Disposable Pets in a World of Foreclosures

DogGoneCharming1 — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:29:00 GMT

DogGoneCharming has been manufacturing safe and fun pet products, jewelry & charms since 2000. We donate a portion of our proceeds to select animal rescues groups, and are active in assisting with local rescue efforts whenever possible.

It is important to recognize the increased need animals have for us during tough economic times. Many pets are losing their homes due to foreclosures. We have fostered several of these abandoned animals and found new homes for them, even when our rescue homes were at full capacity and funding was thin. The love we get in return for our efforts is ten fold and we wouldn’t have it any other way. In fact, we have a “rescue wall” with all the pictures of the animals we have helped find their way, and ultimately their forever home. This “reminder wall” has become a source of strength and energy for us when we grow weary.

In today’s world, life is busy for everyone. We are all struggling, working twice as hard but earning less. However, it’s extremely important for each of us to not lose sight of life’s true meaning, and to remain committed to do our part - no matter how tired our bodies or spirits are. For this is how true character is measured. It is what we do that defines us, not what we say or think.

As a volunteer with our county shelter, I meet too many people who feel “someone else” will take care of abandoned animals, but that is not the case. Animal control officers are overwhelmed and our shelters are full. Sadly, for many animals, help arrives too late.

We all need to do our part to stop the tragedy of “disposable pets”. Even if it’s simply being more aware of what’s happening in our neighborhoods, and reporting neglected or abandoned animals to the proper authorities. We must make sure the most innocent of creatures do not become victims in the wake of a foreclosure.

If you know of someone losing their home, and their pet must be relinquished, you can help!

Offer to help find the pet a new home.
If you can, foster (or adopt!) the pet yourself until a new home is found.
Spread the word, ask your friends or put up a flyer at work.
Help the owners find a rental property that takes pets.
Call area rescue groups and ask if you can bring the pet to their adoption events.
At the very least, make sure the animal makes it to a rescue or shelter, and is just not left behind to fend for itself when they move.

I believe as a society, and as a country, we can get through this hump together if we all do our part. This is part of the “pay it forward” mentality that we should all strive for especially in difficult times. John Lennon may call me a dreamer, but “Imagine” a world where no one ignored another creature in need - be it human, dog, cat or any other animal. Can you imagine the ripple effect of kindness as each one paid it forward and helped someone else? This has been the core of how we strive to operate at DGC, and we have seen miraculous things happen as a result.

So please, take time to get involved. Spay and neuter your pets. And try to help ONE animal or person every day! Any act of kindness, no matter how small, is a win-win situation with an immediate pay off: feeling great!

"Yappy" Spring to you & yours,

Cindy Russo

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Disposable Pets in a World of Foreclosures