside to the downfall of the economy.  With lost jobs, more people have time and energy to volunteer at OHS and other area shelters.

Rita Minion
O'Brien Realty - Solomons, MD

Hello Sara,

It's so sad about all the abandoned animals nationwide due to their owner's losing their homes & jobs.  We are experiencing this serious problem here in Southern Maryland too.  We adopted a dog about 2 years ago that wes left behind when her owners moved.  They did not care and just left her & the cat behind.  A loan officer that I know adopted the cat.  A Realtor that I am acquainted with  recently showed a vacant home (foreclosure) and as she was showing the property, she spotted a dying cat in a corner of the one room.  After the showing, she took the cat to the vet but it was too late & the poor cat died.  How cruel some people can be.  What were the cat's owner's thinking when they just left her behind?  It all is so sad....

Thank you for your post and the information about the new legislation that helps abandoned pets.  I hope it gets passed and becomes a law.  Something has to be done to help all the abandoned animals nationwide. 

Rita

 

 

Apr 17, 2009 05:18 PM
Sara Goodwin
Estimation Nation Corporation - Portland, OR
Portland, Oregon Appraiser

Hi Rita -

That's great that RE professionals are stepping in when necessary.  It's stories like the one about the cat that didn't make it that are always disheartening.  I just can't wrap my head around how a person could be so insensitive to an animals life... especially a pet!

Apr 21, 2009 05:12 AM
Jim Valentine
RE/MAX Realty Affiliates - Gardnerville, NV

Rita - We are getting a goat in the next day or two from a lender that saw it and two pals left behind at a foreclosed property.  Another agent is taking the two pygmy goats (we already have 4) and we're getting the standard goat.  I thought I was being set up by my wife when she called.  I was with a buyer and she knew it.  I could hear the baby browns blinking over the phone.  As it turned out the story is a wonderful one and I am glad to be a part of the rescue.

May 01, 2009 02:03 AM
Sara Goodwin
Estimation Nation Corporation - Portland, OR
Portland, Oregon Appraiser

GOATS!  I have a fascination with them! 

That's so great that you (both of you Ritas) are helping when you can.

May 04, 2009 03:57 PM