Ruth Siedlicki got her dog Layla as a Christmas gift four years ago when life was much better.
Since then, Siedlicki has been unemployed and is now living in her car. She has to give her precious gift away.
"I feel like a mouse on a wheel-banging my head against the wall," she said.
Siedlicki has a job now, but she can't afford first and last month's rent or the deposit for an apartment and little Layla can't stay in a hot car all day while she is working.
Making things more difficult, few shelters accept pets.
So, Siedlicki is putting her pet into foster care.
"It's kind of a weight off my shoulders," she said. "I was nervous at first, but we met the lady who's going to take care of her and she's absolutely amazing."
An estimated 30,000 pets live in poverty in Snohomish County alone.
Layla is one of about 70 pets taken in by an organization called Beck's Place in Monroe.
"Many families can't or won't choose services they need to get to stability if it means giving up their pet. We provide human and pet-related services to help families move forward to stability," said Melanie Ryan, founder of the non-profit.
While addicted pet owners may be the most visible segment of the population in need, those escaping domestic violence and senior citizens unable to pay their rent are the two fastest growing segments of the homeless population.
Beck's Place has so many people in need they're partnering with Monroe's Myownly Kennel for emergency cases.
"The success stories are amazing," said Myownly owner Cathi Tower. "There are so many people from so many walks of life. Those people then come back and are volunteering now."
84 percent of the pets put into foster care through Beck's Place are reunited with their owners.
That's the plan for Siedlicki and Layla. They hope to be back together by this Christmas.
The folks at Beck's Place are desperate for volunteers to foster the animals. If you can help, visit their website here.
