LAS VEGAS -- When money is tight, struggling Nevada families turn to a food bank to fill the dinner table. Scrounging to pay bills, feeding a pet can become financially impossible. A local effort aids families to prevent them from giving their animals up.
Las Vegas leads in foreclosures in the nation, and with that comes one of the biggest needs in the country to save cats and dogs from being abandoned. It's escalating, but members of the community believe they have the recipe to prevent this huge pet problem.
Everett Croxson, the co-founder of Foreclosed Upon Pets, Inc., says because of the economy, even more animals are appearing at his table.
"When you're in a foreclosure situation, you're actually losing everything that you own. It's bad when you have to lose your pet, too," he said.
His organization operating out of a foreclosed home is the last line of defense for overcrowded shelters, helping animals get adopted. Stores like Petco have pet pantry's bins set up for customers to donate supplies to help families drained of dollars. It's their way to serve support.
"Have the food for them, have the treats for them, not have to worry about spending that money that they can spend elsewhere for rent," said General Manager Adam Manley.
Organizations, corporations and the community are the ingredients Croxson says it takes to fight four-legged famine.
From rent of that home to food and time by its members, Foreclosed Upon Pets is based solely on donations, and they're badly needed. Croxson says for every one pet they save, several others are put to sleep simply because someone couldn't afford them anymore.
