adopt a dog

Pictures of oil-soaked birds and sea creatures are the public image of the BP oil spill. But they aren't the only animals affected: The economic catastrophe in the Gulf Coast region has forced people to surrender dogs and cats in droves because they can no longer afford to care for them.

The recession saw many losing their homes and wondering where -- or if -- they'd get their next meal. And we're not just talking about people. Shelters and rescue organizations continue to see an increase, some as much as 10%, of homeless dogs file into their doors. Many have been surrendered by...