Souring economy puts the bite on pet owners
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Souring economy puts the bite on pet owners
My point of posting this is what people will do and sacrifice to keep their dogs/pets....
By RODRIQUE NGOWI, Associated Press Writer
Mon Jun 2, 5:27 PM ET
FRANKLIN, Mass. - Diana Bardsley wiped tears from her eyes as she recalled taking food off her plate to feed her beloved spaniel Hunter and two Siamese cats.
Her greatest fear: that she could be forced to surrender the animals as she struggled to stretch her food stamps and Social Security income to meet the escalating cost of living.
Some hope was restored after she visited a local food pantry, which has started offering free pet food to help owners keep their animals out of shelters.
"I know a lot of people will probably say, 'Well, if you don't have enough money to be able to feed your animals, that you shouldn't have pets,'" said Bardsley, 53, of Franklin, as Hunter played in the living room with three of her grandchildren.
But, "Just because financially you may go downhill a little or a lot, doesn't necessarily mean you have give the part of your family that you love," she said.
For some pet owners, though, there is little choice.
The rising costs of fuel, food and housing — and the rising tide of foreclosures — have generated a surge in requests for pet food from traditional food pantries and prompted some pet owners to give up their animals. Others are trying to save money by forgoing veterinary care.
The Animal Welfare League in Chicago Ridge, Ill., has seen the average number of pet owners getting monthly rations from its pet food pantry increase by more than 50 percent since last year. Meanwhile, the number of people seeking service at its discounted veterinary clinic has more than doubled, said Linda Estrada, the group's director and president.
"We could do it every day if we had enough food, I mean, that's how bad it's gotten," Estrada said. "The line goes all the way down the street" as pet owners gather once a month for supplies.
In Santa Cruz, Calif., a pet food bank run by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has seen demand spike by about 20 percent just in the past six months. The facility typically hands out about 5,000 pounds of free pet food a month.
"In the past, the demographics has been people who are disabled or on disability and senior citizens," said executive director Lisa Carter. "Nowadays, during the pet food program, I see people who are able-bodied and not able to find a job."
The deepening foreclosure crisis also is having an effect. A growing number of pet owners are abandoning their pets or surrendering them to shelters after losing their homes or being forced into housing that doesn't allow animals, said Brian Adams, spokesman for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell Animal Medical Center.
"We've seen where people have abandoned dogs in the house, we've seen dogs that have been surviving for weeks on toilet water, we've seen dogs that have either been chained up outside or left in the yard when the people have left, we've seen cats who are just set free," Adams said.
"We've seen people do something sort of in the middle of the road — where they don't abandon it, they don't surrender it, but they give it to a neighbor or friend and then that person brings it in maybe a week or two later when they realize, you know, it was something that was sort of dumped on them when they weren't really ready for it yet," he said.
Petco Foundation, the charity arm of Petco Animal Supplies Inc., is establishing a program to provide up to $5,000 in grants to shelters to train, care for or find new homes for pets abandoned during the foreclosure crisis, said director Paul Jolly. The program will also benefit shelters that help pet owners find homes that allow pets or supply food to disadvantaged homeowners who want to keep their animals.
Linda Pouliot, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry Inc., said her organization has been struggling to keep up with demand as it serves about 2,200 people, two-thirds of whom have pets.
"When we first started, people couldn't believe there'd actually be pet food because often times they'd take six or eight cans of tuna and we'd find out they weren't actually eating it themselves — they were feeding the cats because they couldn't afford pet food," she said.
And some veterinarians have noted more pet owners trying to save money on medical treatments by passing up some options, including diagnostic tests.
"Where in the past they'd say: 'Do anything that it takes,' they are now being more conscious about what will it take and then making those decisions," said Dr. Steven Rowell, hospital director of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.
"There are people normally you'd expect to go for preventative care, and they are cutting back on that a little bit," said Dr. Tricia Bolduc, a veterinarian at Franklin's Acorn Animal Hospital. "Definitely, they'd come in and decline certain services and, you know, just do the bare minimum."
Some pet owners just won't cut corners, though.
Doreen Kazijian said she delayed buying her own medication for high blood pressure, using the money to buy medicine for her 16-year-old cat with thyroid problems and a 17-year-old cat suffering from liver failure.
"It's just something I automatically do because I'd have done the same thing for my son," said Kazijian, 51, who lives in Franklin on disability pay and food stamps after rupturing two spinal discs.
"People look at me, they are, like, you know: 'The cat is 16 or 17, come on, get over with it,'" Kazijian said, sitting in her bed and stroking a cat. "And I say, 'To me that's almost like a child.' ... You've got to be a pet owner to appreciate how much they give back to you."
By RODRIQUE NGOWI, Associated Press Writer
Mon Jun 2, 5:27 PM ET
FRANKLIN, Mass. - Diana Bardsley wiped tears from her eyes as she recalled taking food off her plate to feed her beloved spaniel Hunter and two Siamese cats.
Her greatest fear: that she could be forced to surrender the animals as she struggled to stretch her food stamps and Social Security income to meet the escalating cost of living.
Some hope was restored after she visited a local food pantry, which has started offering free pet food to help owners keep their animals out of shelters.
"I know a lot of people will probably say, 'Well, if you don't have enough money to be able to feed your animals, that you shouldn't have pets,'" said Bardsley, 53, of Franklin, as Hunter played in the living room with three of her grandchildren.
But, "Just because financially you may go downhill a little or a lot, doesn't necessarily mean you have give the part of your family that you love," she said.
For some pet owners, though, there is little choice.
The rising costs of fuel, food and housing — and the rising tide of foreclosures — have generated a surge in requests for pet food from traditional food pantries and prompted some pet owners to give up their animals. Others are trying to save money by forgoing veterinary care.
The Animal Welfare League in Chicago Ridge, Ill., has seen the average number of pet owners getting monthly rations from its pet food pantry increase by more than 50 percent since last year. Meanwhile, the number of people seeking service at its discounted veterinary clinic has more than doubled, said Linda Estrada, the group's director and president.
"We could do it every day if we had enough food, I mean, that's how bad it's gotten," Estrada said. "The line goes all the way down the street" as pet owners gather once a month for supplies.
In Santa Cruz, Calif., a pet food bank run by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has seen demand spike by about 20 percent just in the past six months. The facility typically hands out about 5,000 pounds of free pet food a month.
"In the past, the demographics has been people who are disabled or on disability and senior citizens," said executive director Lisa Carter. "Nowadays, during the pet food program, I see people who are able-bodied and not able to find a job."
The deepening foreclosure crisis also is having an effect. A growing number of pet owners are abandoning their pets or surrendering them to shelters after losing their homes or being forced into housing that doesn't allow animals, said Brian Adams, spokesman for the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell Animal Medical Center.
"We've seen where people have abandoned dogs in the house, we've seen dogs that have been surviving for weeks on toilet water, we've seen dogs that have either been chained up outside or left in the yard when the people have left, we've seen cats who are just set free," Adams said.
"We've seen people do something sort of in the middle of the road — where they don't abandon it, they don't surrender it, but they give it to a neighbor or friend and then that person brings it in maybe a week or two later when they realize, you know, it was something that was sort of dumped on them when they weren't really ready for it yet," he said.
Petco Foundation, the charity arm of Petco Animal Supplies Inc., is establishing a program to provide up to $5,000 in grants to shelters to train, care for or find new homes for pets abandoned during the foreclosure crisis, said director Paul Jolly. The program will also benefit shelters that help pet owners find homes that allow pets or supply food to disadvantaged homeowners who want to keep their animals.
Linda Pouliot, executive director of the Franklin Food Pantry Inc., said her organization has been struggling to keep up with demand as it serves about 2,200 people, two-thirds of whom have pets.
"When we first started, people couldn't believe there'd actually be pet food because often times they'd take six or eight cans of tuna and we'd find out they weren't actually eating it themselves — they were feeding the cats because they couldn't afford pet food," she said.
And some veterinarians have noted more pet owners trying to save money on medical treatments by passing up some options, including diagnostic tests.
"Where in the past they'd say: 'Do anything that it takes,' they are now being more conscious about what will it take and then making those decisions," said Dr. Steven Rowell, hospital director of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University.
"There are people normally you'd expect to go for preventative care, and they are cutting back on that a little bit," said Dr. Tricia Bolduc, a veterinarian at Franklin's Acorn Animal Hospital. "Definitely, they'd come in and decline certain services and, you know, just do the bare minimum."
Some pet owners just won't cut corners, though.
Doreen Kazijian said she delayed buying her own medication for high blood pressure, using the money to buy medicine for her 16-year-old cat with thyroid problems and a 17-year-old cat suffering from liver failure.
"It's just something I automatically do because I'd have done the same thing for my son," said Kazijian, 51, who lives in Franklin on disability pay and food stamps after rupturing two spinal discs.
"People look at me, they are, like, you know: 'The cat is 16 or 17, come on, get over with it,'" Kazijian said, sitting in her bed and stroking a cat. "And I say, 'To me that's almost like a child.' ... You've got to be a pet owner to appreciate how much they give back to you."
“...There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because conscience tells one that it is right.” MLK
Re: Souring economy puts the bite on pet owners
Thank you for posting this. It really makes you think how far someone would go for the love of an animal.
Re: Souring economy puts the bite on pet owners
That lady that bought her cats medicine instead of her own is my kind of people. Those are the people I wish I could help more. I had a neighbor that was from Poland. She was injured on the job and was on disability. I started talking to her because I saw her petting one of the stray cats in the complex. She kinda freaked at first because she thought I was going to turn her in, but I only wanted to know if the cat had a home. I'd been feeding him everyday. As time went on I found out she had about 35 cats in her 1-br apartment and bought tuna with her food stamps. She came to me one night and confided in me that she didn't have any food for her or the cats. I immediately gave her everything I could find in my cabinets and fridge. From then on I would go shopping and leave bags of food for her and the cats...I'd ring her bell and walk away. I knew it was hard for her to accept help. One night she came to my door with a half-dead cat...she needed a ride to the emergency vet. She didn't have any money, but somehow got credit to get the cat some help. I think it lived. I heard she eventually won her settlement and is doing quite well.
Re: Souring economy puts the bite on pet owners
Phyllis,
you are like an animal Guardian Angel.Bless you for all you do
you are like an animal Guardian Angel.Bless you for all you do
Kito Feb 4, 2006 - July 1,2007
Kai Mar.15 2007 - Aug. 26,2010
And when my time comes I will not go alone for my Chows will be there to say "Welcome Home".
Kai Mar.15 2007 - Aug. 26,2010
And when my time comes I will not go alone for my Chows will be there to say "Welcome Home".
Re: Souring economy puts the bite on pet owners
Good article. It's nice to hear of people who are willing to sacrifice for their pets instead of just dumping them in a shelter or abandoning them.
CoraP.
Remember this, and also be persuaded of its truth - the future is not in the hands of fate, but in ourselves.
Jules Jusserand
Remember this, and also be persuaded of its truth - the future is not in the hands of fate, but in ourselves.
Jules Jusserand
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sit_by_the_beach
- Rank 3
- Posts: 3030
- Joined: Tue Oct 31, 2006 8:20 am
- Location: Toronto, Canada
Re: Souring economy puts the bite on pet owners
Foodstamps? Still? Disgusting, tell Obama to get rid of those, the last foodstamps I have seen were the ones my mother had left over after the Nazi era. No longer needed 'caus the US Navy sold us K special and popcorn for cheap. The US should not help others, help yourself first. The economy for the poor isn't good in Canada either. When the US economy goes bad so does ours. The Oshawa GM truck and SUV division gave 1,000 workers the boot yesterday. Oshawa is a GM town, their humane society is privately funded, overcrowded, things will get worse now with many losing their homes.
KARIN &
chowMIKKI
chowMIKKI
Re: Souring economy puts the bite on pet owners
fillyok wrote:That lady that bought her cats medicine instead of her own is my kind of people. Those are the people I wish I could help more. I had a neighbor that was from Poland. She was injured on the job and was on disability. I started talking to her because I saw her petting one of the stray cats in the complex. She kinda freaked at first because she thought I was going to turn her in, but I only wanted to know if the cat had a home. I'd been feeding him everyday. As time went on I found out she had about 35 cats in her 1-br apartment and bought tuna with her food stamps. She came to me one night and confided in me that she didn't have any food for her or the cats. I immediately gave her everything I could find in my cabinets and fridge. From then on I would go shopping and leave bags of food for her and the cats...I'd ring her bell and walk away. I knew it was hard for her to accept help. One night she came to my door with a half-dead cat...she needed a ride to the emergency vet. She didn't have any money, but somehow got credit to get the cat some help. I think it lived. I heard she eventually won her settlement and is doing quite well.
You are an amazing person.
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carolyn dewrance
- Rank 3
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- Joined: Sun Mar 13, 2005 6:20 am
- Location: Cape Town South Africa
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Re: Souring economy puts the bite on pet owners
Yes Phyllis is an amazing person but so are you all.
The other day as I was walking to work, I found a dead kitten on the road, knowing I could not take it to work with me, I hid it in some long grass on the side of the road and got a shopping bag from my bosses kitchen and on the way home that evening I picked up the kitten and took it home to bury, Poor little thing had been hit by a car and it was only about 6 weks old. It was a feral kitten, there are so many around here, I hve taken 4 feral kittens home and they are wonderful pets, Nellie sits on my lap when I am working on the computer, and Chippie, Misty and our new baby Tiger all sleep on the couch in my computer room, on a cushion that I have painted with cats on it, I love my cats, as much as I love my chows and other dogs, and would rather starve myself before alowing them to go with out.
Carolyn
The other day as I was walking to work, I found a dead kitten on the road, knowing I could not take it to work with me, I hid it in some long grass on the side of the road and got a shopping bag from my bosses kitchen and on the way home that evening I picked up the kitten and took it home to bury, Poor little thing had been hit by a car and it was only about 6 weks old. It was a feral kitten, there are so many around here, I hve taken 4 feral kittens home and they are wonderful pets, Nellie sits on my lap when I am working on the computer, and Chippie, Misty and our new baby Tiger all sleep on the couch in my computer room, on a cushion that I have painted with cats on it, I love my cats, as much as I love my chows and other dogs, and would rather starve myself before alowing them to go with out.
Carolyn
Carolyn Dewrance
4 Fernwood Close
Richwood
Cape Town 7441
4 Fernwood Close
Richwood
Cape Town 7441