Keeping people and animals together in times of financial crisis

What is a bailout? Many are now familiar with this old economic term that describes rescuing an entity from financial ruin or distress. In a time where we seem to give more and more attention to an economy rather than the people it affects, I find myself somewhat disoriented and confused about our nation’s priorities. As Culpeper grapples with a self-made mortgage crisis, many wonder what will happen to the people who look for assistance when they must leave their homes behind. For those of us involved in animal rescue — the very people that they will turn to, in order to take their animals — how will we cope with helping them?

First, I wonder what will combat this sense of panic that has set into everyone? Things may have gone wrong or changes may need to take place but why is it that the animals are caught in the middle?

Why are some people quick to assume that they are without choice and must part with their pets? A mortgage may come to an end or we may have to look for new living arrangements — but why are our pets the last consideration? Even in times of natural disaster, especially during Hurricane Katrina, there were lots of people who were facing mortality but still stayed by their companions. That seems more like a true emergency than a foreclosure.

It is important to recognize that before this housing crisis came, we were already dealing with a huge pet overpopulation issue. This means that there were already hundreds of animals being dealt with that were truly homeless, losing their lives simply because they never had a place to go. They never belonged to a family or were attached to a home. Now, a new group of individuals are making potential knee-jerk decisions, possibly without first looking for appropriate avenues, and are turning to someone else to bail them out of their stressful situations. Working together is a more sensible approach.

The point is not to argue about the circumstances or what must be done but to instead concentrate on how to help those in need. At this time, the Humane Society does not have a plan in place or any additional resources available to help animals affected by foreclosure. We are working on this but for now, struggle to find an adequate response. The desire to offer assistance is certainly present but help is hard to come by these days. We are currently undergoing a shortage of foster homes and do not have an instant answer for those who inquire. We exist to comfort people as well as the animals they
care for.

Maybe there are other ways we can help — such as providing resources for pet-friendly rentals or giving recommendations for temporary boarding facilities who can help out while people are in-between homes. Maybe food is needed or an affordable spay or neuter. Our immediate goal is to keep people with their pets and discourage abandonment or unwarranted surrender. There should be relief for those who truly need it.

If you have any suggestions on how to help or if you are currently undergoing foreclosure or have previously experienced this — please call or email us. Give us your feedback and tell us what is really going on. We want to help. We’d rather be proactive and react to a problem while there is still time to come up with a solution. And, if you are interested in becoming a temporary foster parent to help us respond to this particular need, also let us know.