The Great Recession has touched us all. It may be your cousin who lost his job and had to move back in with his folks… or that nice family down the street with the two kids who lost their home to foreclosure and had to move… or maybe it is the waitress who serves you lunch at your favorite diner and is looking pretty tired most days.

The part of the recession story we don’t think about is what happens to the animals when their owners are facing dire times. Where does your cousin’s Tabby go when your aunt finds she is allergic to cats? And what happens to the bouncing Golden Retriever who played with the two kids in the yard every day after school? The apartment the family managed to rent does not allow pets.

And remember the waitress showing you pictures of those two elderly cats she found and took in and loved? What she did not tell you is that she is sleeping in her car and working a second job to keep it together.

We hear these heartbreaking stories each time distraught owners surrender their beloved pets to Delaware Humane Association. They know we will care for them until we find them a new home where they will be loved and cared for.

It costs money to feed and house the hundreds of dogs and cats that are surrendered each year to DHA. To ready these animals for adoption we must spay or neuter, vaccinate, and microchip each one. Many are in poor health and need additional medical care and fostering before they can be adopted.

Any time in life, the most vulnerable among us are always those who suffer most. You can make a difference and see that the animals who have lost their loved ones and homes can once again find the happiness of a forever home.

Please consider making a donation now, and please dig a little deeper than usual, if you are able.

We have never had so many animals surrendered to DHA due
to job and housing loss. In the
best of times, we find our
resources stretched. Now, our
needs are greater than ever.





Raven lived in her owner’s car in
the dead of winter before she
was surrendered to DHA.



Lamb Chop came to us because his owner couldn’t afford to take
care of him. His tail was partially
missing and damaged, requiring several surgeries.