Mortgage Meltdown causes Dog Crisis…
The US Mortgage Meltdown and subsequent financial fallout is causing another crisis and it’s victims are left out in the cold, hungry and scared. As more and more families lose their homes and are forced to move to rental units, more pets are being abandoned.
Many apartments do not allow pets or require high premiums on pet units, leaving families forced to find alternate homes for their four-legged friends. The lucky ones find new homes with owners that are willing to help the animals through a difficult and stressful adjustment.
The not so lucky ones find themselves in overcrowded Animal Shelters. The worst cases are those pets left behind to starve locked in foreclosure homes. The numbers are rising as Animal Control officers continue to get ever increasing number of calls of abandoned animals.
I can’t imagine any situation that would cause me to leave my dog or cat in such cruel jeopardy.
My advice to anyone facing the possibility of foreclosure and not being able to take your pets to a new residence is to first do everything you can to find a good home with family and friends for your pet. If that fails, seek out a “No-kill” or rescue shelter.
For those who are finding it difficult to pay for food or medical services for their pets, contact the Humane Society of America. Most shelters offer Spay/Neutering, Vaccinations and medical care at a fraction of the cost of your local Veterinarian.
Some large Pet Centers will donate their “scratch and dent” food and torn bags of dog bones.
Remember …. Your pet is relying on you for their well-being.
Pet Peeves - Abandoned Dogs
When my son was only five, a friend convinced me to take one of his friends 3 year old mixed breed as a pet for my son. He assured me she was friendly, house-broken and would make a perfect pet. What he didn’t tell me was that she was not used to being around young children and could get aggressive.
From the beginning, Susie showed a dislike for my son that started with growling and ended with a bite to his arm that resulted in her having to be confined for 10 days to insure her behavior was not rabies related.
From day one, I tried to introduce her to my son slowly and supervised all interaction. Billy was used to dogs and had a kind nature, never overly rough or mean. He offered her dog chews and bully sticks for treats, talked in a soft voice and moved slowly around her, but to no avail. Perhaps something in her history had convinced her children were evil. I on the other hand was convinced that Susie had to go….
I called my friend and told him that I could not have a dog that bit my child and to please come get her…. His response shocked me. “Just take her to a nice neighborhood across the bridge and let her loose, someone will take her in“. I wish I could say he was kidding, but unfortunately this happens all the time.
How can people just abandon their pets? How cruel? Not only for the poor confuse dog, but what if Susie attacked and bit another child.
People who desert pets by the side of the road or in “nice” neighborhoods should be held accountable. They are just too lazy to take the time to find a proper alternative.
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