and in many cases, the family pet has become a luxury they simply cannot afford to keep. here's cnn's randi kaye. >> reporter: the old sheep dog has never seen a drop of oil, never even come close, yet she's homeless because of the spill. sheeba is one of hundreds of dogs and cats now living in louisiana animal shelters. their owners, mainly fishermen and other in the industry are out of work and can no longer afford to care for them. they have a choice. food on the table or the family pet. >> not only is this a postal disaster, it is an animal disaster on so many levels. >> reporter: ana zarilla -- >> think of the oiled birds and the oiled turtles, they don't think of the family pet. >> exactly. i think these are the unseen victims right now in this disaster. >> reporter: unseen no longer.