Shelter Professionals

Toby -- a 9-year-old male Pekinese -- was left in the laundry room of a foreclosed house with some food and water, but no outdoor access. It was estimated he had been there about three weeks before being found. His fur was matted from head to tail and caked with feces, and multiple flea beds were discovered beneath the matted fur. Toby had clearly been neglected before being abandoned, as his teeth were in such poor condition that he could no longer eat. A Foreclosure Pets Grant from American Humane helped pay for the extraction of 10 teeth and vaccinations, and after being shaved and given flea medication, he was feeling better in a matter of days. Fortunately, Toby’s tale has a happy ending: One of the veterinary technicians at the animal hospital where Toby received treatment fell in love with the little dog and promptly adopted him.

Nilla, a yellow Labrador retriever, and her daughter, Choco, a chocolate Lab, had been abandoned in the backyard of a foreclosed home with no water or food. When neighbors reported not seeing anyone at the house for more than two months (during which time they lowered food to Nilla and Choco over the fence), the dogs -- starved for affection as well as nourishment -- were rescued by No Paw Left Behind. With the help of a Foreclosure Pets Grant (as well as a good dewormer, vaccines and lots of TLC), Nilla and Choco settled into their foster home and are preparing to interview for new forever homes where they will be loved, not left behind.

When the owner of two Rhodesian Ridgebacks -- Comet and Angel -- and a pit bull named Duke lost her home to foreclosure, Texas Independent Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue agreed to take in all three dogs while she looks for a new home. American Humane assisted with a Foreclosure Pets Grant that will help subsidize the cost of boarding.

Beautiful 2-year-old Butters and his brother, George, were indoor-only cats who had been abandoned outside for several weeks by owners who were forced to move and could no longer afford to care for them. When a neighbor informed the Sante d’Or Foundation of their plight, one of the organization’s volunteers rescued the inseparable siblings. Unfortunately, the trauma and exposure had affected both animals, especially Butters, who has a compromised immune system. A Foreclosure Pets Grant helped pay for his medical treatment and week-long hospitalization, after which he was reunited with lonely brother George, who greeted him with great enthusiasm. Both cats remain at Sante d’Or, receiving special attention from a kind and generous sponsor, and waiting for a “forever” home where they can live happily ever after -- together. 

When the owner of Blotches, a border collie mix, was deployed to Iraq in 2008, he left the dog in his girlfriend’s care in Tennessee. When she subsequently lost her condominium to foreclosure, she took Blotches to the Tipton County Animal Shelter, where her pacing and crying caused shelter staff to pronounce her “unadoptable.” That’s when Tipton Treasures/PAWS New England -- a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing animals from the overcrowded Tipton shelter and finding them homes -- stepped in, moving Blotches to a veterinary clinic in Memphis. Following lengthy treatment for kennel cough and other maladies, Blotches was transported to her new owner in New York, who calls the newly renamed Annabelle “the most incredible dog I have ever met.” To help offset the cost of her medical care and long-term boarding, American Humane presented Tipton Treasures/PAWS New England with a Foreclosure Pets Grant.

Khan, a 7-year-old German shepherd mix, was a beloved pet. But sadly, he was also becoming a heavy financial burden. Khan’s caretaker, a single mother of two, had lost her home to foreclosure. She was forced to move in with a relative, who could not accommodate Khan. In addition, the dog was suffering from a severe and extremely painful ear infection. Barely able to afford the basics for her children, Khan’s caretaker could not provide the costly surgery that Khan needed. With nowhere else to turn, she contacted her local shelter, hoping that Khan might receive medical treatment and be placed in a new, loving home. Kahn received the surgery he so desperately needed – paid for in part by a Foreclosure Pets Grant from American Humane – and was adopted by a kind couple that lavishes him with love and attention.

In December 2008, an Indiana mailman discovered Beulah, a 7-year-old Malamute mix, standing on the rooftop of an empty home. It was clear that the dog -- who was severely matted and dehydrated -- had been neglected for some time after her owner moved out and made no proper arrangements for the dog’s care. With help from an American Humane Foreclosure Pets Grant, Beulah was treated for removal of a mammary tumor and is recovering in a loving foster home, where she receives the attention and affection she deserves while waiting for a new forever family.

After being displaced from their home due to foreclosure, the owners of 11-year-old Monty and 4-year-old Roxie contacted Bellowood, Inc., clearly heartbroken at the thought of losing their beloved dogs. The rescue group committed to updating the dogs’ veterinary care and providing temporary housing for Monty and Roxie until they can be reunited with their owners. American Humane’s Foreclosure Pets Grant provided funds to help care for and shelter the dogs until the family regains ownership and is together once again.

The owner of Belle, an American quarter horse, suffered a divorce followed by the loss of her home after a mortgage increase left her unable to make house payments without her husband’s income. She found an apartment for herself, but was unable to locate housing that would allow her to keep her horse. With the help of a Foreclosure Pets Grant, WhipStaff Ranch and Rescue agreed to board Belle for one year while her owner is working hard to save enough money to purchase a small farm where she can once again live with her best friend -- her horse.

Chihuahua Princess was a beloved pet. Unfortunately, her owner lost his home in a foreclosure and had to give up his little dog because the family members he moved in with would not allow him to bring her. American Humane’s Foreclosure Pets Grant enabled WhipStaff Ranch and Rescue to spay and vaccinate Princess before adopting her out to a new and loving home.