Still tough out there for some pet owners

Here's another article on how pets are being impacted by the recession.

The Dallas Morning News said more pet owners are cutting out vaccinations, skipping veterinary visits and even surrendering the animals to shelters or opting for euthanasia for sick animals instead of having to pay for long-term medical care.

"There's a lot of pain," said Nikki Walker, development director at Operation Kindness, a North Texas shelter that has seen owner surrenders increase dramatically. "People are having to make tough decisions about feeding their pets or feeding their children."

In March, the American Veterinary Medical Association reported statistics showed how the recession was affecting vet care.

The study found clinic visits were down and pet owners were choosing less expensive treatments and refusing nonessential and diagnostic procedures.

Locally, there is a shelter that takes in cats and kittens — Mid Hudson Animal Aid, Inc., in Beacon — that may have to stop taking in cats until its donations increase. Their capacity is 180 felines; they know have well over 200.

I'm working on a story about the private, nonprofit organization, in fact photographer Karl Rabe is scheduled to shoot some pictures at the shelter today. As soon as I know when the story is going to run, I'll post information.