As the economy weakens, more and more people are saying farewell to Fido.

Many families simply can't afford to spend a $1,000 or more a year to care for their cats and dogs.

"It's so tragic when families reach a point when they can't afford to care for their pets," Adam Goldfarb, a Humane Society spokesman said.

"People are embarrassed to admit that's why they're giving up their pets," said Betsy McFarland, the Humane Society's director of communications for companion animals.

Unfortunately, animal shelters can't take in all the animals.

They say the economic downturn also means donations and government funding have dropped.