Economic woes hit most helpless among us hardest

It's usually the most helpless among us who suffer the most during economic downturns, and this one is no exception.

Faced with taking care of their children or pets, more and more of us are being forced to give up animals that are just as much a part of the family.

McCook Humane Society shelter director Lorie Prestes knows of three instances over the last two weeks where pets were brought in because of layoffs.

The owners had to give up their homes and go back to renting houses or apartments that didn't allow pets.

"They can't afford to feed them or pay the vet bills," Prestes said.

The Nebraska Humane Society's shelter began tracking the number of pets given up because of financial constraints this year. Through mid-November, more than 275 pets were given up because their owners said they couldn't afford to keep them.

For example, two 9-year-old miniature schnauzers were dropped off anonymously with a note that said their owners couldn't afford to take care of them.

"You can tell these have been much-loved pets," Humane Society spokesman Pam Wiese said of the obedience-trained purebreds.

Others, facing a loss of job, have chosen to euthanize their older, sickly pets in need of expensive medication.

The situation makes it more important than ever to have pets spayed and neutered, Prestes said. "And when you do get them, take care of them," she said, urging owners to spay or neuter the animals as soon as they take them out the door.

The shelter is extremely full -- "we even have a rabbit," she said. If you'd like to help out, the shelter always needs paper towels, kitty litter and Joy dishwashing liquid -- the only type mild enough to bathe animals.

If you enjoy playing pool at any level, the third annual shelter pool tournament is set for Jan. 21 at the Kelley Creek Pub at the Republican River Valley Events Center. Proceeds will go to the fund to help pay for some much-needed additional space for the shelter.

Perhaps you have room in your home for a pet or two. Any dog or cat owner can tell you there's nothing like the unconditional love of a pet to welcome you home or keep you company on a lonely winter night.

Or perhaps you'd like to make a donation of funds or your time to take care of homeless companion animals. Call the McCook Humane Society at (308) 345-2372 to find out more.