PowerPoint Show by Andrew

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In recent years, triple-digit inflation, massive food shortages, rising crime rates, and failing public services in Venezuela have forced many families into difficult decisions. The lack of available and affordable food has led to an increasing number of pets being dropped off at shelters, or simply abandoned in the streets.

The Associated Press reports that “Pet owners say the price of dog food has more than doubled in recent months to $2 a pound, more than a day's pay for those earning the minimum wage.” Reuters recently documented the growing number of abandoned dogs and cats in Venezuela's parks, shelters, and private clinics.

Caretakers pose for a picture at the Famproa dog shelter where they work, in Los Teques, Venezuela, on August 25, 2016. 

Sonrisa is pictured at the Famproa dog shelter in Los Teques, Venezuela, on August 16, 2016. 

A dog named La China. La China died the week after the photo was taken. 

Tomy. "He arrived at the shelter on a Sunday two months ago. 

Katty Quintas, of the Funasissi animal shelter, comes across an abandoned dog rummaging in El Junquito, Venezuela, on July 23, 2016.   

Cachorron (Big puppy) was given his name because he never matured and behaves as if he were still a puppy.  

Paton (big foot), has been given that name because his legs are very long making him a little clumsy when he walks.

Dexis Casadiego, a veterinarian and part owner of the Funasissi animal shelter, examines an abandoned cat at the private shelter.

Enfermera (Nurse) was given that name because she was rescued by a nurse outside of a hospital.

Bolibomba. "She arrived at the shelter two years ago and is very playful. 

Katty Quintas, part owner of the Funasissi animal shelter, plays with her pet dog Sissis at the private shelter in El Junquito on July 21, 2016. 

Ojitos (eyes) has been given that name because she has blue eyes. 

Pastora (shepherd) was given that name because she looks like a German shepherd. 

Three rescued cats watch from the top of a fridge as their food is prepared at the private shelter Funasissi on July 23, 2016. 

Brisa was given her name because she was found in an area called Brisa de Oriente. 

Cucurucha has never been given up for adoption because she is very nervous. 

An abandoned dog pokes his head out from under a door at the private shelter Funasissi on July 21, 2016. 

A veterinarian and part owner of the Funasissi animal shelter, caresses an abandoned dog at the private shelter.