Thank you Kevin for reminding us that animals are often a silent casualty of the economic problems of our country.  I have just adopted a 4 year old shepard-pit mix from our shelter.  We have had her 5 weeks now and she is slowly beginning to trust us.  While she still shy's away if we reach out to pet her she will allow it after a little coaxing.  She joins our 2 other shelter dogs, a10 year old beagle and a 15 year old  poodle-something mix.  Ghandi said that the morality of a nation could be measured by the treatment of her animals.

I join you in urging everyone to do whatever they can to help these forgotten companions.  If you can't adopt, foster, if you can't foster, donate a bag of food, a blanket, a toy, if you can't afford that, volunteer - these animals need more than food and water and shelter, they are social animals JUST like us that need companionship.  Do what you can - your heart will thank you.