Dog shelter is maxed out: ‘I just can’t afford them anymore.’

[The Straight Story]

The Clackamas County dog shelter is bursting at the seams and the folks who run it are hoping people will step forward to adopt a loving pet.

Clackamas County Dog Services just moved into a larger, renovated building over a year ago and they've already run out of space. Dog Services Manager Diana Hallmark attributes the problem to the down economy, which has hit some pet owners hard.

“It’s not unusual for our staff to arrive early in the morning and find one or more dogs left at the door," she said in a news release. " We had a female and three pups at our door last week with a note saying ‘I just can’t afford them anymore.’”

Hallmark said their 51 dog runs and even the isolation areas are full.

http://clackamas.katu.com/news/pets/445712-dog-shelter-maxed-out-even-our-isolation-areas-are-full

[TBF]

1. I'm sure this is happening all over the country. More victims of "austerity". nt

[CountAllVotes]

2. it is happening all over the place

I should know having hit two of them that were out on the freeway in the middle of the night during a huge storm (no visibility).

I was advised they had no tags yet appeared to be purebreds.

I guess the rich owners packed up and left town and that includes leaving the animals behind with the house.

I was talking to a lady at the DMV and she said she had to move and place two of her dogs into rescues quite recently -- not allowed at her new apt. She was lucky to find a shelter to take them.

:(

:kick:

[michaz]

3. This will continue to happen until people spay/neuter their pets. n/t

[FirstLight]

4. this will continue to happen until people can afford to keep their FAMILIES intact!

sheesh...it's not always about spaying or neutering...while that is important too.

the issue is that Times are so BAD and people are losing their homes at such an alarming rate, families are getting broken apart, and the pets are the first to go...
so very sad...

[michaz]

8. Spaying and neutering is a big part of it.

It has been for many years. Yes, the economy has a lot to do with it. I believe that shelters should be made to spay/neuter the pets before they leave a shelter, that would cut down on a lot of it. It would probably be cheaper than all the euthanizing they are doing. Many people do not realize that they can call a rescue group to get their animals rather than taking them to a shelter. They have a much less chance of having their animals euthanized that way.

[shraby]

5. This will happen until people can afford to keep their pets.

You see, pets are a part of the family..really a part of the family.

[CountAllVotes]

6. yes and ridding the world of puppy mills might help

Selling puppies/dogs that are sick on the internet does no good at all. It adds to the problem -- that of dog breeders that are irresponsible. :(

[Remember Me]

11. Worthy goal, but does nothing to help THIS problm, which is our economic DEPRESSION

but yes, let's also rid the world of puppy mills.

[CountAllVotes]

13. how about the purebreds left to roam out in the freeway at night?

I seriously doubt they were anything but legit. breeders if they packed up and just left like that. There are a lot of people around where I live looking to make a quick buck on a few extra litters here and there. :grr:

:kick:

[sammytko]

19. well you wouldn't leave a part of your family at the shelter, would you?

I have 6 dogs and 8 cats. Its rough, but I manage. Getting the one mother cat I took in spayed on Thursday. Will spay her kittens as they get older.

I'm not going to get any more pets - all these were throw away animals. After they are gone and I have more money, I'll donate to spay and neuter pets that belong to people I know - not just some random cause.

[MADem]

18. It's not just that, it's people giving up their pet because they lose their house

and the only living arrangement they can make is a "no pets" situation, or they're down to rice and beans for the kids, and just cannot afford to feed the animals.

I was intent on volunteering at a local animal shelter until I got hit with a one-two punch of family/friend serious medical issues, so I've had to put my 'fun' (and it would be fun for me) on hold until all that clears up. Right now I am fostering a friend's dog for an undetermined period of time until the medical issues are resolved (if they aren't, I guess I have another dog).

[PETRUS]

22. I think you're right.

Existing problems - puppy mills, irresponsible and/or uncommitted owners, etc. - made worse by newly homeless people with limited options.

[Liberal_in_LA]

7. k&r poor dogs

[xchrom]

9. Recommend

[Bozita]

10. One of our local food pantries is now collecting and distributing pet food.

Purpose is to cut down on turn-ins at the local shelters.

imho, it's a great idea!

[TBF]

12. That is a good idea - I am going to check and see if our Houston Food Bank does that.

and donate :)

[TBF]

14. More on this - Houston Food Bank

is working with a group called "Rescue bank" to distribute a large amount of dog food that was donated recently:

http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/west_university/news/houston-food-bank-teams-up-with-chef-michael-s-to/article_e7985e4f-4e5e-5ae1-97da-8c27339d74c7.html

Interesting excerpt:

“The Houston Food Bank received information from social service agencies providing senior meal programs that dog-owning recipients were sharing their meals with pets,” said Brian Greene, Houston Food Bank president. “We started looking for a better solution to this situation through a partnership with the Rescue Bank, which functions much like the Houston Food Bank, focusing on pets while we feed people. Chef Michael’s stepped in and provided some much needed assistance.”

[Bozita]

16. Pet food banks can help the unemployed keep their animal companions

The article is loaded with hot links

http://www.mlive.com/jobs/index.ssf/2010/08/pet_food_banks_can_help_the_unemployed_k.html

Pet food banks can help the unemployed keep their animal companions
Published: Monday, August 23, 2010, 3:31 PM Updated: Monday, August 23, 2010, 3:35 PM
By Jackie Headapohl


Unemployment benefits — often stretched to the limit by rent, utilities, gas and groceries — don't leave much left over to take care of the family pet.

More and more unemployed people have had to surrender their pets because they can no longer afford to feed them. It's a heartbreaking decision made out of necessity. However, there are places you can turn to for help before you give away the family pet.

For example, unemployed pet owners in Woodhaven, Michigan, who are having a hard time feeding their pets will soon have a pet food bank in their hometown.

Patti Radakovich, co-founder and chairwoman of Basil’s Buddies, a nonprofit animal welfare organization, is planning to open a pet food bank at the Woodhaven/Trenton Animal Shelter, 21860 Van Horn on Sept. 1.

-snip-

There are other animal welfare organizations across Michigan offering help for pet owners who are experiencing financial difficulties.

In Allegan County, pet owners can turn to Wishbone Pet Rescue, which has a pet food pantry. The organization is located in Saugatuck, Michigan.
In Jackson County, the Cascades Humane Society in Jackson, Michigan, operates a pet food pantry for low-income residents.
In Kent County, residents can turn to the Kibble Konnection, a program to provide vet services and pet food to low-income pet owners through the Humane Society of Kent County. Applications are available online.
In the Metro Detroit area: P.A.W.S of Michigan in Riverview, Michigan, can provide information on where to get free and low cost pet food. You can request info by sending an email to [e-mail].
In Midland County, the Humane Society of Midland County runs the Pet Pantry Network for Midland area residents facing economic concerns and struggling to feed their pets.
In Muskegon County, the Pet Pantry of Michigan in Muskegon, Michigan, is dedicated to assisting low income residents with pet food and supplies.
In Oakland County, The Waggin' Tails Dog Rescue, Inc. in Northville, Michigan, runs a pet food bank. Applications for help are available on line.
In Ottawa County, home owners facing tough economic times can turn to the Furry Friends Food Pantry in Holland, Michigan, for help.
In St. Clair County, K9 Resque in St. Clair, Michigan, runs the Kibbles Kitchen, which offers up to three months of help for those families experiencing financial hardship.

The Michigan Humane Society also offers low-cost veterinary services to the unemployed through its Protect-A-Pet clinics. Pet owners may also qualify for help paying for veterinary care through the AAHA Helping Pets Fund.

-snip-

more...

[TBF]

17. Excellent article - thanks! nt

[LeftyMom]

15. Our local (Sacramento, CA) shelter systems run a pet food bank.

http://www.sacpetfoodbank.org/

[MADem]

20. Happening at the one near my place, too. nt

[tammywammy]

21. I feel bad about some strays that showed up and I just don't know what to do.

I'm already taking care of my two cats, plus three strays (all spayed/neutered).

A couple of weeks ago I noticed a momma cat and 5 kittens are staying under my shed. I cannot afford to start taking care of 6 more cats. I've been feeding them, but I'm going to have to call someone. I feel so guilty about it, since I know if the city comes and get them there's a good chance they'll be put to sleep. :(

[virgdem]

23. Do you have any no-kill shelters or rescues in your area?

If so, I would contact them before I even thought about calling Animal Control. Also, does your Vet do placement of animals? I found a home for two strays I had been feeding, took them to my Vet and she found a home for both cats. I wish you luck - I know how it is to feed many kitties - I once had six and it was very expensive to feed all of them.

[grasswire]

24. oh no....a brown poodle followed me in Clackamas County on Saturday

I hope this is not the explanation. He was unkempt, and obviously, obviously lost and confused. No collar. Not quite standard poodle size, chocolate brown. It was very sad. Some other people who were dog walking said they were going to try to do something for it.