Pets: New Valley pet rescue group needs help

A new nonprofit pet-rescue group in the Valley is being organized to help dogs, cats and other companion animals affected by the growing problems of foreclosures and evictions across the Valley.

Founded in June, Lost Our Home Pet Foundation is made up mainly of real estate and lending professionals who, unfortunately, come across abandoned pets on a regular basis.

"Because we are a new group, our greatest immediate need is foster homes, volunteers, donations and transport drivers in all areas of the Valley," said Jodi Polanski, president of the new rescue. Polanski is a lender with Security Mortgage and founded the group after hearing dozens of heartbreaking stories about pets being left behind in empty homes, some with no food or water, and some not fortunate enough to survive.

"The more volunteers we have, the more animals we will be able to help," Polanski added.

As a new group, Lost Our Home Pet Foundation is not able to intake any animals right now until they establish a foster and volunteer base.

"We are desperately looking for people who can serve as temporary and intermediate fosters until we can find these precious lives their forever home," Polanski explained. "While terribly unfortunate, having a home foreclosed upon is not an unexpected event, so there really is time to ensure pets receive proper care. Pet parents should try to find a family member, friend or neighbor to help out temporarily or permanently with their pet.

"If no one is able to help, we can," she continued. "Our first goal is to keep the pet with the family so we offer assistance in finding pet-friendly rental properties and, in some cases, can steer pet parents to agencies that can help pay for pet deposits."

Polanski noted there are families who can no longer afford to keep their pets.

"In an effort to encourage those families to keep their pet we have our Furry Friends Food Bank, which will provide pet food and other items needed to support a pet," she said. "Of course, there is an application for this program to ensure we are helping out those really in need."

Lost Our Home Pet Foundation is run 100 percent by volunteers and donations. Funds, fosters and volunteers are very limited. Donations and volunteers are needed now to support their programs.

Anyone who would like to donate to the group, become a volunteer, provide foster care or assist as a transport driver is urged to visit www.LostOurHome.org or call (480) 656-0888.