Animal Shelters Need Help!

You don't have to be the CEO of a company to know that the economy hasn't been doing that well lately. Every time you turn on the news you see another report of massive layoffs and the rising foreclosure and unemployment rates. One of the innocent (and sometimes forgotten) victims of the current crises are family pets. Animal shelters all over the country have seen a huge increase of once beloved pets being dropped off because their owners can no longer afford to care for them properly or they have lost their home to foreclosure. When I read this story in the local paper this morning I decided that as the CEO of Merlin's Bark Products I need to be doing more to help out my fellow canine (and feline) in this time of need.

Maybe you will decide to help out too....


Animal shelters feeling pinch, too
Monday, December 22, 2008
By Kathy Samudovsky, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Animal Friends in Ohio Township is among local shelters in need of donations of anything from food to toys.
It's a pretty safe bet that animals in most local shelters won't find a permanent home for the holidays.

Not because Christmas is just three days away.

Rather, the economic recession has led to a rising number of pet surrenders and, at the same time, dwindling donations.

People who have lost their jobs or homes due to foreclosures are unable to afford food and medical care for the family pet, said Gretchen Fieser, director of public relations for the Western Pennsylvania Humane Society. Many are having to surrender their pet to a shelter or, worse, abandon it, she said.

Charitable contributions are difficult for them, too.

"When people are stressed financially, they're not as giving because they're worried -- understandably so -- about their own existence. So it's kind of a double whammy for us: You have more animals coming into the shelter and less [donations] from the public to help support it."

To increase awareness of their needs, shelters have been promoting "Wish Lists" of in-kind gifts they'd like to receive, such as supplies, resources, time and equipment. These lists are typically available on their Web sites or via phone contact.

Animal rescue, rehabilitation and fostering organizations have wish lists, too. Their all-volunteer staff members often must pay for expenses out-of-pocket.

Shelters rely on donations from compassionate individuals and corporations to help maintain operations and keep the animals safe, healthy and happy.

There are no government funds available for animal shelters; only for animal control.

The Washington Area Humane Society reported a 25 percent increase in surrendered or abandoned pets since the same time last year. "We're even getting a lot of animals that were adopted through us, returned to us or dropped off. People can't afford them anymore," said manager Lorie Schooley.

Jolene Miklas, director of communications for Animal Friends, the no-kill shelter in Ohio Township, said the agency's Chow Wagon, which provides pet food to local food banks and pantries, has seen a 60 percent increase in demand since December 2007. Pet food donations are urgently needed.

If you're an animal lover but strapped for cash, you can still help.

Many wish list items are inexpensive -- as in less than $5. Buying one toy will cure boredom and stress for multiple cats or dogs. And if 20 people send a $10 gift card, that's $200 of store credit.

Do you knit? Consider knitting cage pads or large-dog sweaters. Like to organize? Coordinate a pet food drive. You can also foster animals in your home; volunteer as a handyman, dog walker or cat cuddler. Or, if you live in or near Washington, Pa., donate use of a heated barn. (The Washington Area Humane Society has a few unhappy, "cage-crazed" cats that need more space. To help, call 724-222-PETS.)

Finally, consider a tax-deductible donation to a shelter, or rescue or fostering group, or a specialized fund such as the Animal Care & Assistance Fund. The nonprofit fund, an extension of the Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center in Ohio Township, was started in October. It was designed as a one-time benefit for referred pet owners whose financial situation makes them unable to provide veterinary care for treatable yet life-threatening conditions. For details, visit www.animalcarefund.org