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Some of the collateral damage from the DHL/ABX layoffs in Wilmington, Ohio now includes pets.According to Jennifer Cowman of the Clinton County Humane Society, people are leaving pets tied to the front of its building overnight."Many families have lost their homes due to foreclosure and have been forced to give up their pets, as they are not able to keep them in their new living situation," Cowman said.
Jennifer Ashcraft and her husband moved to Wilmington to find work. On Thursday, they brought in a litter of 9-week-old puppies.
"Neither of us have gotten jobs yet," she explained while her voice cracked and her eyes began to well up. "With the way the economy is now I just don't have the money to take care of them the way they needed to be taken care of."
Ashcraft held back the tears when she talked about surrendering the puppies' mother to the shelter in a couple of weeks.
"That will be the hardest part because we've had her since she was a 4-weeks-old."The shelter is located next to DHL/ABX at 1760 Fife Avenue and has room for about 60 dogs and cats, but its current occupancy is over 100.The staff encourages people to consider helping thin the population by adopting from their shelter in order to make room for more animals. "This would allow us to not only save the adopted cat or dog's life, but it will also allow us to take in and help more animals." Cowman insisted, "We receive at least two litters of puppies weekly and have been taking in kittens by the dozen."The shelter is funded by 100 percent donations and is need of food, paper towels, bleach, towels, and money.A yard sale fund raiser is planned June 26 and 27 at the Wilmington Church of God food pantry building at 627 S. Nelson Avenue.Click here for more information about adopting and what you can do to help.
Copyright 2009 The E.W. Scripps Co. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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