Financial Situation is Paws for Concern for Some Pets

This week, Allentown resident Norman Christman will lose his home of 34 years to bank foreclosure. While he has made every effort to work with the bank to save his property, the 75-year-old retiree recently lost his wife and her income and faced unforeseen repairs to his home, which made it impossible to keep up with his mortgage payments.

Christman has a contingency plan to move in with his son, but the fate of numerous cats that reside with him isn’t quite as clear. With the no-kill shelters filled to capacity, there appears to be nowhere for these cats to go.

“I’m afraid I will have to put down three older cats that no one wants because of their age. It’s going to break my heart,” Christman said between sobs.

Although heartbreaking, Christman’s story is not unique. In fact, the plight of homeless animals has reached epidemic proportions in the midst of the nation’s current economic woes. Animal rescues around the Lehigh Valley are sharing similar stories and facing great concerns.

According to Stacie Lampe, founder of MaPaw Siberian Husky Rescue, there has been a recent 30-to-40 percent increase in calls for help due to loss of jobs, evictions, and foreclosures. Lampe has witnessed both ends of the spectrum when it comes to owners dealing with the dilemma. 

There’s the elderly gentleman who refused to leave his home that was being foreclosed upon, even after his electricity was shut off, until he was assured his beloved dog had found another home. Lampe also saw a family who left behind a 14-year-old husky in an abandoned home that had been foreclosed upon without so much as a note.

Whether it’s out of hope, denial, fear, or guilt, every individual facing this situation seems to handle it differently. Unfortunately, a delay in asking for help can make an already difficult situation much more challenging.

“We find people are waiting until the last minute to find homes for their pets,” Lampe said.

In some cases, it’s not the loss of a home that’s leaving pets out on the street; rather, it’s their medical needs that a family can no longer afford.

“When money gets tight, people stop veterinary care. In general, animals are the first to be overlooked,” said Tanya Miller, a veterinarian technician and founder of SPICER animal rescue.

The sentiments were the same earlier this summer at the Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue, which was bursting at the seams with a record 54 canines in their care. Many of the dogs they took in were older with medical conditions. One particular elderly dog that was relinquished entered the rescue with a huge goiter on his neck, fur missing on various areas of his body, and in need of extensive medical care. According to Robin L. Adams, executive director and co-founder, even long-time volunteers were reduced to tears at the sight of this dog.

Finding new homes for pets is particularly sad and challenging when the animals are older, which makes them less likely to be adopted.

“They’ve lived with the same people all their lives, so you know people wouldn’t be giving them up if they absolutely didn’t have to,” said Therese Ciesinski, a volunteer with The Cat Shack.

A decrease in charitable donations combined with more animals to care for makes for a overall disastrous equation.

While there doesn’t appear to be a positive side to this bleak situation, representatives from local animal welfare groups offer the following advice.

Spay/Neuter Pets

Not only do experts believe this keeps your pets healthier, but it also helps to cut down on an already overwhelming animal population.

Adopt

Rather than purchasing your next pet, consider adopting one in need of a good home.

Seek Animal-Friendly Housing

If you’re forced to move from your current home, take the time to investigate animal-friendly housing options so you can keep your pets with you.

Give Rescues Adequate Notice

The more time you can give a rescue to help you and your situation, the better chance of a good outcome for you and your pet.

Donate or Volunteer

If you can make a monetary contribution to a local rescue, it’s always appreciated. Supplies and food are often needed, too. Or volunteer your time and talents to this worthwhile cause. 

Hopefully with the assistance of local rescues and their dedicated volunteers, the four-legged victims of the current financial crises can find hope, and eventually new homes.