Pets abandoned during tough economic times
Pets abandoned during tough economic times Save Email Print
Posted: 5:57 PM Jan 7, 2009
 Last Updated: 6:16 PM Jan 7, 2009
 Reporter: Stephanie Stang
Email Address: stephanie.stang@wndu.com
23 comments
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Pets are now feeling the pain of a tough economy.

Many owners are giving them up because they can't afford to take care of them.

At the Elkhart County Humane Society they've seen many cats and dogs dropped off because their owners couldn't afford the food or medical bills.

Many owners have been forced out of their homes and couldn't take the pets with them.

It's tough on the pets, people, plus the shelters which are filling up fast.

“People are forced to move into apartments and we have seen people that have to move out so quickly because of foreclosures. They are not able to bring the animal to a family or friend’s houses. So it is very disheartening that many people have to give up their animals,” says Eric Durcinka from the Elkhart County Humane Society.

The Elkhart County Humane Society offers a food assistance program.

It is based on financial need and if you qualify you can get free pet food for a certain amount of time.

Also many shelters will help pay for the spay or neuter surgery for an animal.

For more information on Elkhart County Humane Society’s program go to
http://www.elkharthumanesociety.org/
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Posted by: me Location: elkhart on Jan 17, 2009 at 10:33 AM
Humane Society of Elkhart county adoption center is no kill so there is no time limit once they are in there- also, what about the companion animal adoption? you adopt one and the other animal is at no cost to you- there is also discounts on animals that have been at the Humane Society of Elkhart county for a while, please check it out!
Posted by: larry crist Location: goshen,in on Jan 13, 2009 at 10:21 PM
i would like to help out with abandoned or abused animals, i don't have much money but i can not stand see animals like this
Posted by: NeNe Location: Mishawaka on Jan 9, 2009 at 08:59 AM
My husband & I just took in a very large dog that was going to be abandoned by his owners because they both lost their jobs. We're feeling the crunch this economy has put on everyone, however we believe it's better for us to do without a few "extras" & help a loving furry-kid than do nothing. Seriously, I don't understand how people can just leave their poor babies behind. I would get a part time job to feed mine if needed.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Jan 8, 2009 at 06:00 PM
To: Pet Owner. You can still make a difference, foster an animal. The cost of food is still there but vet expenses are paid and you can feel good about it.
Posted by: Southbender Location: S.B. on Jan 8, 2009 at 05:38 PM
With so many people having to give up their pets, I think it's time that the city lift their, "Only 3 pets per residence ruling", so that the people that ARE ABLE can be of a help to the families, the shelters, AND the city.
Posted by: responsible Location: south bend on Jan 8, 2009 at 04:28 PM
I would love to adopt a dog or cat. I am very responsible and can afford one. The reason i don't?. Pet refuge and Humane Society!!. They are rude and I believe most of the questions they ask just so you can adopt are none of their business. One that gets me is "how much do you expect to spend on toys?" hello!!! You don't have to spend any money on toys to make a dog or cat happy. Mishawaka is just plain rude!!!. Most people who are irresponsible will not spend the money to adopt an animal. Be kind and make it easier to adopt and you will find homes much more and faster!!!!!!!
Posted by: A Location: MI on Jan 8, 2009 at 03:02 PM
For those wondering why the shelters are so cautious about WHO they allow to adopt, its because so many pets do end up returned or abandoned (my youngest cat had been returned to the shelter 2X prior to us adopting her at 6 months old! she is the sweetest cat.)...so they do TRY to screen people to prevent this. It doesnt always work. Some people may agonize over the decision to leave a pet behind, but I dont care how much 'agony' YOU may feel - imagine what the poor critter who is left alone in the middle of a particularily COLD winter feels. When i was younger, we rescued an abandoned, half-starved pregnant cat who had no ears left due to frost bite (homeowners left due to a foreclosure). Pets should be part of the family, and even tho times may get hard, there are plenty of places that rent to animal owners....I spent 6 years renting apartments with a small dog.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Jan 8, 2009 at 11:41 AM
We foster small dogs in this area through Second Chance Small Dog Rescue. Please call places like these even if you have a larger breed, they will help you find a rescue place for your animals. Dropping them off at the Humane Society gives them a small window of time to get adopted. The Rescue I am involved with will place the Dog in a good home for as long as it takes to get them adopted. We also screen all people who want to adopt to make sure it is a good fit for both animal and homeowner as well. This prevents the Dogs going into foster care again. I know it can be hard to make ends meet but the health of the animal is important and rescues use the money from adoption fees to pay for medical costs. Give a rescue a chance to help before you abandon or take your pet to a shelter that might send it to a lab or put it down in a short time.
Posted by: Pet Owner Location: SB on Jan 8, 2009 at 11:33 AM
I just wish is wasn't so expensive to adopt an animal. We have room and $$ to house another cat or two, but the cost of adopting from a shelter is $100-150 per cat. Add an initial trip to the vet to make sure the pet is healthy, and you've spent $250 or more just to bring the animal home. Additional food and litter might add another $10 to budget - no problem. But no way can I swing another adoption fee now - not when the NIPSCO bill is due. Sorry, kitties.
Posted by: charlene Location: grovertown on Jan 8, 2009 at 11:29 AM
i know things are tough right now but i dont know how people can part with their pets.. mine are my kids.. i buy what they need before i even think about what i need.. they come first.. my youngest will be 8 years old in february had him since he was 8 weeks.. the other 2 are a rescue situation.. got them both at about a year old.. i could never give them up.. those are the dog kids.. lol i also have ponies and yes they are expensive but i still put their needs before mine.. one of them came from the starke county neglect case and i told her she would never leave.. she will have a good home till the end.. i couldnt live without my kids.. life would be pointless.. i love them with all my heart and could never part with them.. all together i have 7 kids to take care of.. 3 dogs a cat and 3 ponies. but it kills me when someone cant afford one dog or cat anymore.. it doesnt cost that much to take care of one.. why throw them out?? they are your family!! your best friend.. why do it??
Posted by: Poor pets Location: Topeka on Jan 8, 2009 at 07:57 AM
That is so sad to hear that. I agree with the first post that if there are so many pets needing homes, why do those of us who can afford them, have to go through days worth of checking before we can save them? I have a female Lab and a cat as well as kids and I will NEVER give them up! My kids and pets are well taken care of. It doesn't have to cost a lot to keep a dog or cat happy. Buy generic pet food for awhile until you can catch up on your finances. All your pets want are to be taken care of and loved. To throw them away like common trash is 100% wrong. I'm sure if these people checked, there are people who would watch the pet for them.
Posted by: Heather Location: Elkhart on Jan 8, 2009 at 07:03 AM
If you have been inspired by this story and have a compassionate heart, please do something to make a difference in the lives of the animals of Elkhart County. As Americans, we have always pulled together and helped one another during times of crisis, tragedy, and suffering. Now our American animals need our help. Please adopt an animal or volunteer at the shelter or donate to help feed and provide shelter for our furry friends at www.firstgiving.com/heatherkeaton, a fundraising donation page for the Humane Society of Elkhart County. Donations are sent directly to the shelter and are tax deductible. You can also visit the shelter's website at www.elkharthumanesociety.org. If your heart guides you to do so, please help the animals who have lost their homes during this economic crisis. No matter what the reason for an animal being in the shelter, the fact remains that the animal is in the shelter and needs help.
Posted by: So sad Location: South Bend on Jan 8, 2009 at 06:46 AM
I just lost a Pet-refuge dog after having her for over 20 years. When I had to move from my home to an apartment, I looked for one that allowed pets. She ate Walmart food and played in a small yard, but at least she was with us 'til then end. It's hard. And please, people.... we don't get pets then learn we can't afford them, stuff happeneds and we find ourselves in that situation. It's like you ask why you have kids!? Well, let's see, when I had them we were both in the Air Force, then one of us got out, then the economy took a dive. Geeze get real. Sometimes, some of you make no sense at all.
Posted by: Robin on Jan 8, 2009 at 06:30 AM
When you adopt from a shelter you sign a contract that the pet will be return to them if you are unable to take care of it. IMO Some dog owners don't train thier pets to be good house guests. I know more then few. It's a huge burden to place on your extened family or friends if your dogs isn't housebroken or social with people and animals. The best insurance for your dog to have a long happy life is training and more training. Make a what if plan for your pets. List folks that would love to own a dog just like yours. More then likly they won't mind to baby sit for a month or longer. Let them know about your list and get thier feed back (and thier spouses also)Check out petfinder.org They have very good information for all pet owners. NEVER give away your pet for free Animal dealer make a very good living CONNING and collecting free pets. They sell the pets to resreach labs. IN has 28 dealers MI. has 29. No ones how many people they hire to gather pets:(
Posted by: Marley's Mom Location: Osceola on Jan 8, 2009 at 05:52 AM
Marley is like one of my children!! She is the best dog ever! I've had her now for almost a year and could never part with her. I can't even go see the movie because I know how it ends.LOL. She eats Royal Canine, $47.99 for a 35pd. bag. I know it's a little pricey, but she eats 1cp. 3 x daily, so the bag will last close to 3 mos., plus it's healthier for her, rather than keeping a bowl full of food at all times, that's when dog food is expensive. Also try Banfield Vetrinary located in Petsmart. They will set you up with a payment plan that comes directly out of your checking acct. I take Marley there and I think her shots were around $250.00 and that was her first time visit ( the one that's the most expensive depending on your needs). Marley is my baby and no matter what, she will always be with me!!! Love ya Marley
Posted by: Ronnie Location: South Bend on Jan 8, 2009 at 04:56 AM
i totally agree about the big bags of food that cost a lil amount of money..even scraps are better than nothing. And hell yeah why is it so hard to get a pet from these places? they got em' ppl come in to look and get turned down. and then they complain of over crowding. i have 3 fur kids and i wouldnt give em up for the world. I recently lost one to cancer she was 13 i had her from 8 months old, it was like losing a family member very painful. I also am raising 3 kids! its tough but yeah skip the lotto a week and feed the pooch!
Posted by: Anon Location: S. Bend on Jan 7, 2009 at 11:27 PM
Give me a break! Times may get rough, but I've rented apartments WITH a dog since 1993 and if I had to stay somewhere/with someone who didn't allow pets, I'd find a temporary answer for crying out loud! There ARE alternatives (another friend to watch your "beloved" pet, perhaps?) so shame on these pet owners. Hopefully all these poor babies will find the family they DESERVE, they aren't just "pets", they are a FAMILY MEMBER.
Posted by: kevin Location: warsaw on Jan 7, 2009 at 10:38 PM
Interesting! People are hurting and needing to make hard decissions and then they are blessed with the judgement of people. I have a dog, but if it came to feeding the dog or the kids...come one...hope you would pick the kids. Give these folks a break. Assume they are already in pain and not needing your darts.
Posted by: Stosh Location: mishawaka on Jan 7, 2009 at 10:35 PM
Gimmee a break! They can't afford a cheap bag of kibble to feed little fido? A humongous size bag of generic can be had for a pittance. The fidos of the world don't ask for much... a little food, water, play and love. I'd have a half dozen of the little rejects if my health permitted. Donate to the many no-kill shelters, you people able to afford it! I'll bet the pet abandoners have money for beer, cigs, lottery, casino, maryjane, etc. Forgive us, Father!
Posted by: VIKI on Jan 7, 2009 at 09:52 PM
YOU DONT GIVE UP YOUR HUMAN CHILD WHY WOULD YOU GIVE UP YOUR FAMILY PET! IT MAKES ME SOOO MAD THAT PEOPLE JUST THROW ANIMALS OUT LIKE GARBAGE...THEY ARE LIVING AND BREATHING LIKE US! DONT GET A PET IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO TAKE CARE OF THEM FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES!
Posted by: Sandy on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:49 PM
That's really sad! I think my husband would give up me, before our dog!
Posted by: Brian Location: Mishawaka on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:19 PM
Sad, people buy pets they can't afford to take care of. It's weird it's kinda like the housing market. People bought houses they couldn't afford and now they have to give them up.
Posted by: audrey Location: south bend on Jan 7, 2009 at 08:11 PM
If it so bad them WHY are they making it so hard for people to get a pet.

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