The current state of our economy has led to turmoil for many folks – companies have hiring freezes, people are being laid off, houses are being foreclosed.  The housing market collapse has led to more than only people no longer having a home to live in, but some of these peoples’ pets are being left behind, because they don’t have the means to care for them.

Realtors have walked into foreclosed houses and have seen unbelievable things such as a cat that was lying dead in the corner that was left with no food / water and another incident where a dog was still alive in a home, but left with no food / water. 

You can tell these incidences occur more often than you can imagine. Rebecca Strobel, an agent, said that when she goes to a foreclosed house, “you just pray that there’s nothing in there”.  Now, she always carries an arsenal of supplies in the trunk of her car, including dog and cat food, leashes, blankets and first-aid kits.

This is an alarming concern for animal shelters, because some become overcrowded and when they don’t have any more empty cages, they have to euthanize pets. 

Please take into consideration the life of your pet if you’re not able to care for it any longer.  There are options available such as seeing if friends / family / neighbors can take care of it, bringing it to the local animal shelter ( note that if it’s overcrowded, it may be euthanized), etc..