Protecting Your Pet: Economy crunch

Lisa Grawunder, pet owner
"His name is Tazmania James."

Taz for short, and Taz needs surgery.

Lisa Grawunder, pet owner
"I'm having a difficult time just making ends meet myself and then strapped with a situation like this - I can't."

You may be barking about the economy, but many people simply can't afford their pets.

Eric Durcinka, Elkhart County Humane Society, Indiana
"They're moving and they're leaving their animal behind. Luckily, we usually get a call from the bank if the bank has foreclosed on the house. [One pet owner] wanted to get her [pet] spade and couldn't afford to do it."

So Trinity's owners brought her to the shelter.

Eric Durcinka, Elkhart County Humane Society, Indiana
"These are our night deposit or drop boxes."

And every morning for the past few months...

Eric Durcinka, Elkhart County Humane Society, Indiana
"They're completely full. Not only was every cage full but one of the human officer vehicles had been left here for the night and its cages were full. All kinds of emotions go through you. It's unfortunate and you know the cages are going to be full."

Taz's deal may be a little sweeter than most...His owner is determined to find the means.

Lisa Grawunder, pet owner
"If it means selling means or trading work or if it means not having surgery on my right hand in six weeks, there has got to be a means to provide for him."

If you need assistance, The MSPCA and the Massachusetts Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA) offer reduced cost spay and neuter operations for low-income pet owners through the The Spay/Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP). 

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