Sad news from the Central Valley. An unexpected repercussion from the mortgage crisis and increasing foreclosures are the unprecedented numbers of abandoned dogs, cats and other pets that are being left behind when homes are foreclosed upon. A shocking number of homeowners are just walking away, leaving dogs tied up in the yard, cats in the garage and rabbits, turtles and lizards in children's bedrooms.
Stockton and Modesto have some of the country's highest foreclosure rates, and shelter operators are finding it impossible to save most of these animals. Pet adoptions are more rare in difficult financial times, and even those families able to stay in their homes aren't bringing home puppies and kittens.
I recently saw a PBS special called "Life After People," and one of the most touching segments was the initial condition of house pets who were left alone and unable to survive without the humans who had made them dependent on their love and care.
Stockton and Modesto have some of the country's highest foreclosure rates, and shelter operators are finding it impossible to save most of these animals. Pet adoptions are more rare in difficult financial times, and even those families able to stay in their homes aren't bringing home puppies and kittens.
I recently saw a PBS special called "Life After People," and one of the most touching segments was the initial condition of house pets who were left alone and unable to survive without the humans who had made them dependent on their love and care.
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