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Dogs Abandoned in the Foreclosure Fallout

By
Real Estate Agent with The Benya Group 618516

\Foreclosure Dogs are becoming big news.  Man's best friend is quickly becoming an expendable commodity to some as people are losing their homes to the credit crunch.  Regardless of what the circumstances were for the foreclosure, it's not the pet's fault, and now many of them are finding themselves facing euthanization. 

The Washington Post recently ran an associated press article about the growing number of cats and dogs abandoned because of foreclosures.

The house was ravaged _ its floors ripped, walls busted and lights smashed by owners who trashed their home before a bank foreclosed on it. Hidden in the wreckage was an abandoned member of the family: a starving pit bull.

The dog found by workers was too far gone to save _ another example of how pets are becoming the newest victims of the nation's mortgage crisis as homeowners leave animals behind when they can no longer afford their property.

The rash of discarded pets is gut wrenching.  I can't imagine how their owners must feel surrendering their beloved pets to the shelter, but to simply abandon a dog or cat completely, cut them loose and let them run as strays, is simply disgusting.

 Even shelters are overwhelmed at this point.  Shelters across the country are reporting a huge increase in surrendered pets, and for many of these former pets the odds of getting adopted before they're put down is 50/50 or less.

I can't imagine the loss and devastation I would feel if I had to give up my dogs, knowing that there's a good chance they would end up being euthanized.  If anyone is considering getting a dog or cat, please, help ease the burden of shelters by adopting a stray or surrendered dog rather than purchasing a puppy from a breeder.  You're making the difference between life and death for these dogs and cats!

Link to Washington Post Article 

Link to USA Today Article

Heather the Realtor Orlando, Lake Mary
LemonTree Realty - Orlando, FL
First Time Home Buyers, Bank Owned Homes
It is so sad how people leave these animals behind. How can anyone do that. Regardless of your money situation. It's like leaving one of your children behind because well you just cant afford it anymore. I wish I could take them all in but I donate a portion of my sales now to the local humane societies
Feb 03, 2008 05:21 AM
Bill Gillhespy
16 Sunview Blvd - Fort Myers Beach, FL
Fort Myers Beach Realtor, Fort Myers Beach Agent - Homes & Condos
Jonathon,  My bet is that the owners in your example left the dog behind hoping it would ( literally ) take a pound of flesh from the lender !  Yes, disgusting !
Feb 03, 2008 05:24 AM
Dave Woodson
Dave Woodson - Chesterton, IN
Not the Average Agent
I could leave the cat, but not the dog.  I heard a news story today that people will actually for go some luxuries in favor of their dogs.
Feb 03, 2008 05:28 AM
Gregory Maley
Sold Buy the Sea Realty & R.E.N.T. - Wilmington, NC
REALTOR, GRI, CBR, SHS, e-PRO, ABR
That's a terrible story.  I hope there's a special place in Hell for those folks!
Feb 03, 2008 05:40 AM
Deborah Burns ~ Seattle Real Estate Agent
Realty Executives -BRIO - Seattle, WA

Pets are helpless to care for themselves, and abandoning a dog, cat, or other pet in an empty home is a horrible thing to do! 

The only one to suffer is a pet who does not understand where their "family" has gone (the stress of abandonment is unimaginable) why there is no food to eat (how awful to starve imprisoned like that) and no water for them to drink.  I agree with Gregory, I hope there is a special place in HELL for those "people"

Feb 03, 2008 06:01 AM
Rick Tourgee
Robert Paul Properties, Inc. - Provincetown, MA
Provincetown and Cape Cod
It is a very sad situation!  If something devastating every happened to me, my 2 cats would always be by my side no matter what!  I could NEVER leave a helpless animal to fend for themselves!
Feb 06, 2008 03:36 AM
John Novak
Keller Williams Realty The Marketplace - Las Vegas, NV
Henderson, Las Vegas and Summerlin Real Estate
I have absolutely no sympathy for people who would do this to their pets, and would love to see them jailed for animal cruelty. Rather than taking it out on their homes and pets, these people need to accept some responsibility, regroup financially and move on.
Feb 06, 2008 04:10 AM
Tara Stone
eXp Realty - Alexandria Township, NJ
NJ Estates and Stables

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.

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 feel this..GET INVOLVED!  Be part of the solution and you may see a different side of this terrible issue.

Aug 05, 2008 01:05 PM