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"Foreclosed Pets" the other victims

When I was looking for a picture for my other blog regarding "Congo the German Shepherd" I came across some other articles about pets and foreclosures. Even though I don't like to linger on negative blogs, or do I wish to create one, I just can't let this situation go unnoticed on AR.

While we are showing our concerns for the state of the housing market in some areas of the country, particularly those effected by a high foreclosure rate, and are concerned about how sell in the market in order to survive and pay our bills and put gas in our tanks. There are victims created from this same problem that are also just trying to survive, they are going without food or water, and being left in all kinds of in-climate situations without protection. I am talking about the FAMILY PETS

I know that photos and art are great eye catching tools for AR blogs, but the pictures of this that I have seen are just too graphic. They are heart stopping, stomach turning and enough to make a grown man cry. So I will save you from this dismal display. I know all of us are intelligent enough to imagine.

There was a recent story of a couple of Realtors in AZ that when showing a house, were welcomed by some abandoned pets, and the stories go on. The lucky ones, and that may be for just a short time, are left at local shelters. And the really lucky ones might make it to a Rescue league.

What is wrong with these people, that they just leave them in the home after they have moved out? What is the reasoning behind their thinking? I am heartsick and just can't understand.

I could go one with excerpts from the numerous articles and heart rendering stories, but I won't. I sure you get the picture.

Posted by Stephanie Hansson,ABR,CRS on 12/07/2007 09:22 AM

Comments (25)

realtors lucky ones rescue league

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25 Comments on "Foreclosed Pets" the other victims

DEC

2007

This is an unfortunate situation that has been in our city due to the transient nature of it for years. I have a feeling it will just get worse pretty soon.

As a volunteer for IGCA rescue, we are working with the shelters in order to prepare for an influx, if one would occur. Unfortunately, many people want to adopt the type of dog that we rescue so one major shelter will not turn the dog over to us.

Ya know, I didn't even have to read past the title of this one....you are right, no one seems to think about "ALL" the victims of a foreclosure....so sad.

I had some buyers buy a house and the previous owners left their cat. We called the listing agent to come get their cat, and their response was that they didn't want the cat to have to move and change its environment, so they left it... how rude! My buyers called animal control to take it to a shelter as they had three small children and who knows what diseases the cat could have been carrying.

This is really sad. I had no idea pets were being left behind! Thank you for commenting on my blog and I'm glad to have seen yours. They are certainly the victims, these loving pets of ours.

Stephanie, I am a real pet lover and it breaks my heart when others abuse their own pets or abandon them. Our pets depend on us to take care of them. Excellent post to remind us how lucky our pets are to live in our house.

I am so sad to hear about the animals that are also victims of foreclosures. I hope that they are well cared for -- perhaps they need foster homes until their owners can take them back to their homes. I am sure they don't want to leave them behind.

Thanks for pointing out an obvious travesty. Many people do not think of the animals - they assume some one else will care for them??? I only hope that the next person will.

Sharon

DEC

2007

Stephanie,

I found your blog while working on Mike's Scavanger Hunt. Through your posts you can see your love of animals. Keep the great posts coming.

From a fellow Texas Realtor,

dione the home advisor

JAN

2008

Hi!

My cohost, Annie O'Dell and I are doing a radio show on www.blogtalkradio.com/thebrassovary on January 9th. at 10:30 am EST. We are looking for people to call in who are personally addressing the problem of foreclosure-related abandoned pets in their area. Who is doing what: rescues, fostering, investigating etc., who is preparing for the 1.1 million foreclosures (and associated pet abandonments) expected to happen over the next 5-7 or so years?

This topic is too important to be on only one show so we will be scheduling a second show with guest actress Sandey Lock, who is active in pet rescue and human education about pets.

Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join in the shows. We are seeking solutions and to educate those who are not aware of what's really going on.

The shows and chats will be archived for download also.

Sincerely,

Adrienne

www.myspace.com/thebrassovary

JAN

2008

Some people are just so wrong... They must be moving to rentals and are unable to keep their pets, but to just leave them there? That's horrible.

www.stagingwebsites.com

JAN

2008

Before I came into the real estate profession, I worked at a 24 hr. emergency vet hospital for many years. I know I feel a certain responsibility in the times that I have shown bank-owned homes and have happened upon a "left-behind" pet. Luckily, I have had the contacts with local rescues that have taken care of the situation(s). I know that I, as an animal lover, feel that part of my "due dilligence" is to when I find a situation like this, I have to do what I can for this abandoned pet. I always keep the contact info for most all of our local rescues and shelters, so that if and when the situation arises, I can help out right away. I've also gotten into the habit of carrying a box of latex gloves in my car so that if I see an animal hit on the road (or lying to the side) I can take appropriate measures. Face it, we are always driving around, whether looking for FSBO's, to or from listing appointments or showings, and Lord knows how many dogs I've come upon running down the road (I live in the country), so check the dog collar to see if there is a rabies tag and call the vet that vaccinated! Pay it forward - it counts in the animal world, too!

FEB

2008

What ever happened to Congo? I was really upset about him and even called the Governor's office but they said it was out of their hands.....NOT. Let me know if we should continue the petitions etc.

I can't believe how ridiculous this article is. I love animals too, but come on folks, these people are possibly losing everything they have but the shirt on your back and we are crying over a pet they left behind? Where is the compassion for the human here. They are the ones who are losing. I hope this never happens to you, because you probably couldn't handle it.

Astounded, I agree these people are having hard times, and should be recognized as the victims of mortgage abuse, but under NO CIRCUMSTANCES DOES ANYONE<, no matter what their situation is justified to leave their animals locked up for what can be weeks without food or water, to starve to death or if they are lucky be able to feed off another animal left with them. If they're having a bad financial time, at least they can go get something from McDonald's $1 menu. The pets they left locked up don't have that ability,they depended on their owners to provide. Just how do you think they can fend for themselves, Do you think it is ok that they are left to starve to death? You ask how I would feel. Well, let me tell you, I have been in some pretty tough times, and if I could not have taken care of my animals , I would have taken them to a shelter where they would have been treated humanly even if it was up to their death, which would have been done in a kind manner. Let me ask you, what if you lost your home, what would you do to your animals if you couldn't take them with you?????

I am sorry but how can you feel sorry for people who leave their pets behind. would they leave a child or a member of their family behind..don't think so .If they can't afford to take care of the pet they can at least drop it off at a shelter. They are loosing everything, but you know what they won't get ahead this way because what goes around comes around. Cruelty and negligence to any living creature is unacceptable. And yes I can handle it. I am a single mother,with 1 kid and 3 pets.A year ago I got laid off--still haven't found steady work and while certain sacrifices have had to be made , the welfare of my child and my pets is not one of them .We may not be eating steaks every night, but we have managed to keep eating, keep our home and still have faith for a better tomorrow . I have no simpathy for these people ---why should I they have no simpathy for anyone but themselves.

SUZY- thank you so much for your support, I was so upset by Astounded's remarks, that I don't think that I expressed myself as well as I wanted to. You are to be commended for your faith and perseverance in your tough situation. I wish I had a magic wand and could make your tough times go away. I will pray for you and your kind heart, and please keep me updated to your situation, my email is available.

FEB

2008

Astounded - Losing everything they have? They're losing a house. They have to move to a rental. ??? What are you even talking about?

FEB

2008

I am totally blown away by the knowledge of folks leaving their pets at the foreclosed properties. I never even imagined that this sort of behavior was going on and can't imagine how folks who once loved these animals are just abandoning them as if they were trash left behind for disposal. I am sadden to know that the love and security have been reduced to heartache & physical pain for their pets. We are all God's creatures ... and surely there must be animal shelters in these areas. What is this world coming to ....

I am reminded of a female dog which was part pit bull that was abandoned in my neighborhood by her owners that moved. After going door-to-door, the story that I was told was that someone was to come and get the dog after the owners had moved but the person either never came or came and saw her and decided not to take her. She had numerous healed over scabs on her forehead and later I was told by the folks at the animal shelter that the scabs must have come from fights with other dogs or animals. I put my two dogs upstairs the night that she appeared near my home and I slept downstairs with her and took her to the SPCA the next day. My heart was hurting b/c I couldn't keep her and also b/c of thinking about what that dog must have gone through in the weeks that she was abandoned.

Stella-Thank you for your story, it is nice to hear from people that take action. I wish there were more we could do.

MAY

2008

I came upon a similar situation, it was a short sale but the owners had moved out and left a 6 month old boxer tied outside in the sun, no food or water and a rabbit in the house, sitting in his waste, no food or water. The own happened to stop by while we were there but was getting ready to leave again without paying any attention to either pet. She was getting in the car so I told her neither pet had food or water and she said something about selling the pup, my client told her she would give her $50 for the pup and $10 for the rabbit. She jumped on it, so we scoop up the pup and the rabbit and my client found a home for the boxer(her sister works at my vets office) and I took the rabbit who lived in my privacy fenced patio and garden area...I did get him a girlfriend from the pound(spayed rabbit) and he was grateful for all.

As an animal lover, I have a few comments on this topic:

1. Isn't this animal abuse, and isn't it against the law to do this? Since it can be traced to "who dun it" charges should be brought against them!

2. If all the transients I see when I go downtown can afford their dogs, why can't these nimrods take their pets with them? I would think it would be the cheapest form of therapy to get a person through a foreclosure. The comfort and companion of a pet compares to...nothing else.

3. Unbelievable and breaks my heart. :^(

AUG

2008

We are dealing with is issue more and more here on Cape Cod...I have made it a point to start a webpage for Renters that accept pets and renters who have pets. You can feel free to refer them to my webpage that has tips on renting with pets etc...Every little bit helps! www.TaraStoneHomes.com click on Save Our Pets. Thank You for shedding more light in this topic

I know it easy to be angry with these Dog and Cat owners when we see what is happening..but getting angry and passing judgement doesn't help. If you are someone who feels this..GET INVOLVED! Be part of the solution and you may see a different side of this terrible issue.

OCT

2008

Just came upon this blog so this is late. Astounded: You and people like you are the reason this country is in decline. Always thinking only of yourself and nothing and no one else. Always about "you and yours", so common so, unbelievably common. Life exist only in your little tiny world and anything outside counts for nothing. Then everyone wonders why 90% of this country is on anti-depressants. It is the "me only" syndrome. Well got news for you, God also created the animals, you do believe in God right, somehow I get the feeling that you do. Great job to all the people(angels) here working to help these innocent (and I do mean truly innocent) victims of this sad financial crises.

Sad & Hurting - I am on anti-depressants because I have a chemical imbalance. Has nothing to do with any "me only". I take offense at that comment. You can check out my blogs & see there is not a lot of "me only" going on. Bothers me when people make uninformed blanket statements.

That said, I think Astounded is wrong too.

OCT

2008

I've been inside many foreclosures and it is often apparent that pets were left inside for an excessive period of time. All I can think is 'I hope the pets weren't left to die and were able to find a home.' If anyone is looking for a pet now is a good time to start looking, there are thousands, of all ages, in need of homes.

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