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Cleveland Foreclosure Pets “SAFE”
This was on the news last night and I just had to post it today. First time I’ve heard of a program like this helping people find a haven for their pets when they are facing foreclosure. From wkyc.com:
CLEVELAND — Family pets are among the foreclosure crisis victims.
Some are found abandoned and others are dropped off at over-crowded shelters.
The exact numbers of pets affected aren’t known, but the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals estimates one in 159 homeowners is at risk of foreclosure and over 60 percent of homes have one or more pets.
That adds up to a whole lot of pain and suffering for the families and the animals they love.
When Army Veteran Una Biami lost her home to foreclosure, it wasn’t just her future in jeopardy, but that of her guinea pig, cat and dog “Abbey.”
“I was crying big time for a couple of days because I didn’t know what to do,” Biami said.
She turned to a program called “SAFE,” conceived by Heather McNally Milko.
“They’re thrilled. They call us angels. They can’t believe that someone is offering this service to them,” McNally Milko said.
“SAFE” finds shelters, like the Barkley Pet Hotel, to take in family pets whose owners lost their homes, are victims of domestic violence or have medical emergencies, at no charge to pet owners.
Barkley Pet Hotel President Howard Perlmuter says “Winston” gets the same pampering as the paying customers.
“Grooming, day camp, everyday swimming in the pool — It’s a lot of special tender love and care and special attention,” Perlmuter said.
Winston’s owners lost their home. He’s been here a month.
“We’ll take care of them until the family can get back on their feet,” McNally Milko said.
In a year of its existence, “SAFE” has found temporary housing for 30 dogs, 72 cats and a guinea pig.
Biami wrestles with finding work and a roof over her head, but finds a peace of mind when it comes to her pets.
“Wherever I’m at, I’ll be safe and all my babies will be safe with me,” She said.
“SAFE ” is holding a benefit for pets and people Saturday, May 16 at the Barkley Pet Hotel. Admission is $15 and there is an auction, art show and refreshments.
All proceeds go to the cost of caring for these abandoned animals.
That’s a great program. Washington Humane Society (DC, not the state) operates a Safe Haven program that educates on the link between abuse of animals and abuse of people and also takes care of pets during the period when someone is deciding to leave an abuser. I wish we could get more funding to expand how many animals can be taken and how long they can stay.
I’m glad that Clevelanders have an option. It’s heartbreaking to see people crying and pets cowering when the people bring their pets to the shelter because they can’t afford housing that allows pets anymore. Maybe this economic downturn will finally convince more rental companies that they need to have pet-friendly policies.
Sounds like a good program
Thank dogness fow angels like these. Those poow hoomans awe going thwough such twauma. At least they can feel that theiw beloved pets awe safe. One less wowwy fow them. I hope the fundwaisew is a big success.
smoochiekisses
ASTA
that’s a great story. our mom wonders what would happen to all of us if we lost our home… it’s scary.
woofs.
This is great news for our city’s pets. I really hope the fundraiser does well and thank yiou for getting the word out about this. More people need to know that this is an option I think.
This is wonderful! Fear of pets being killed at the shelter would not help someone down on their luck to climb back up.
What a GREAT program. more cities need to have something like this going on to help people out. i sincerly hope their fundraiser goes well.
Great idea and what a wonderful resource for people. We agree with Animla Luvr that more cities need to have programs like this. This is such a tough time for a lot of people and a REALLY tough time for most shelters and rescues. they are overwhelmed right now.
How wonderful there are people addressing this issue. SAFE offers a much needed service and thank heaven for places like the Barkley Pet Hotel that participate. And thank you for helping them get publicity for their fundraiser.
wow great info!
I am happy to see SAFE is still a thriving program. I know Jim Prueter,- he has helped several of my pets, and will continue to be my vet whenever any situation gets complicated. He mentioned this program to me several years ago, and I am thrilled to see how it has grown.. I will be getting a membership for sure.