SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -
The real estate crash has not only been hard on Arizona families, it's been hard on their pets.
This year, the Arizona Humane Society has investigated more calls for abandonment than any other issue and that means more pets in need of loving homes.
Sadeekee is a little shy. He's new to this north Scottsdale home and he's only lived there for two days.
"Loved him right away. He's a really sweet kitty and a great addition to our household," said Vickie Wittie.
Wittie loved the 5-year-old black and white cat's loyalty.
"Who was such a loyal kitty trying to stay with his family," she said.
But his old family didn't want him.
The cat pawed at the door trying to get into his house, but the owners had left him behind to fend for himself.
The house was in foreclosure. His former owners were forced out. They took all of their belongings, but no one came back for the cat.
"He was just thin..he was just boney."
That's how Cathleen Collins found the cat six weeks after the house was foreclosed.
"He was matted, dirty and sad," she said. "He wanted his family."
This cat is not alone. Many pets are left behind after a foreclosure and that's why Jody Polanski started the Lost Our Home Pet Foundation.
"It's harder to find a pet-friendly apartment than it has been in the past," she said. "A lot of people just don't have a lot of options for their pets."
This kitty has a happy ending with the Witties. He's the poster pet for abandoned animals and a reminder not to leave your pets behind.
Sadeeke will be honored in the 10th annual Hero awards. It's a fundraiser for the Maricopa County Care and Control shelter.
Online:
www.maricopa.gov/pets
www.lostourhome.org
