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Left Behind-Our Economy's Forgotten Pets!

I'm saddened today by an article I read in the Virginian Pilot, Sunday edition about the pets that are left behind due to the economy. I knew this would be an issue because very few rentals will allow pets and many people are struggling to feed their own families and pay their bills. I'm sure we have all thought about this but the statistics are alarming! The Norfolk Animal Care Center expects to take in as many as 1,000 more dogs and cats this year, above the "normal" 5,300 pets per year.

The article mentions a breeder who turned in thirteen Standard Poodles because she could no longer care for them. Sadly, with the increase in the pets turned in to local SPCA's we are also finding a decrease in donations - again, due to the economy!

Not only are pets being surrendered at local shelters, some are just left behind in the streets, unclaimed. One man found a Pomeranian on the side of the road. This dog had been recently groomed, however, never claimed! Those considered at one time, Companions, "Man's Best Friend" are being left behind!

At least two shelters have become "no-kill" agencies. The ones noted in this article are at the Portsmouth Humane Society and the Norfolk SPCA, here in Virginia. Instead of adding to the overloaded shelters, these agencies are assisting the pet owners and providing pet food "until they get back on their feet". I'm sure there are many others out there (or I should hope!).

I know what I'll be doing: donating pet food and supplies and maybe start a "CARE BOX" for donations of pet foods and supplies for needy pet owners. What can you do in your community? If we all pool our creativity, we may be able to help some of these loyal "friends" and keep them in their families.

I am open to any suggestions!

Posted by Bonnie Tegge on 11/09/2008 09:43 AM

Comments (13)

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13 Comments on Left Behind-Our Economy's Forgotten Pets!

NOV

2008

These abandoned pets are a sad byproduct of these difficult economic times. Personally I do what I can and help raise money for my local Blue Dog Rescue. Both of my dogs are Rescue dogs and I would not want them any other way. Bless you for sharing the information. Hopefully it will persuade more people to adopt and to donate to shelters. Thank you!

Betina

I had some clients who lost their home, they moved and left their cat inside, it was horrible. A neighbor called me off of my sign, I hadn't taken it down yet and she was frantic. Long story short we took the cat to the human society, but this should have never happen, shame on people who abandon their animals.

I think that is so sad. I have heard about it too. I think it is horrible and can not imagine ever leaving my dog behind. I would not sleep at night.

It is a very sad reality about the economy and pets suffering the brunt. Breaks my heart and I know it does some of the owners as well. Only thing besides money that I can think of is to use web blasts regarding the "featured pet" of the week to send out to others in your sphere, Realtors, etc. to see if they would be interested. Especially around the holidays when children are promised a pet. Good luck!

This blog makes people think about the issue. I have a beautiful lab from Katrina, his name is Teddy Bear and a joy to all that meet him. His life down there would bring tears to your eyes. Now he roams the beach with me and that tail is always wagging. Keep up the good work and to everyone reach out and help these beautiful animals.

I wrote an article for About.com in January of 2008 about abandoned foreclosure pets. As a result, it's been picked up nation-wide, which I hope is helping. I also notified the board of my local SPCA, which set up a special program to deal with this issue. The thing about the no-kill shelters, though, is sooner or later they run out of room. Then what?

This is just another part of our foreclosure crisis that needs to be addressed. However when you are losing your home you don't always do the right thing. Perhaps more local campaigns to let homeowners know that there is no penalty for bringing your pet to a local shelter if you can't keep them. The odds are against a pet who is left behind on the streets.

Betina-It's heartwarming to see you are doing your share. My dog, too, is a rescue. She was surrendered when she was 11, (Nicki is now 17, a beautiful Siberian Husky).

Kim-It's horrible to hear what your clients did, abandoning their cat! It's not uncommon though. I friend and colleague of mine mentioned a property she saw with clients. The home was empty but the dog was left behind-it was a mess!

Elizabeth-I'm glad you wrote the article - kudos to you, my friend! I do think if more supplies are given to these shelters, more will be able to be given to pet owners who would otherwise have to surrender their pets because they cannot afford to take care of them.

We all can donate supplies to the local shelters including food, litter, toys etc. It doesn't just have to be money although, that would be good to donate to a clinic for free vaccinations and medications!

Very sad indead. There are so many left behind when people have to move to apartments and rent homes. Its so sad.

This is happening all over -- we have written a number of blog posts about this situation in Arizona.

Hi Bob & Carolyn-Please send me the link to some of your posts about this situation. I would love to see them.

NOV

2008

Oh look at that cute nose in the last picture. :) In Milwaukee one of our shelters took in 1000 pets from a puppy mill that was closed. The news media all across the state helped get the word out. All the animals have been adopted! I'd start with calling on the TV reporters to help do good!

Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Hi April, Shelters, here, accepted several hundred puppies from a mill in West Virginia . THEY ARE ALL ADOPTED!! Thank you so much for the advise, the reporters are at the top of my list - especially the one who wrote the story. Even my 11-year old son and his friend want to be actively involved! Once it's up and running, I will post the progress and outcome of what I am doing with this charity work!

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