What about the pets, you ask? What do the homeless do with them when they become homeless? We can’t answer for everyone, but we can tell you what we’ve observed in our years in the motels.
Shelters are overflowing with pets whose owners can no longer afford to take care of them. Some have been responsibly surrendered. Many have been abandoned, their secure little worlds ripped apart by owners too self-centered to do the right thing by their loyal companions.
Interestingly enough, we’ve observed that the motels abound with pets. Why would anyone want to hold onto a pet they can’t feed or take care of, you ask? Because their owners can’t imagine abandoning them or giving them up to a shelter for certain death. Just as they would never give up their children, most motel residents do not abandon their pets. They do the best they can to take care of them.
We think that’s pretty commendable. How can you help? It’s pretty simple. You don’t have to start a rescue program or anything complicated. Just take a bag of dog or cat food to your local motel and ask the owner to distribute it. Or, find out what nonprofits in your area provide food for pets, as well as people. They’ll be glad to accept your donation.
We certainly would.