Foreclosures and How it affects Pets

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Comment by Laura & Bailey on June 17, 2009 at 8:02am

We have currently rescued an English Bulldog Gracie from a foreclosure situation. It is a very sweet brindle colored female who was originally used to breed, but not given the attention it deserved. We have our hands full w/ Bailey, my English Springer and George my tabby and English Lop Bunnies. Gracie has now been spayed and eyes done and looking for a stable loving environment for her. We are asking a rehoming fee to assure she gets a loving permanant home. Please inform me is you know of anyone.

Comment by Barbara and Ruby the 'Silky' one on March 3, 2009 at 1:09pm

Please remember Oregon Dog Rescue is here to assist in these situations. We have found it helps to actually hand the people the contact information and encourage them to call 503 819 1720 or 503 887 5385

Comment by Teia Hassey on February 27, 2009 at 10:17am

Satchel is from a family having to downsize their home. There is a lab and small dog next door whom were also left behind when their owners sold the house. The family whom just moved into the house were stuck with the dogs. I would take in the lab in a heart beat, but we have our hands full with the farm as it is in this economy. I think the family likes the lab as well, but they are not happy with the small terrier. I have requested them to talk to the rescue groups.

Comment by Sandra on February 22, 2009 at 4:00pm

Hello all; I receive a daily mailing from the Cagle Newsletter, which is political 'cartoons' of varying topics. Today's topic is foreclosure, and one cartoon really caught my eye. The URL for today's selection is http://cagle.com/news/Foreclosures/ (to see all), but I'll try to attach the one I really noticed. It seems to sum up the reason for this group!
Sandra

Comment by Rubi on December 27, 2008 at 1:54pm

He is a super nice guy... I just hope he doesn't get taken advantage of on Craig's List... he's a pretty smart guy though.
Hope things are going well for you Bridget :)

Comment by Rubi on December 27, 2008 at 11:12am

I know the local shelters are being hit hard with this issue. It's hard to find a place to live, pay the bills, and pay for having a pet. It's a tough decision for many people to make. I, for one, could not bear living without my pets. I'm not sure what I would do without them. I have a client that goes on Craig's List religiously, and looks for people with dogs in need. They may need a surgery, or something else that costs quite a bit of money and the owner just can't pay for it. He steps in and helps financially as much as he can. He's got one of the hugest hearts! I can imagine people who are being foreclosed on might go to Craig's List and post for help. I'm crossing my fingers this doesn't last long!

Comment by Barbara and Ruby the 'Silky' one on September 15, 2008 at 3:06pm

Saturday had a man come in wanting to turn over his 'deployed' sons pit bull mix 9 week old puppy. Seems he bought it knowing he was leaving and his girlfriend was supposed to take care of it. She saw the boyfriend off at the airport and then said she couldn't take the pup. She said she had been foreclosed on and was moving to an apt and couldn't afford the pet deposits.
I recently heard a 13% increase year to date over last year for dogs surrendered to the humane societies. Have we seen an increase in purebred designer type dogs under the age of 4? It seems like it

Comment by Deborah on September 15, 2008 at 9:20am

I asked about this a couple of months ago at the Oregon Humane Society. At that time, the rate of people giving up pets in Oregon (according to the statewide shelter statistics) was basically unchanged from the year before. I think some people have always turned in pets because of economic circumstances. I haven't seen any indication that, at least in Oregon, it's been any unusual trend.

Comment by Mickie Aerne-Bowe on September 14, 2008 at 6:48pm

Hi Barbara, You know this is a HOT topic at SPOT. Thank you for having the foresite to start the board. I really hope we can gather some accurate data on this so that we can work together to help the best we can, it isn't just our dogs and cats, this is reaching all walks for 4 legged life!

Comment by Leslie Jones on September 14, 2008 at 5:45pm

Below is a press release from HSUS with tips for helpding animals effected by foreclosure...


PRESS RELEASE
January 7, 2008

With a foreclosure crisis sweeping the nation, The Humane Society of the United States is disturbed by reports that some residents forced out of their homes are simply leaving their pets behind. The HSUS urges all pet owners faced with foreclosure to take their pets with them when they relocate.

"Abandoning pets, for any reason, is not only irresponsible – it is illegal," said Stephanie Shain, director of outreach for companion animals at The HSUS. "Pet owners may feel financially unable to care for their pets or are overwhelmed by a sudden move, but there are many alternatives to leaving pets behind. For those in need of help, we offer tips on easing the financial burden of pet ownership and finding pet-friendly housing."

Abandoned pets face a grim future. Many pets trapped inside abandoned homes aren't found until they're on the brink of starvation. Those lucky enough to reach a shelter have about a 50 percent chance of being adopted.

Shain said, "No one likes to think of leaving their pet at a shelter, but if you can't take him with you, it is by far more humane than leaving them in an apartment or a house alone. Too many animals die alone this way every year. If people are absolutely unable to care for their pet any longer, they should take him or her to their local animal shelter or animal control agency. The shelter can provide food and housing while they try and locate a new home."

These outcomes can be avoided by planning ahead as much as possible and finding pet-friendly housing. The following steps can help in the search for pet-friendly rental housing:
• Give yourself enough time. If possible, check ads and contact real estate agents and rental agencies at least six weeks before you plan to move or when you first learn that foreclosure and/or eviction may be in your future.
• Make use of available resources. Contact the humane society or animal care and control agency serving the area into which you are moving; the agency may be able to provide you with a list of apartment communities that allow pets.
• Gather proof that you're responsible. The more documentation you can provide attesting to your conscientiousness as a pet owner, the more convincing your appeal will be to your future landlord. This can include statements from current property managers and neighbors that you maintain your pet responsibly, as well as copies of veterinary records showing ongoing pet care.
• Get it in writing. Once you have permission from a landlord, manager or condominium committee to have a pet, be sure to get it in writing. Comprehensive agreements protect people, property and the pets themselves.
Individuals facing financial hardships can reduce the cost of pet ownership in many ways. Some tips include:
• While buying expensive toys and accessories has become a popular way to demonstrate your attachment to your pet, your pet can be just as happy with less expensive toys or homemade toys. They need your love and attention more than a pricey product. Tips for inexpensive toys can be found at humanesociety.org by searching on "dog toys" or "cat toys."
• Keep your pets safe inside or on a leash while walking outside. Animals allowed to roam freely are more prone to accidents and resulting veterinary bills.
• Let your veterinarian know that finances are tight and ask that he or she prescribe only the most vital vaccinations to keep your pet healthy.
• Consider pet health insurance to minimize the shock of an expensive bill from the veterinarian in case of an unexpected illness or injury.

Additional information:
In the past week, there have been a number of articles about the plight of “foreclosure pets.”
Read more about animals left behind by homeowners:
Foreclosures Lead to Abandoned Animals
Pets Left Homeless by Foreclosure
Dogs, Cats Latest Victims of Subprime-Mortgage Mess
Owners Lose Home, and Pets Suffer Too
One group of volunteers established a website called Foreclosure Cats to help adopt 60 cats left homeless when their owner was evicted from his house in Cincinnati.

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