Received this from one of the newsgroups I belong to. While it refers
to dog's being abandoned due to the foreclosure uptick, it applies to
all animals! And it's something we shelters need to be prepared for.
Also probably worth posting at your vet's office as well.

I particularly like the idea of fostering if the situation is short
term as many have done for military families. Also encouraging people
to prepare in advance (wouldn't we ALL love that to happen!).

Ann Gruden
Ferret Association of CT

         ---------------

Dog Crazy NewsletterFriday May 9, 2008

How Could You and Why Would You Abandon a Dog?

Hi kathy,

I've been writing to you about the impact of home foreclosures on pets.
Many pets are being abandoned and left to die in empty homes without
food or water.

Why are pets being abandoned? Well, I called some local real estate
agencies and shelter agencies. Only by knowing the facts can we
understand and work to "fix" the problems.

Why do people leave their pets?

In my opinion - they are not good pet owners like you. They are not
true dog lovers. A true dog lover would NEVER abandon a pet and leave
it to starve an awful death. No dog lover would do that, no mater his
or her dire circumstances.

Common reasons pets are abandoned is that the owners did not have a
pet friendly place to go. People leaving their homes are living with
relatives or in apartments that do not welcome pets. They also don't
have money to board or afford higher priced apartment that may accept
pets or require a hefty pet deposit. Some believe that the people
losing their homes are so overwhelmed with their lives, they are
putting their families first and the pet is not a priority. This is no
excuse. If you choose dog ownership, you are choosing to give a life
to a dog. You can't take it away.

What can you do? FIND help! There is help. Although shelters are
overwhelmed, I've not read of any shelter rejecting pets that are
victims of foreclosure. It is estimated that 50% of pets that go to
shelters will find homes. That at least gives a pet a chance.

You can also work to re-home the dog. Ask friends and neighbors. Post
signs in the local grocery story, library and any place else you can
think of. Be honest. Tell them your situation. Another suggestion by
Susan Smith, of the Franklin County Ohio Dog Shelter, is to "plan
early". According to Smith, "as soon as you know you might be
foreclosing or in a situation that may lead you to give up your dog,
call your shelter". If given some time, they can better work to find
your dog a home by placing your dog on a website or organizing that you
bring your dog to adoption events. In some situations, they can re-home
a dog that has been in a good home easier than some already at
shelters.

I've learned an important lesson from you readers out there - pet
lovers are special people. You have an amazing heart and ability to
love. Dog lovers are good people. Don't give up but give your dog a
chance if you are in this situation.

One more thing.... a PetPlace reader suggested that those in this
situation also consider foster programs. Read her suggestion - it is
a good one - fostering a dog.

Here are a couple more articles that might be helpful.

Go to: petplace.com/dogs/how-to-find-good-foster-parents/page1.aspx

Go to: petplace.com/dogs/should-you-be-a-foster-parent/page1.aspx

I'm doing some research and will send you an email next week that gives
you a list of options if you have to give up your dog. I hate to ever
see that happen but if it HAS to happen, I want pet owners to do it
responsibly.

Until next time...
Dr. Jon

P.S. If you know someone that would benefit from the information in
this newsletter - please forward the newsletter to them. I really want
everyone to know as much as possible about this foreclosure issue.

[Posted in FML 5967]