Blog The Change For Animals! Guest Post By Cheryl Lang From No Paws Left Behind

National Non-Profit Committed to Helping the Silent Victims of America’s Foreclosure Crisis Hits Major Milestone

Organization started by REO property management president and CEO,

rescues 1000^th animal and urges Americans to “Leave No Paws Behind”

At the close of 2010, No Paws Left Behind, Inc. (NPLB) announced its1000^th foreclosure animal rescue. To date 1000 abandoned animals from dogs, cats, llamas to pot-bellied pigs have been successfully rescued and placed in “No Kill” shelters where foster care is provided until adoptive families can give them a good home.

In light of the increasing foreclosure epidemic, many homeowners have been faced with the hardship of having to leave their homes due to the current depressed economy that has rocked the housing market. In addition to losing their homes, many owners lack the financial means to continue taking care of their companion pets and end up leaving them behind. Subsequently, many pets are found locked in basements, garages, or simply left in backyards without adequate sustenance.

Headquartered in Houston, No Paws Left Behind was formed by a nationally recognized business woman and community leader. Cheryl Lang, President and CEO of Integrated Mortgage Solutions, (“IMS”), a leading provider of REO property inspections and rehabilitation was moved to create NPLP, after coming face-to-face with countless abandoned animals at inspection sites and vacant properties.  NPLB maintains a not for profit status and is a 501c3 organization.

Cheryl Lang

“Sadly, the current housing crisis has severely affected countless homeowners creating a trickle down negative effect on helpless animals,” said Cheryl Lang. “During routine housing inspections, we frequently discover animals left behind in deplorable conditions with no food or water and at times inadequate shelter,” added Lang.

Across the nation, NPLB has located homes and shelters and/or well-being support for 1000 abandoned animals found on foreclosed properties. With community support from local shelters, rescue groups and tireless volunteers, NPLB provides food, shelter, and vaccinations to abandoned animals 365 days of the year. In addition, the organization provides immediate support to owners faced with the terrible decision of having to part with their animals - from locating a new home for the pet to providing monetary assistance for pet deposits.

According to statistics from the Humane Society of the United States, 63 percent of all American households have pets, including 74.8 million own dogs and 88.3 million own cats. Six million Americans are projected to lose their homes before the financial crisis ends, meaning more than 3.7 million companion pets are at risk of abandonment.

“We receive over 20 calls a week regarding an abandoned pet being left behind,” said Lang. “It’s just heartbreaking.” Our goal is to be the voice of these silent victims and bring greater awareness and solutions to the growing phenomena of foreclosure pets.”

  

As part of their Pet Awareness campaign, No Paws Left Behind has recently launched a hardship pet deposit assistance program that provides foreclosure homeowners with financial assistance, if they are unable to pay a pet deposit for a new home.

“We are thrilled and proud to have reached this momentous 1000^th pet rescue milestone,” said Lang. “We will continue to strive to help homeowners and their pets through this foreclosure epidemic, so that no one is left behind without a home or shelter.  We could not have done it without the generous donations we receive from the general public.”

 No Paws Left Behind Mission Statement

No Paws Left Behind, Inc. is a focus driven not for profit organization, designed to bring awareness to all communities’ silent victims of foreclosure who have no voice or rights to implement change. As a united front, we will restore moral obligation toward all pets that have potential to be, or have been left behind to suffer needlessly. We further pledge to act as a support group for those who find foreclosure imminent and need help finding shelter for their beloved pets; be a resource for those who find or know of abandoned pets, and last but not least, we must unite to end the needless suffering by creating a national movement targeting lawmakers to change the laws categorizing pets as personal property. For more information, visit www.nopawsleftbehind.org.