Subprime crisis, predatory lending mortgage catastophe affecting the poors and middle class, blah, blah. Wait... doggies? Finally, a reason to care about this devastating economic catastrophe! The Washington Post reports that due to an increasing number of foreclosures, animal shelters are overflowing with dogs whose owners had to give them away.

"In the case of a dog found in the care of a homeless man in Frederick, Shea was able to track its ownership through an identification microchip implanted in the animal's skin. When an animal control officer went to the owner's address, he found a vacant 'McMansion,' Shea said."
'Some people will just open the door and let them out, hoping for the best,' she said."

It's Wall Street's fault, Spot. Bite them.
Losing a Best Friend Along with the House [Washington Post]