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| Powder is one of the victims of the current economic downturn. © Jennifer Andersch/Camden County Animal Shelter |
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by Kelly Connolly
At first glance, you want to run up and give this big, fluffy feline a big squeeze. Known affectionately to the press as "Princess Chunk," but actually a male, this giant white cat seeks nothing more than love, care, and attention in his life.
He is well-cared for, socialized, healthy, and obviously well-fed. Unfortunately, this princely cat lost the one thing in his life responsible for his happy and robust demeanor—a home.
The "Prince" formerly known as "Princess"
"Powder," as he is now known, is one of the victims of the current economic downturn. Because his elderly owner could no longer afford to care for her pet, she was forced to contact animal control who turned the cat over to the Camden County Animal Shelter in New Jersey.
Jennifer Andersch, the shelter's executive director, said Powder is just one of the many animals that her shelter has been handling in recent months.
"We had multiple cases this year of animals being abandoned right in front of their closed homes," she said. "An increase has also been seen with animals being surrendered to the shelter because the family must move from their home to an apartment where pets are not allowed."
Safe at Home
Fortunately for Powder, he has already been adopted. Andersch reported that Powder has a "wonderful, stable life ahead of him, with a family who will spoil him with love and affection."
Powder's story generated a media frenzy, and hundreds of people vied for this majestic prince's heart. Unfortunately, with the economy slowing more and more, and no end to financial troubles in sight, cases like Powder's are becoming more frequent. And not all will end up with as happy an ending.
Systems Down
Many regions across the country are reporting an increase in intake in animals rescued by animal control organizations and rescue groups. In Dayton, Ohio, home foreclosures are up 50 percent and animal shelters are struggling to assist all those who need it.
In North Carolina, the Pitt County Humane Society has seen a dramatic increase in animal surrenders. The Metro Animal Control in Nashville, Tenn., is so overcrowded that their euthanasia rate has increased. Add the effects of the current economic crisis to the existing pet overpopulation problem, and it equals disaster for animals.
Sad Stories
In some of the hardest hit states—including Florida, Colorado, Arizona, and California—many animals are not even being taken to shelters, but rather left behind by their owners in homes with no food or water.
Some of these abandoned pets aren't being discovered until real estate agents happen to come by while showing the property. Sadly, Kathy Bayer, an Ohio real estate agent, has begun bringing cat carriers with her while she works, because she has witnessed so many animals left behind by their owners.
For Better or Worse
Historically, whenever an individual or community faces economic hardships, companion animals are some of the first casualties. The current economic situation highlights the need for pet owners to plan for their pets and any unexpected financial blows they may suffer.
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There is hope for animals, their families and animal shelters. © iStock.com |
On the Radar
Peter and Mary "Bunny" Gunderson have seen the results of financial neglect firsthand.
Their adopted cat, Radar, had such severe medical problems when he was first rescued by their animal shelter that both his eyes were swollen shut with infection.
Afterward, doctors realized Radar's eyes could not be saved, and they were surgically removed. That just made Radar extra special to Peter and Bunny, who adopted him despite his special needs. Although Radar may not be able to see, he still knows how to get around in his new forever home and is best friends with his adopted sister, Sonar.
"I know that my husband and I can financially provide for our cats," Bunny said. "I also know how tough it must be for someone to suddenly be faced with losing their home. But if you have a pet in your life, you must be prepared to face any financial consequences."
Let There Be Light
There is hope for these animals, their families, and animal shelters. Some organizations have begun disbursing grants to animal shelters in order to help them deal with the huge influx of animals. Many communities are cracking down on the abandonment issue under state animal cruelty statutes.
Step Up
It is vital that pet caregivers to take responsibility for their own companion animal, and remember that pets can not safely and successfully transition from a home to a hardscrabble outdoor existence. When people are faced with foreclosure, Jennifer Andersch emphasizes that "humans must consider their animals in their moving plans just as they would their other family members. Foreclosure does not happen overnight.
At no time is it acceptable to just leave the animal behind. This is inhumane and against the law."
If you or someone you know is suffering as a result of the current economic crisis, there are ways for people and pets to cope together. Everyone hits rough patches now and then; it's how you get through them that makes all the difference for you and your pet.
Kelly Connolly is a former issues specialist for the Companion Animals department of The HSUS.
