Army towns struggle to care for abandoned pets

Animal shelters in army towns say they're feeling the pinch as U.S. soldiers ship out to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Deployed owners have surrendered thousands of dogs and cats to local pounds and animal shelters, sparking a national effort to give soldiers alternatives when they leave for war. The programs aim to stem pet abandonment and euthanasia by connecting pet owners to foster homes and caregivers:

• NetPets Inc. (www.netpets.org)

• Patriotic Pets Inc. (www.patrioticpets.org)

• Operation Noble Foster (www.operationnoblefoster.org)