We received this email that we want to share with you as a response to our foreclosure article about pets being left behind.

When my neighbor had to go into foreclosure, she had two dogs and a cat. The younger dog was taken to her family out-of-state, (we tried to take her, but our 4.5 -lb Yorkshire terrorist wouldn't tolerate another female in the house!) while the older one stayed with her. The cat had been living in the neighborhood ten years and spent most of the day roaming the area. She felt a new home, especially one where he had to be cooped up,
would be no good for him.

Although my husband is dreadfully allergic, we agreed to take care of the cat, if she though he could safely stay outside all the time (we are in Florida). He quickly adjusted to getting his food and water on our porch, claiming a chair there for his own, and I put a collar and tag on him so no one would think he was a stray.

He now has three beds -- two on the front porch, one on the back. One bed is under "his" chair, so in colder weather I tent a heavy quilt over it to provide insulation -- and in the most extreme heat or cold, we do allow him to come in and stay on the first level, where he has now claimed his favorite spots. He usually seems content to come in the front door, look around a bit, and go out again (maybe stopping to drink from the dogs' water
dish.)

It has been almost a year now, and he is doing very well. I make sure to pet and interact with him every day, so he runs up when I pull my car in or come out the door, and goes for walks with our two dogs. He also hangs out with another neighbor cat.

If our friend should ever get into a place where she can take the cat back, we'd be very glad of that, but it seems unlikely. For now (and as long as needed) Mr. D. seems grateful for our hospitality and has become a treasured addition to our family. More people should just pitch in and help in this crisis. The animals didn't choose any of this.

Pet lover in Coconut Creek, FL