John Tesh lends his voice to the foreclosure pet problem
John Tesh lends his voice to the foreclosure pet problemJohn Tesh is now a famous new age composer, but his working history proves that he is quite the Renaissance man. In the past, the native New Yorker has been a sportscaster, a news anchor, and a reporter. His experience in entertainment reflects his degree from North Carolina State University, where he studied communication arts and music. Back in the 1970s when Tesh was at WSM-TV in Nashville, Tennessee, he competed for stories with Oprah Winfrey, who worked at a rival station. Then, at the age of 23, Tesh became New York’s WCBS’s youngest reporter. From 1986 through 1996, he hosted Entertainment Tonight. He has also covered sporting events such as the Tour de France and the Olympics. Sports fanatics hold a special place in their hearts for John Tesh because he actually composed the Roundball Rock, which was the theme to the NBA on NBC in the 1990s.
Starting in 2003, John Tesh found his true niche. The John Tesh Radio Show: Music and Intelligence for Your Life, has become increasingly popular and Tesh is one of the most successful syndicated radio show hosts in the country. His radio show is now being heard on over 260 stations nationwide by more than 8 million listeners. The show was inspired by his wife, actor Connie Sellecca, and it’s premise is about giving advice and tips. Tesh explains, “We appeal to people who want to make a change in their life, whether it’s to be better parent or a better pet parent.” The radio show in 2006 even was named by Radio Ink Reader’s Choice Award for “Best Daily Music Program” and “Best Weekly Music Program.”
In his personal life, John Tesh is an avid animal lover, he owns a bird; Coco and a dog; Lucy. He even has a special section on his radio show’s website dedicated to pets. On his page are topics about pets that Tesh has found interesting and note worthy. One such post that caught Animal Fair’s interest was “Pets are Silent Sufferers during the Home Foreclosure Process.” Tesh posted a paraphrasing of the horrible topic that was originally brought to his attention when reported by BusinessWeek.
Unfortunately more and more individuals are foreclosing on their homes. In fact, home foreclosures have increased by 62 percent from a year ago. A home foreclosure is obviously a stressful time for anyone, but more and more “foreclosure pets” are being affected. Individuals are strapped financially and have no where to turn. Pet care is often very low on their priority list. The parents often just close the door and walk away. “The increasing number of home foreclosures is not only devastating for families across the country, but for the family pet as well,” Tesh explains. “Although I don’t condone leaving a pet behind, I can empathize with someone so stressed about where they’ll rest their head at night that they don’t have the will to care for their pets anymore,” he adds.
When the door closes on these animals, a variety of unfortunate situations occur. These pets are abandoned without food or water. They are left to breed uncontrollably. The floors of the home are covered with feces and urine-soaked. Animals are left to perish. Fleas attack. Even when authorities discover these poor animals, they are too injured, dehydrated, starved, and infected to be saved.
Some recent cases have involved a variety of animals. There were 20 birds found abandoned in Ohio. In Oklahoma, 24 horses were left on a ranch. Authorities in Cincinnati discovered over 50 abandoned cats! To avoid this, look into spaying or neutering your pets. Although it does cost money, in the long run you’ll save. “As to what can be done to solve this problem,” Tesh suggests, “perhaps the banks or the mortgage industry could have a hotline specifically for home parents facing foreclosure to answer their questions and give advice – or make home owners aware that there are existing hotlines and help networks. For example: The Homeowner’s Help Hotline: foreclosurehopeandhelp.org/888.995.HOPE – a non-profit organization that offers resources and counseling.”
Tune in to John Tesh’s radio show for a bevy of informative topics and become more aware in your daily life. Also, this past spring his album A Passionate Life was released and features passionate songs written over the past twenty years. Coming up in 2008 his Piano-Gospel-Dance DVD will be available. This entertaining DVD will be combining John Tesh’s music, gospel choirs, and hip-hop dance. It will be interesting to see what John Tesh gets involved with next! Certainly, one of the most vital messages he’s presently voicing over the airwaves is that the growing foreclosure pet problem needs to be addressed.
For more information visit: tesh.com.
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