By Amy Christiansen Special to OnMilwaukee.com Published Jan 03, 2009 at 11:16 AM

Rollo and Jackson are silent victims of the unstable economy. Their family left them behind when they were forced from their residence.

The boys spent about a month at animal control listed as "abandoned" and scheduled for euthanasia.

Thankfully, a caring vet tech at animal control realized they were really a great pair and asked us to consider them for placement in our adoption program. We immediately accepted them and are so glad we did.

The boys are estimated at eight years of age. They are solid black with very similar facial features but easily told apart on the other end. Rollo does not have a tail!

Jackson is very talkative and outgoing while Rollo is a bit more reserved. Jackson prefers playing and running while Rollo prefers resting in a warm lap. Rollo does have a heart murmur which may explain his more reserved nature; he is not, however in heart failure so many years of companionship are expected.

While we don't excuse their family for abandoning the boys in their residence before vacating, we do sympathize with their unfortunate situation. Most small businesses, non-profits especially, are feeling the effects of the sluggish economy. Monetary and in-kind donations are down as compared to this time last year and adoptions are slow.

Please, if you are able, consider assisting with a monetary donation or by donating an item from our wish list. And if you are looking to adopt, please visit the adoption center located in the upper level of Southridge Mall. Detailed wish list and animals for adoption available on the Web site at www.humanemilwaukee.org.

Amy Christiansen Special to OnMilwaukee.com

Amy Christiansen is the Executive Director of the Companion Animal Resource and Adoption Center (CARAC). CARAC is located in the upper level of Southridge Mall and is dedicated to saving the unclaimed strays from the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission.

Amy grew up on the South Side of Milwaukee and now lives in Muskego with her husband and son and their three cats and three dogs. She also takes in the occasional foster dog.