Tough times for pets, too

Over the last month or so, several local stories of abandoned and neglected animals have been reported. Sad to say, those stories are likely to multiply, and not just because it's that time of year.

Yes, this is the time of year when people take vacations or move and when Spot becomes, well, a headache. Kennels can be expensive. Neighbors can't be trusted to care for him. Spot gets a one-way trip to the animal shelter or, worse, is left to his own devices.

This wasn't what the pet owner anticipated when he took home the little puppy (or kitten or rabbit). It was companionship.

But this year, there is something else at work — the recession. Pearl Sutton, director of operations for the Charleston Animal Society, said 8 percent more pets were turned in by people who can no longer care for them during the first quarter of this year than last year.

The numbers are troubling: 332 dogs and 125 puppies; 153 cats and 83 kittens; and 53 "others" like bunnies, hamsters and guinea pigs. During a recent week, 60 animals were brought into the shelter and three were adopted.

Every day, the shelter deals with emotional pet owners making the difficult decision to give up their pets through no fault of their own. Some have lost their jobs and can't afford to keep them, and many have had to downsize, perhaps to an apartment that doesn't allow pets.

Those aren't the pet owners to chastise. At least they don't turn their pets loose to fend for themselves. At least after moving to the shelter, those pets might find a new home.

You don't necessarily have to wait until the economy improves to adopt a pet. The need is here now.

Also, the Charleston Animal Society and other organizations have offered numerous programs to make pet ownership work: a pet-food bank; help with spaying and neutering; deferred fees for adoptions. If a person wants to adopt a pet but is unable or uncomfortable going to the shelter, someone from the shelter will even make a delivery. Mrs. Sutton says a new staff position is dedicated to finding homes for animals in the shelter — if not here, then in other parts of the country.

Last year, she said, 41 percent of the Animal Society's animals were adopted. This year, so far, the rate has increased to 43.5 percent. Of course, the shelter's goal is 100 percent.

Budgets are tight, people are fearful about the future and pet ownership isn't for everyone. But a pet can bring comfort — even during an economic downturn.