Recession hits pets hard too

I just read the most thoroughly heartbreaking article today on msn.com: Recession takes its toll on man’s best friend. "As more families are forced to sell their homes, an increasing number of pets are being left behind in shelters or, worse, empty houses. Though it is difficult to put an exact figure on the number of abandoned pets, shelters across the country say they are seeing double-digit percentage increases in the number of animals left in their care. The Humane Society estimates that more than 3 million animals will be euthanized this year... Shelters across the country are taking steps to stop the influx of abandoned animals. In Richmond, Va., the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers to board pets until families get back on their feet. They also have pantries and clinics that provide free pet food and veterinary care to pet owners who don't want to give up their animals, but can't afford to care for them at the moment. During the past several months, the Richmond SPCA has seen a 15% to 25% increase in the number of pet owners who come in and qualify for its free services."

Isn't this just devastating? Part of me wants to go find those families and severely beat the shit of them hourly, and part of me feels so badly for them. I cannot imagine what it would take for me and my husband to give up our dog and cats; basically I never would, but as much as we are hurting in this economy, I probably will never have to face that decision. I would like to wag my finger about being a responsible pet owner -- I mean, really, these witless fuckheads are just leaving pets in the houses they abandon! would they leave their own children behind if they got too expensive?!? -- but this economy (our very own parting gift from the incompetent Bush administration) has bitten all of us in the butt.

So one thing I can ask you to do is PLEASE donate whatever funds you can manage to your local SPCA, Humane Society, rescue organization or shelter. Also, you can donate for free, with just a simple click a day, on the following internet sites; the Animal Rescue site and the Care2 site. And if you are interested in adopting a pet for your own house, the shelters are full to bursting with wonderful, healthy animals who need a home. Buying an expensive purebred from a pet store, or an evil abhorrent puppy mill, is socially irresponsible at best. I have a HUGE issue with buying purebred dogs and cats, when there are millions of beautiful mixed breed animals that are all but free in your local SPCA or shelter. And have your pet spayed/ neutered too, please. You can look in your local papers and CraigsList as well for pets who need a good home.

Here are photos of my own gorgeous pets