This morning while drinking my coffee and having breakfast I was watching the Today Show. They had a segment on animal hoarding. I have to say it was a relief to see. It is a growing problem and I like that it is getting the attention it deserves. The segment was actually a very good representation of people who hoard animals. The woman they focused on was not made out to be a crazy cat lady. She was actually very upset and concerned about her animals. She truly wanted what was best for them. The SPCA was there helping her spay and neuter the animals and allowed her to keep a few of them. I really liked that the SPCA was willing to work with the woman and not condemn her for her love for animals.

Unfortunately there are many cases where the animals are malnourished and neglected. I believe strongly it is not the intent of the owner. However the animals just continue to procreate and the problem becomes out of their control. It is also important to understand that people that do this are not crazy. They may possibly have a compulsive disorder and may have suffered a great loss. Grief can really effect us in many strange ways.

Ironically, I recently met and spoke with Matt Paxton from Clutter Cleaners. He helps people in these severe hoarding situations. He was wonderful and so passionate about his job. He works with local counties and towns to help hoarders keep their homes so they don’t end up on the streets. I strongly recommend calling Matt if you know someone with a hoarding problem.