Animals in Crisis

Along with the continued economic crisis and oil spill in the Gulf, four-legged creatures all over the U.S. and outside the country pay the price.

Sweetie, a pit bull, three years old, who was attacked by four other dogs and had to undergo surgery. (Source: Helping Homeless Hounds).

To make a donation towards her operation and care, access http://dotti.chipin.com/sweetie-attacked-by-4-other-dogs.

The kitty litter shelf at the Francis R. Willis SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) in South Carolina is running low.

To contact regarding a donation question, call 843-871-3820 or if you'd like to swing by to drop some items off, you can find them at 136 Four Paws Lane in Summerville off Highway 78.

The Homeless Pet Advocates are in urgent need of foster homes in the South Florida area. If you live in Dade, Broward, or Palm Beach or near those vicinities, email immediately to foster@thehomelesspetadvocates.com so they can send you a foster application. They also need urgent help covering their boarding expenses and you can donate at http://www.thehomelesspetadvocatesfund.chipin.com.

Smiling Dog Farms in Wharton, TX also needs foster parents for pets. Email Intake@smilingdogfarms.org.

And if you've ever considered fostering, now is the time for Nbran Brittany Rescue. They're in need of foster homes for 15 dogs ranging in ages from eight months to three years old.

For details, email sspaid@verizon.net.

A German Shepherd named Hokie needs donations for his steep medical vet bill.

"As an animal rescuer, I strive to get dogs off the chain and into loving homes," says Shannon Eaton Allen, Facebook administrator of Dogs Deserve Better of the New River Valley, VA. "Hokie is a nine-year-old German Shepherd who I rescued almost a year ago."

Allen worked for nearly three months to get the dog unchained and finally did.

"Hokie spent many years being bullied by other dogs with no option but to fight," said Allen. "Hokie lives the life of any other indoor dog at my home aside from the fact that she has to be kept separated from the other dogs."

The two of them walk, play, and snuggle, writes Allen.

"On May 8 we had a very unfortunate accident," she said. "My husband and I were hosting a graduation party at another location and had been returning home every couple of hours to check on the dogs. At 9:30 p.m. we had again returned home and let the dogs outside to play and potty. After 'their time' out we were going to let Hokie out. Hokie took it upon herself to get out by jumping out the second story window."

Hokie came home May 12 and was recovering nicely at Allen's house in her new first floor room, her office.

"Once her staples are removed, we will be taking her for water therapy where she will be able to participate in 'non-weight bearing' exercises," wrote Allen. "Her vet bill is substantial."

To donate, look up firstgiving.com/ddbnrvva.

On a brighter note, Pet Sitters International contributed to disaster recovery efforts during National Small Business Week last month.