Most animal rescue groups have been hard hit by the recession—in two ways. More pets are being surrendered as pet owners lose homes or jobs, and donors on tight budgets are making fewer donations. On Friday, local animal lovers have a chance to reverse the four-footed tide.

Annual Silent Auction is Tonight: It's free, fun and easy

Pets in Need's annual benefit auction takes place tonight, Friday, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Dilboy VFW in Davis Square. Everything about this big-hearted event is easy: admission is free, snacks are provided by area eateries and it's a quick, early evening affair.

Stop by to place silent bids on signed sports memorabilia, plane tickets, museum passes, pet products or oodles of restaurant and store gift certificates. The Nahanton Avenue Band will keep the night lively with live '80s hits. A cash bar will be open. All proceeds will go to the care of homeless pets.

A no-kill animal rescue league

For more about the all-volunteer-run animal rescue league—or just to ogle their furry wards, watch the video to the right (it's full of cats). The group has a no kill policy, and they mean it. One legend, Larry the orange tabby, spent four years with Pets in Need scaring away prospective new owners with his missing teeth and scruffy mane, but eventually even he found a loving home.

Pets in Need has offices in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, but the majority of animals are placed in foster homes until they find their "forever homes." Volunteer Sarah Rhines introduced us to some of the animals in the organization. These and all of the other animals up for adoption can be seen at their website: http://animal-adoptions.org/.

To adopt or foster a pet, please visit the Pets in Need website.