It's already been reported that the housing slowdown has been impacting the livelihood of pets. Some people facing foreclosure turn in their pets to shelters. One of these stranded cats is a 10-year-old cat named Powder. WNBC reports that Powder, a large 44-pound cat, was found wandering around a New Jersey suburb. His owner was an older woman who lost her home.
Shelter director Jennifer Anderch said the older woman recently lost her home and could not keep the 10-year-old cat, whom she called "Powder."
The shelter has been caring for the cat -- who became a local media sensation this week and was dubbed "Princess Chunk" -- since it was found on Saturday wandering the southern New Jersey suburb of Voorhees.
It also turns out that the princess is a prince. A veterinarian who checked the cat Thursday on "Live with Regis and Kelly" determined it's a "he."
In a week with headlines about presidential politics, suicide bombings in Iraq and big baseball trades, the cat has also captured the nation's attention.
In fact, Anderch has changed her voicemail greeting to identify herself as "Chunk's publicist."
Powder is likely getting headlines because of his large size but it is an important story because it calls attention to growing problem of pets being left homeless due to the housing crisis. Other articles have said that Powder eats normally so his weight is probably not from overeating. Powder's owner did call into the Camden County Animal Shelter but said she was very sad and could not afford to take care of Powder anymore. Powder even made it on to the Live With Regis and Kelly show as you can see here in the Dallas News story. You can read still more stories about Powder here.
Here's an earlier video about Powder from CBS before much was known about her.
The PetPocket Bird Carrier is an an unusual carrier that you carry in front of you like a reversed back-pack. The carrier would be a way for you to take a walk in the park with your bird as the listing on Doctors Foster and Smith explains.
Easily transport your bird - to the veterinarian or the park - and keep him close, safe, and secure. Hands-free, vest-style bird carrier has padded shoulder straps and quick-clip waist strap for comfort. Durable mesh fabric allows good airflow and visibility for your bird. Zippered opening at top and bottom allows access. Removable bottom tray catches messes and wipes clean easily. Includes 1/2" diameter beveled perch and two toy hanging loops. For small and medium size birds, such as parakeets, conures, canaries, finches, budgies, and lovebirds.
This probably wouldn't work for all birds - you don't want to scare your bird or make him long so much for the outdoors he or she tries to escape. On the other hand, some birds do like to be close to their owner and would probably enjoy a walk in the park. You can read a few customer testimonials here. (via Coolhunting)
Kelly Cobiella reports for CBS News that the slowdown in the housing market is also creating problems for pets. CBS says shelters in foreclosure hot zones are reporting significant jumps in the number of pets being turned over. At the same time the number of adoptions is also slowing down which could very well be related to the slowing economy. This is a heartbreaking video report to watch.
New reports say that Leona Helmsley's trust left over $5 billion in a trust fund to take care of dogs. It is unclear if this will go to shelters or how exactly the money will be used. Some journalists are writing editorials urging that the money be given exclusively to pet shelters. A New York Timesarticle says there is still confusion about what will happen with Helmsley's billions.
Her instructions, specified in a two-page "mission statement," are that the entire trust, valued at $5 billion to $8 billion and amounting to virtually all her estate, be used for the care and welfare of dogs, according to two people who have seen the document and who described it on condition of anonymity.
It is by no means clear, however, that all the money will go to dogs. Another provision of the mission statement says Mrs. Helmsley's trustees may use their discretion in distributing the money, and some lawyers say the statement may not mean much anyway, given that its directions were not incorporated into Mrs. Helmsley's will or the trust documents.
Leona Helmsley also left millions for the care of her own dog named Trouble. A judge reduced the amount Helmsley left from $12 million to $2 million - still plenty obviously to take care of Trouble.
It's already been 
The PetPocket Bird Carrier is an an unusual carrier that you carry in front of you like a reversed back-pack. The carrier would be a way for you to take a walk in the park with your bird as the 