Economy's Woes Mean Housing Crisis For Pets, Too

Enlarge The Humane Society

Humane Society staffer Stephanie Shain (with her dog Sue) runs programs that promote responsible pet-keeping.

The Humane Society

Humane Society staffer Stephanie Shain (with her dog Sue) runs programs that promote responsible pet-keeping.

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Molly (left) and her brother Panda Bear, together again at Shain's Washington, D.C. home.

Molly (left) and her brother Panda Bear, together again at Shain's Washington, D.C. home.

The recent economic crisis is hurting everyone — even pets. The Humane Society of the United States has seen an influx of animals due to home foreclosures and now must figure out what to do with them.

Stephanie Shain, the society's director of outreach for companion animals, has taken her work home with her recently. She's taken in two dogs who had been given up for adoption due to home foreclosures.

Shain first adopted Panda Bear, a fittingly named dog with a black coat and white spots. Panda Bear's sister Molly was adopted by another family — but then she ended up back in the shelter when this new family faced financial difficulties.

Shain eventually took Molly in as well, reuniting her with Panda Bear.

At the Humane Society, Shain promotes responsible pet-keeping and is an advocate for adoption. She also runs campaigns against greyhound racing and cruelty at puppy mills.

Before joining the Humane Society, Shain worked for The American Anti-Vivisection Society, lobbying against experimentation on animals.