Everywhere we turn lately, we hear far too many unfortunate foreclosure stories in the media, from our friends and from family. The circumstances surrounding a foreclosure span the range from lost jobs, poor mortgage planning, debt, divorce, death and bankruptcy. What is even more unfortunate is the growing epidemic surrounding the innocent victims — the abandoned pets.
I will spare the lecture of pointing out the difference between responsibilities for a family member and a piece of property, or being committed to a pet or to those you allow to count on you. Because what is important here, particularly for women faced with foreclosures and who are innately caring and nurturing, is to not panic and to be aware of all the options before you.
Let’s not forget you are also strong, problem-solving, organized human beings. Stay calm, be resourceful and do the right thing.
First and foremost, do not leave your pet behind in an empty home or backyard. That is not who you are no matter how desperate things get. Also, do not allow yourself to be talked into such an inhumane act. It may cross your mind because of mounting pressures around personal survival. However, you know deep deep down the pet that has unconditionally loved and respected you needs you as always and is nothing short of deserving.
Consider these options. I am confidant one will deliver for you:
1. The most obvious - if you happen to relocate to a rental property, move to a place that accepts pets
2. Genuine friends or family members should be your first calls. Put your pride aside and come up with a plan with reasonable benchmarks that you promise to hit to ensure the temporary help they give is appreciated and not taken for granted.
2. Depending on the breed of your pet, especially dogs and cats, research the specific rescue groups that match that breed. They typically have a foster network and there may be short-term help. For example, foster homes in many states are organized to take in greyhounds, terriers, Labradors, bassets, retrievers, to name a few; these help keep the pets out of long-term kennel or shelter stays. This situation works primarily for the well-being of the pet and to minimize expenses.
3. Again, depending on the pet, service or assistant dog programs may be a good, temporary (or permanent) place. This would be good behavior and service training for your dog and would also provide help for an organization or individual. These programs may also be willing to take on a dog outside their preferred criteria to help with new training analysis, socialization of other trainees, and techniques.
4. The Humane Society of America (HSUS), American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and Best Friends Animal Society are four great, reputable, nationally recognized organizations to call for advice. Your local shelters are becoming inundated because of the mortgage crisis resulting in severe overcrowding. Unfortunately this is forcing some pets to be euthanized, a policy these local shelters would never resort to under more “normal” conditions. You need to get creative in your thinking and consult with renowned experts.
5. Create an email about your circumstance as it relates to your pet and send to every single person in your contact database. Again, put aside the pride. You will be looked upon as a caring, responsible pet owner who is merely being overly resourceful in trying to do the right thing. Someone will come forward. From this person’s willingness you will find a way to pay it forward someday for someone else in need.
Remember, do the right thing; your pet is a part of your family.
Nancy Pingitore invests her free time in pet advocacy, including volunteering for Basset Hound Rescue of Georgia (bhrg.org); founder of The Pet Parade, a community event that has raised thousands of dollars for Georgia-based shelters over the past five years; and founder of a fledgling startup, www.getdigger.com, dedicated to keeping a real-time location on your pet. Send your questions to Nancy@smartnow.com.
