To the Editor:

Everyone knows that times are hard. Many families have experienced layoffs, pay cuts and foreclosures. Fortunately, there are many organizations in McHenry County that do amazing work for people in need – Pioneer Center/PADS, local food pantries, churches and more.

But families aren’t just made up of people. For many of us, our family includes a dog, cat or another animal friend. When families lose their homes and livelihoods, it’s not only the people who suffer – pets pay the price too. Often, they simply are abandoned into a world of cars, predators and other dangers that a family pet isn’t prepared to face. The lucky ones might get brought to a shelter, but shelter space is scarce, and older animals are less likely to be adopted than younger ones.