More pets being re-homed after divorcing couples face financial difficulties

IT’S not only children whose lives change when parents go their separate ways, now more dogs are being dumped after divorce. Dee Why resident John Brown has rescued two dogs after divorcing couples went their separate ways.

John Brown with Bella who he adopted after her former owners divorced.

IT’S not only children whose lives change when parents go their separate ways, now more dogs are being dumped after divorce.

At least 60 per cent of animals - 40 dogs and 25 cats - currently looking for new homes at Animal Adoption Agency are the result of a broken home, revealing a hidden epidemic.

It is not uncommon for them to fret and take many weeks to come to terms with being separated from their owners; going off their food, confusion and looking very depressed are the most common side effects.

Agency owner Lee Amiti said that animals were being surrendered at an alarming rate following a relationship breakdown, resulting in financial hardship and people moving into units.

John Brown adopted his loyal dog Bella after she was surrendered following a divorce.

“We’ve been re-homing pets abandoned by marital breakups for years, and we’re urging people to consider their pets because they too suffer a loss,” Mr Amiti said.

“With one in four marriages ending in divorce, we allow those going through difficult times to surrender their pets in a guilt free environment because we understand how harrowing it can be.

“However, finding these animals a new home is an expensive and difficult task.”

While the no-kill shelter is located in western Sydney, Dee Why resident John Brown has adopted two of his beloved pets from there after they were surrendered due to divorce.

His newest addition to the family is 11-year-old Bella, a German Shepherd cross, who fits in well with his other dog, Ted, a four-year-old Pomeranian.

John Brown with his beloved pets, Bella and Ted.

Bella’s former owners re-homed her due to financial difficulties following a relationship split, a move which upset their two young children.

“We matched Bella with John because he’s in his mid-60s and doesn’t need an active young dog,” Mr Amiti said.

“Bella is the most easy going dog and they enjoy going for walks to the park every day.”

The shelter advised that the sooner animals were adopted into new homes, the quicker the healing process is.

Visit animaladoption.com.au