Milwaukee has undeniably felt the effects of the suffering national economy. Times are tough and finances are equally as stressful for many Milwaukee and surrounding area residents. The economy has affected individual households in various ways, including the dogs of many households. The stressful economy has often forced people to give up their pets to local shelters because of financial inability to care for them.
Rachel Coolborth, a member of Elmbrook Humane Society, validated this assumption stating, “More dogs are definitely being put up for adoption. The economy is definitely a factor. Lots of people are losing jobs and the shelters are becoming more crowded. “
Coolborth also noted that there are dogs of all ages being put up for adoption, as well as an increase of unfixed dogs being put into rescue facilities. “People just don’t have the money,” Coolborth adds. “There are way less dogs being spayed and neutered.”
Unfortunately, spaying and neutering pets is expensive, even with cost effective alternatives, such as getting them fixed at a humane society. Unfixed dogs can sometimes be more challenging than fixed ones and some unfixed male breeds require more dog food than neutered ones. There is no cost effective way to have a pet. “They are a 15 year responsibility, like a child.” Coolborth says. “You have to take them for shots and yearly exams.”
Unfortunately, stressful financial times do not make the financial responsiblity of having a dog any easier, as evidenced by the influx of dogs in shelters. Coolborth advises people to really think twice before purchasing a dog. Although caring for a dog is a very rewarding experience, financial strain can make the animal a burden and putting a dog up for adoption is heartbreaking for both the family and the dog.
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