Renters find selves in the dog house

Most people would never fathom having to choose between their pets or a roof over their heads. Unfortunately, in the valley, it's a reality perceptive tenants are forced to contend with.

"We actually became homeless because we had pets," says displaced resident Nancy Grenia.

Grenia and her family, which include two dogs had to move, and fast. Her husband had recently suffered an injury at work, which sadly left him out of a job and home.

With 30 days to find something suitable for them, their two kids and their dogs, Grenia was determined to find them a new home to rent. But it wouldn't be easy.

Placing an ad in the paper, describing themselves and their well-behaved pets, the family was optimistic they would be able find a place to call home. The ad ran for three weeks. The family received no calls.    

Meanwhile, Grenia was calling every suitable rental ad, imploring apprehensive potential landlords to meet her pets.

Hudson is a 150-pound ball of love. The five-year-old Newfoundland cross is a breed known for its gentle, loving and obedient disposition. Wally is the family's first dog. The 12-year-old Lab is a breed that needs no introduction as a personable and intelligent creature. But regardless of their redeeming qualities, no one was willing to meet with them.

“It’s people who aren’t responsible pet owners who ruin it for people who are, and those who rent out their houses should at least meet prospective tenants before judging them because they have pets.”

The Grenias found themselves with nowhere to live. They stayed in the homes of friends. Eventually a local motel owner took pity on them allowing them to stay in one of their rooms.

After calling every prospective rental available for two-and-a-half months with no success, Grenia got word of a house in Wilmer where the tenants had made a recent decision to move. Grenia drove to the homeowner’s place introducing herself and asking if they would consider allowing them to move into their rental property.

After meeting the family the home was rented to them. It had taken over one month of being homeless to find somewhere. But with their newfound landlords looking at retiring, it may not be too long before the Grenias find themselves in the same situation. It's the reason Grenia has decided she wants to take a stand against the negative connotation of pets.

"I believe something needs to be done about it. You can either be homeless or abandon your pets. It's just totally ridiculously, it's discrimination."

Prior to being in the valley, the family lived in Cranbrook, where Grenia and her husband volunteered at the local SPCA. It was where the couple first met Hudson, a foster puppy at the time, who soon became part of their lives.

Their experiences at the shelter showed them firsthand the sheer number of loved pets who were given up.        

"The SPCA is full because pet owners don't have a choice."

Local pet rescue ICAN (Invermere Companion Animal Network) president Lana Banham says 20% of the pets she receives are due to housing restrictions.

"There have definitely been some surrenders that have been heartbreaking. Unfortunately these pet owners had run out of options,” she said.

Attempting to confront the affordable housing crisis, the District of Invermere is looking for viable solutions for the area’s most vulnerable residents.

"We are in the process of appointing an interim board for a housing authority," says mayor Mark Shmigelsky.

Although the emphasis is on lower housing costs, Shmigelsky says council would be receptive to the public's input on the needs of the community.

While the project sounds promising, it's also a ways off. The mayor isn't expecting the housing scheme to be implemented for at least another two years.