The Economy’s Helpless Victim: The Family Pet
In better economic times, the recreational vehicle industry put Elkhart, Indiana, on the map. Now, with almost no demand for RVs, the mainstream media has dubbed Elkhart “unemployment ground zero.” But what the MSM has failed to acknowledge is this sad fact of recession life: in any disaster area where people are having a hard time — and right now, that’s everywhere in America — pets are having it just as hard, or harder.
For many jobless Americans, a pet offers the invaluable comfort of non-judgmental love and moral support. But with household resources dwindling, many are obliged to sacrifice that support system and entrust animal companions to the kindness of strangers. Sadly, Elkhart’s animal shelter — like so many across the country — is reporting a huge spike in abandoned pets. In September, 740 animals were admitted to the Humane Society of Elkhart County, whether owner-surrendered in person or left astray outdoors. That’s more than twice the number admitted in January.
“People can’t feed themselves or their kids, and often pets are the first to go,” says Stephanie Krol, who was moved to begin volunteering at the Elkhart shelter after adopting her beloved mutt Simon there. Krol spends so much time helping out at the shelter that she’s often mistaken for an employee. She recalls the sad day a teenage girl arrived in tears, charged with the terrible task of surrendering her family’s beautiful, healthy, young Husky:
“We see heartbreaking decisions like that every day in the Humane Society lobby,” Krol says.
But those animals are the luckier ones; many people simply leave unwanted dogs and cats by the roadside under cover of darkness. This was happening so frequently that Elkhart Humane came up with a solution to prevent leaving animals vulnerable to traffic and the elements: “Animal night deposit” drop boxes, sturdy metal depositories to hold pets while the shelter is closed. Food, water, and blankets are provided in the boxes, which lock automatically for the pets’ safety and are opened early the next morning by shelter staff.
“One family dropped all their animals off one night — there were two dogs and a cat huddled together in one box,” Krol says. The drop boxes have raised controversy among animal lovers. But the reality is that for some animals, the drop box provides the kindest, most comfortable accommodations they’ve ever known — and with a square meal to boot.
When things went south for my wife and I last year, we took the last of the money we had, and she went to stay with a friend in Dearborn Heights, MI…she took our 2 beagles with her. I stayed in the Baltimore, MD area and tried to find work. I slept for 6 weeks in the back of my truck (it has topper) in December, January and part of February…eventually, I found a job and was able to get an apartment again bring my wife back home…we still have the dogs. My point is, if you take on the responsibility of having a pet, you take on the responsibility of taking care of that animal…you don’t just abandon it if things get difficult.
This will sound like Scrooge, but it is time to dial back the compassion that this society has for animals. We spend (waste) billions each year to provide a comfortable life for pets that far exceeds that enjoyed by many people on this planet. I know of people who have spent thousands so a cat could have a kidney transplant. There are children who die every day on this planet for want of basic medical care. I have had pets my whole life and have rescued many animals, but I will readily euthanize one before i will spend exorbitant amounts on medical care. You know a 20 pound bag of dog food just doesn’t cost that much at Wal-Mart. I am really having trouble buying your “heartbreaking” story.
My point is, if you take on the responsibility of having a pet, you take on the responsibility of taking care of that animal…you don’t just abandon it if things get difficult.
Amen, Rich. I have an overweight aging cat. We’ve gone through thick and thin together (financial *and* figurative). She may have not gotten top of the line food or professional grooming but she was always at the vet when she needed it and fed basic cat food…and have y’all EVER had to wash a cat on your own? Kids are angels compared to a female tabby in water.
A most welcome piece from Julia Szabo.
The plight of abused, abandoned, and / or neglected animals is always on the minds of many of us. The current economic crisis adds yet another worry: beloved critters whose “owners” simply cannot afford the cost of continuing to care for them.
It is truly heartbreaking. For the animals. And for their human families, too.
I join Szabo (and animal welfare advocates everywhere) in encouraging you to do what you can. Adopt. Volunteer. Donate. Every little bit helps.
And I especially encourage you to consider your local shelter — and other rescue agencies of modest size. Always stretched (for space, for funds, and for helpers) many are now, as Szabo reports, completely overwhelmed.
See: In Sarah’s Arms http://emmeffemm.com/id97.html
Also see: Just Do Something http://emmeffemm.com/id21.html
What a fraud Obama is. He can’t even keep a promise for something as simple an innocent as this.
While I understand Paul’s point, I think there is a difference between spending obscene amounts of money prolonging a pet’s life and being the kind of person who abandons a pet when things get rough–which is what the article is about. I really appreciate Rich’s testimony above.
I can understand if things get rough and an animal needs to find a new home or go to the shelter. But to abandon an animal in a field or by the side of the road (to get hit by oncoming traffic)–this is really horrible. And what kind of model of responsibility does it set for children and teenagers? This problem is HUGE in the state of Indiana. Having driven through many of these north-east Indiana towns, I can’t help but wonder if it is an issue of education and social class. Such behavior indicates a society that is amoral at its heart.
Many studies have shown that those who abuse pets are more likely to abuse family members, and vice versa. In fact, one of the first signs that an individual may be prone to physical violence is if s/he abuses an animal. I’m sorry, but dumping an animal is abuse (and I’m not talking about dropping off the animal in a reasonable place–a shelter, with friends,–I’m talking about dumping in a field or road).
I’m not really an animal fanatic, although I adore cats. But I can’t help but think that our treatment of domesticated animals says something about our character.
Yes–wouldn’t it have been nice to watch Barack, Michelle, and the girls spend an afternoon at a local shelter, picking out a middle-aged dog for the family. A nice message could have been sent there. It was a missed opportunity–too bad.
There is a phone number to the White House. Ayone faced with having to give up a pet because of what this administration is doing (or maybe not doing) should be calling. If you know someone who may have to give up a pet, call. Swamp the lines. For some of you, it may be “just an animal”, which is sad. But for most, it is like giving up one of your kids.
Yes, it would have been nice for Obama to get a shelter dog like he said he was going to. However, I think the dog is for show anyway, as you NEVER see this dog going places with the family and NEVER see pictures of them with the dog, except when they first got him as it was a good photo op. Has the novelty worn off already?
#2 Paul: “You know a 20 pound bag of dog food just doesn’t cost that much at Wal-Mart. I am really having trouble buying your “heartbreaking” story.”
You are compassionate (starving kids) and callous at the same time. Clearly, you are well off enough to think a 20 pound bag is no big deal. For others, it is a big deal.
Your “starving kids” argument is specious. You can plug in anything: i.e: “If only we bought fewer big screen TV’s, etc.” The fact is that Americans (conservatives, at least) are among the most generous people on the planet. Additionally, the majority of starving kids are victims of their government’s malfeasance, and not the fault of pet loving Americans being too generous toward their pets.
OK, let’s look at a side issue here. I am an ardent dog lover and a volunteer search and rescue K-9 handler. When I went looking for a replacement for my retiring, beloved German Shepherd, I first looked at the multitude of rescue shelter dogs around our city. To put it charitably, there was a reason these dogs were in a shelter. Bad breeding and human abuse made these dogs unsuitable to be anywhere around my children, let alone to dependably search for a lost person. I finally went to a responsible breeder, who would not sell me a dog unless she determined I was a suitable candidate for the her dogs, then she donated him to me! Puppy mills, irresponsible breeding and a criminal lack of knowledge of new dog owners are what I feel to be the main contributors to this problem. If you’re going to get a dog or a cat, you are making a commitment for the life of the animal. Dogs and cats don’t understand lifestyle changes, divorces, or lost jobs. Indiscriminate breeding and indiscriminate ownership needs to stop
Pet abuse and Domestic Violence go hand in hand far too often. By raising the issue of pet abuse we can not only help the pets who are mistreated, but also the victim within the relationship…. recognsing pet abuse could just save 2 lives!!
there is a difference between spending obscene amounts of money prolonging a pet’s life and being the kind of person who abandons a pet when things get rough
Exactly. It’s cruel to prolong a pet’s life when it’s too ill to enjoy it.
I love the idea of an animal “night deposit drop”. There are always alternatives to abandoning a pet.
Didn’t it occur to Obama that he could honor a dying senator’s gift and also get a dog from the pound? Dogs like having canine companions anyway. Obama seems to enjoy any opportunity to lie and get away with it.
the only reason obama has a dog is because he was told to get one. The dog in only for show.
“There is a phone number to the White House. Ayone faced with having to give up a pet because of what this administration is doing (or maybe not doing) should be calling.”
What do you want him to do? Set up a government program for pet entitlements? I guess that will be the goal of the next “compassionate conservative” president.
Obama sucks! So do the Washington Redskins!
Anyone really believe that Obama would have anything less than an elite pet? Elites don’t own mutts.
As for the problem, contact the Amway Corporation in MI. They have a top-flight line of pet food. They have a nationwide distribution system which reaches into just about every neighborhood. The owners and the distributors are extremely generous, as almost the whole organization is comprised of devout people.
Some of you may scoff, but they have some very deep pockets. They also have many, many rich friends. This is a very practical solution… and it doesn’t need any damned gubmint program. Put it into their hands, and they’ll handle it. Seriously. Not kidding.
Obama could have sent the right message to Americans by adopting a pet from the Humane Society or some pet rescue org, but of course, he didn’t. To top it off, he and Michelle had a birthday cake for their dog made out of veal of all things. They can’t do anything right. Talk out of one side of their mouth, live out of the other side.
Thanks for shedding light on this important topic. What I’ve learned during this economic downturn is that sometimes the only thing people can turn to is their pets. To help keep families together, we had to start a food assistance program, as well on what supplies we have.
Our night drop boxes were set up to help the public with stray animals after hours…now as Julia mentions we are at a crossroads if we should continue to keep the night boxes open because it allows people to just dump their pets in the dark hours of the night vs being a responsible pet owner. Seeking assistance or bringing a pet in to the shelter, giving its name, history and story…sadly these animals that are dumped have no voice. However the question we wrestle with is what is best for the animal? At least for the time being we are able to provide a haven of safety, food and water for the unwanted. Just as the rest of animal welfare community, we are promoting responsible pet ownership as a lifetime commitment. However, you will always have those people that make impulse purchases or see the cute puppy in the window…then the pet GROWS!
It pains me to think we are just one tiny animal shelter in one county in the state of Indiana in the country of the United States…let alone the massive amounts of neglected and unwanted companion animals around the world. However, this fuels me to give my time to volunteer to such a worthy cause…to give animals a voice.
Just this dialogue is a big step forward. Thank you for your kind words and support!
Racheal,
Cat washing, my wife and I have done that, strange how cats do not like water, at least, not if you plan on putting them in it.
We fortunately, have not been on hard times, we have five dogs and two cats, had three, but a couple of loose dogs got one.
Three of the dogs are live stock guard dogs(LGD). We have goats and cows, guess goats would do for cat and dog feed if it became necessary.
Most of our pets are strays that wondered in. The LGD’s were bought with a purpose in mind.
“This will sound like Scrooge, but it is time to dial back the compassion that this society has for animals.”
You’re right, you do sound like Scrooge.
I’d rather be homeless with my dog than live indoors without him. When I got him and he got me, I took on a responsibility that cannot be shirked, ever.
I’m not religious, but I believe in the concept of sin. You dump your family pet off on the side of the road, I promise you, you’re as marked for trouble as Cain: the evil of your act will come back to you somehow, sometime — and you will have earned it.
I’ve never been an animal person, but due to my son and his girlfriend’s irresponsible purchase of 2 dogs, we now have 2 dogs (they got them even though they lived in an apt that didn’t allow pets). My two teens absolutely adore them and they’ve grown on me.
There is no way I can see getting rid of them, especially cruelly abandoning them on the side of the road, they are part of the family now and are very dependent on us emotionally as well as physically. At the very least, other family members would help us out with food, etc.
Pet owners who abandon animals clearly should have never had pets to begin with.
“. . . they are part of the family now and are very dependent on us emotionally as well as physically.”
And there it is: it is our moral obligation, what we owe these creatures that give us everything, to give them the most basic thing in return: a home that will not disappear simply because we hit a rough patch in our life.
Incidentally, “give us everything” is no exaggeration: more and more, the science shows, having dogs or cats actually improves our health, lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attack, lowering stress, and making us calmer and happier and thus less susceptible to illness.
Our pets not only add love and joy to our days, they *extend* the length of our lives and make them more livable. It is only just and right that we return the favor.
As the author of a book on adoption and puppy mills that featured Obama with a 3-legged puppy mill survivor (A Rare Breed of Love), and having received his pledge that he would support the mission of the book – adoption as a way to end puppy mills – I was beyond devastated when he broke that pledge by not adopting a shelter dog. The illogical spin about taking a gift of a dog from Kennedy because they needed a hypoallergenic dog for their daughter was just that – illogical. He and his camp were shown months in advance that there are thousands of hypoallergenic homeless dogs available for adoption – and Baby, the rescued dog he posed with in my book is hypoallergenic! I and many animal rescue groups sent them pics and profiles of healthy, adorable hypoallergenic homeless dogs of every kind imaginable. Yet the Obama camp couldn’t have cared less. I hope someone lets him know that he also disappointed many school children across the nation, who I spoke to while on our book tour, showing them the beautiful picture of the Democratic nominee with a rescue dog, telling those kids of the public pledge he and his wife made to adopt. Oh, but that was while he was running for president. Silly kids. Don’t they know that campaign promises made by men and women who will say anything to get elected are meaningless and manipulative? Mr. Obama squandered the chance to set a humane example which could have emptied out the shelters in a year, closed puppy mills and saved taxpayers billions of dollars – the tax bill for killing millions of homeless pets each year. As for his Nobel Peace Prize, until one fully embraces the notion of peace toward all living beings, so eloquently stated and embodied by men like Gandhi and Schweitzer, such a person hasn’t earned that honor. As for the arrogant and ignorant ass who thinks we ought to “dial back the compassion society has toward animals,” using examples of human needs that should trump those of animals, let me remind Mr. Gross (a fitting name if ever there was one) that dogs can save your life by detecting cancerous tumors, by warning diabetics of oncoming insulin shock, and epileptics of oncoming seizures. They can fly without the use of an engine! Their sense of smell, sight, hearing and countless other sensory feats range from predicting earthquakes to doing complicated tasks that allow disabled people to live independently, to saving your children and you from dying in a house fire, and yet morons like Gross love to claim human superiority. The endless list of miraculous feats performed by non-human animals will hopefully be a reality check for this Gross man and others like him whose human arrogance is undeserved and one of the chief reasons the earth is in peril. Yes, we can do things they can’t, like perform surgery, but they can do things we can’t, like detect the cancerous tumor being removed by that surgeon. Non-human animals deserve our protection, respect and appreciation. And to Mr. Obama, here are the words of the kind of men who deserve the Nobel Peace Prize, those whose definition and understanding of peace is truly complete: “The greatness of a nation and its’ moral progress can be judged by the way its’ animals are treated” (Gandhi) …. “Until man extends his circle of compassion to all living beings, man himself will never find peace.” (Dr. Albert Schweitzer). Millions were duped by Obama, myself included, who thought he was the real deal. He’s as phony as they come. He talks of empathy but obviously that doesn’t include the most voiceless and powerless among us, those who give us so much and yet receive such abuse in return. One needs only to watch the evening news, or to see the inside of a puppy mill, a slaughter house or a veal farm to know that humans are the most evil, depraved, cruel, destructive, and deranged animals on earth.
My Dear Julia
Let us eat them and have done with it.
Thank you, this is a sobering reminder to not get too emotional about world crisis when a portion of the population will worry about kittens and puppies.
Like it or not, we Americans love our cats and dogs and treat them like part of the family. For some Americans, their pet IS their family. And, in these difficult economic times, it is heartbreaking to think that people have to make a choice between feeding themselves and feeding their pet. And so many people, who have worked for their entire lives and never imagined needing food stamps or having to get food at a food pantry, are forced to make some dreadful decisions about their pets.
That is why I created the Animal Relief Fund (ARF!) in November, 2008. I started by delivering pet food to several people-food pantries in New York City as an experiment to see if pet-food distribution at people-food pantries was a viable concept. The pet food distribution was such a success that ARF expanded to Long Island in partnership with Long Island Cares, the food bank for Nassau and Suffolk Counties. We now have pet food available at over 80 pantries on Long Island. We are actively working to expand our network in New York City.
When a family is hungry, there is more often than not a pet that is going hungry too. By making pet food available to people at people-food pantries, we are trying to work proactively to avoid more pet abandonments. So many people are too proud to ask for help, but I have been told by pantry managers that when people hear that pet food is available at a local pantry, they will go to the pantry for their pets. And once they get into the pantry system, there is a better chance that they will avail themselves of the other services that the pantries have to offer, such as job counseling, clothing, haircuts and job training services. So it’s a win-win all around.
And when someone is down and out, that’s the worst time to have to give up your pet!
Susan
Founder and President
The Animal Relief Fund
http://www.arf-ny.org
Susan, love the Animal Relief Fund. Keep up the amazing work! At the Humane Society of Elkhart County, we had to develop a food assistance program for those in need in hopes of keeping families together. Sometimes when everything seems lost, a pet will always be there and love you unconditionally.
I hope this article and all the Humane Society’s efforts really do raise the awareness of this terrible problem of too many people not taking responsibility for their own actions. I would love to have a dog, but know that my current lifestyle is not one that can adequately support the dog’s needs. It enrages me that people are kicking their pets out into the streets when times get tough or even worse when they just don’t have the desire to take care of them anymore. I live in a large University town were every year irresponsible students abandon the pets they adopted for the school year. This article has made me want to find out if night drop boxes exist in my town too as I think Elkheart is paving the way for a good alternative to throwing pets into the street. It makes me very happy to know that people like Julia Szabo and Stephanie Krol are helping to keep some focus on saving animals lives in an area of the country that has been rocked by so many hardships.
740 animals a month is outragious! How in the world can a community like that abandon so many of their animals. Animals are not unwanted garage sell items. They are living creatures that need a voice. I hope relief comes for this shelter soon.
An abandoned pet is a heartbreaking situation to hear about. We’ll all just have to hope that enough people open their homes/hearts to adopt. In fact- after years of consideration, I know a couple who are about to adopt two kittens for their home
Their decision to adopt is based on their willingness to make it a lifelong commitment.
Thanks to Julie for shedding light on a desparate situation that so many animal shelters are currently facing. As a volunteer for the Humane Society of Elkhart County, we see the increase of animals and feel the pain that some owners experience when they have no alternative but to surrender their pets due to loss of their home, etc.
Our volunteers are dedicated to raising funds, awareness and promoting adopt-a-pet events throughout the community to introduce the public to the wonderful animals the Elkhart Shelter has who are waiting for their forever home.
As the holiday season approaches, please consider a gift to your local shelter. They are always in need of cleaning supplies, office supplies, food, towels and blankets. Cash is always welcome and volunteers are always needed. And take a moment to thank the dedicated and overworked shelter staff for all they do. It can be a rewarding, but also heartbreaking job. The community support means a lot to them!
Thank you to Julie for sharing the challenges that the Elkhart Humane Society faces. As a county with one of the nation’s highest unemployment rates, on top of the the overwhelming intake numbers, donations fall when times are tough. The shelter is faced to do so much, with so little.
The folks who work at the shelter are underpaid, and underappreciated. Their work, saving the cast-offs of a throw away society, is made more difficult by the lack of compassion, and consideration of some.
Too often, people consider these animals a disposable burden, instead of a lifelong commitment. Too often, people in the community would rather drive to Amish country and buy a cute puppy, from an indiscrimate, profiteering puppy-mill, further perpetuating the problem.
The solution to the problems of Elkhart, and every other animal control shelter, is education and outreach to the public. Low cost spay and neuter is critical to reducing the reproduction rate. Outreach to the legitimate, reputable rescue groups can lift burden, and space for the shelters. Education about the realities of the intake, and death numbers will help the public rally around the need.
Adopt, don’t buy. Sterilize, don’t breed. Educate everyone you know about the wonderful animals dying in America’s shelters every day.
We are the caretakers of companion animals. And they deserve better than dying homeless in America’s shelters.
Great article. Adopted our last two Labs .. so many pets out there needing homes. Organizations like the Elkhart Humane Society deserve everyone’s support.
Thank you to Stephanie, Susan and the countless others who are giving a voice to these animals in need. I too hope this article and all the Humane Society’s efforts raise awareness of people not taking responsibility for their own actions. Too many get a pet without really thinking through the commitment. While I’m heartbroken for the abandoned pets, I also think of those children who have been forced to give them up. Those emotional scars will last a lifetime.
I have a great amount of respect for individuals like Julia Szabo and Stephanie Krol who volunteer their efforts take help animals in need. I think the idea of the night drop boxes is great way to prevent animals from being left without food, shelter, and safety. I applaud the efforts of the Elkhart Humane Society and I wish the best for the staff and the animals there.
Thanks so much for writing this article. It is difficult for many to imagine not being able to afford to feed a pet. But talk to the people at the Shelter and they will tell you the heartbreaking stories. If the food issue could be solved, it would free up donation money and resources to work on other care and adoption problems. It would also give some relief to the volunteer staff on the front lines.
Thank you Julia for your article. Elkhart the highest unemployment in the nation at one time is still seeing stains on the community. Especially hard hit are the pets. I also lend a hand at the HSEC when I can. I have been there early in the morning during opening hours to witness dogs tied up to door handles and trees, litters of kitten running around only because all the night deposit boxes are full. HSEC private donations have dwindled with people out of work and assisting people with food to keep their animals at home. I know they can use donations of food, cleaning supplies, money or just quality time spent with the animals. With that being said, please do not forget about your local shelters!
Enough with the Obama bashing! Why can’t people focus on the positive and find ways to help our local animals instead of whining about the negative? All that complaining gets us nowhere! Be the change you wish to see…..what you focus on expands!
The simple fact is there ARE TOO MANY DOGS AND CATS TO BE CARED FOR BY ANYONE! Puppy mills, unspayed tom cats, doofus families that buy too many dogs and do NOT want to care for them when the going gets tough. I can’t understand why we allow thousands upon thousands of dogs and cats to be bred without limit. YES they will ultimately have to be euthenized if there are no laws limiting stupid people.
It’s ridiculous that people should have to give up their pets when times get tough. I don’t buy that they have trouble buying enough food for themselves and their pets. America is a developed country, for God’s sake. If you’ve simply lost your job or your home it doesn’t mean you’ll go without food. I can’t believe that in America when things get a little difficult pets are simply abandoned like that. It’s shameful! Guess what? Pet-keeping is not a luxury that’s only available to the rich, but some extremely poor people keep pets too. Some people who live in slums in Kenya, Ethiopia and India keep pets, even as they are really struggling to feed themselves and eat nothing but millet soup every day. Homeless people keep pets, even though they often do without food. People have been keeping pets for thousands of years, even when poverty was rampant. Despite all the hardships people could still spare a little for their animals. I don’t think the people who give up their pets have a proper excuse for giving them up. If they suddenly have thinner wallets, they should simply cut back on some expenses, like buying cheaper dog food or feeding the animals leftovers like in the olden days.