S.W Florida NPR did a piece on this subject last week with the emphasis on what groups are doing to help people hold unto their animals. Many shelters are turning away people and providing donations of food, reduced vet and grooming care which is the bulk of the expense of owning a pet.

While it may seem heartless to give up a pet, it's an even colder fact that many people who are on a fixed or no income have to make the choice between eating a meal and feeding a pet. Before the economic down turn there were people in Atlanta in decent neighborhoods choosing between having a meal and paying for chemo treatments!

If you feel strongly about this (and are able to do this) then volunteer to help in your local shelter, offer to sponsor a pet, etc. There may be many ways we can help without displacing or euthanising a beloved pet.