How do you feel about homeless people having dogs?

Question

I have been seeing more and more homeless people with animals. I stopped to give a lady and her dog food and she said that her and her SMALL (maybe 7pounds) dog have been homeless for about 3yrs. SAD. What do you think about it?

Answer 1

Dogs don't mind living outside, they just want companionship, and a homeless person will always be with their dog. I have no problem at all with homeless people having a dog, provided that the animal is well taken care of.
I personally feel that with all the homeless animals, that there should be a program where the state provides homeless people with pet food and vet care, if the person is mentally well enough to care for the dog, because a homeless person provides better companionship for a dog than a shelter. In a shelter they get their basic needs met, but who loves them and can really be their family?
I met a homeless man at a gas station that had a cute dog. I went up to ask him if he had enough food for his dog and he said he feeds her before himself. She was well cared for, not at all underweight and you could tell she was well treated. She was happy and not fearful at all. He had his coat on her to keep her warm and it looked to me like he was a better owner than many wealthy people. His first priority was his dog.
I have no problem with it all as long as the homeless person has the mental capacity to properly care for the dog.

Answer 2

well its a hard life being homeless I know from experiance. But having an animal with you makes life a little easier. And for sure the homeless person would do all they could to feed and take of that animal as they do for themselves. Consider the alternative for the homeless animal, living in a cage at the "humane" society till it gets too crowded with other animals then being put down or living with your human you love? Personally I was not homeless by choice, I even had a job their are many reasons why a person may become homeless. I wasn't homeless for long thanks to an abused woman shelter that let me stay and save my paychecks for 60 days so I could afford to get into an apartment of 'my own'.

Answer 3

Dogs provide the unconditional love that we humans crave, but have much difficulty giving ourselves.

For homeless people, a dog is often the only creature that will give them love, companionship, protection, and a sense of purpose. It helps keep them healthier and sane, in an environment that can drive even the strongest person well over the edge.

I get really angry when I hear people say things like "what are they doing with a dog if they can't even take care of themselves." Well, I think they get more from this dog than from any social or charitable agency. The few food scraps it takes to keep the dog fed are well worth what they get in return.

Personally, I would like to see more done to help the homeless keep their dogs, whether it's dog-friendly homeless shelters and soup kitchens, or help with veterinary care.

Answer 4

First of all, most people are on the streets out of choice. They don't want to take advantage of programs to help them because they don't want to follow the rules. Others are mentally ill and the laws aren't protecting them these days. They should be rounded up and forced into programs to look after them. It's hard on the families. And, it's even harder if you have a pet, because shelters for people aren't going to let you bring your pet too. The pet will have to go to the humane society or whatever animal shelter you have.

I don't understand why the humane societies or SPCA does not take those animals away from the owners. However, I will admit I've seen some pretty happy, healthy pets in a homeless person's arms. They looked well fed, better than the owner.

I really do feel for both the human and the animal. It's a very sad sight indeed.

Answer 5

I have seen and worked with many homeless people and their pets. Most of these pets are dearly loved, maybe even more than we love ours. Frequently, the dog is that person's only friend and only consistency in their difficult life.
'Homeless' pets in my area frequently have shoppers give them food for their dog, and maybe the person, too - so that might be a benefit!
Anyone who truly believes that 'most homeless people want to be that way' because they 'don't want to follow the rules' is sadly uneducated.
At least 1/3 of them are mentally ill [ thank you President Reagan ]; and another third had everything we do - and lost it.
Imagine you lost your income, NOW, today, with no new job - how long would it take you to lose your home, have your car re-possessed, your spouse leave?
Are you aware you can't even get welfare or ADC if you don't have a fixed address?

Answer 6

I think that it is wonderful. Maybe it gives that homeless person a reason to keep trying in life. We all have our things that keep us going. I know in my city a lot of the food banks, missions, and churchs and humane societies hand out pet food as well as people food. I also know that a few of the missions also have yearly checkups for homeless people's pets. It is really great. I donate regularly. I also carry the information so if I ever cross paths with a homeless pet and their human I can give it to them. A few minutes of your time can make all the difference in another person's(or dog's life). What you did was so awesome!

Answer 7

i myself desire to assert specific. extremely some the canines i've got seen with the homeless would by no ability be observed in a safeguard. they have by no ability been dealt with, and that they are ALL strays. in the event that they have been taken from the homeless that they had be placed down. somewhat, they create peace and entertainment to those who stay on the line. The dogs is probable the only ingredient risk-free or consistent of their lives. on the different hand, those canines are not being cared for appropriate. And the human beings who look after them commonly bypass with out foodstuff themselves so as that they might feed the animal. So in some techniques, it hurts the guy. regardless of the undeniable fact that it saves the animal from euthanized. Ugh, this would properly be a annoying one.

Answer 8

Very well put DP!

Homeless people often attach to stay and homeless dogs. It's better for the dogs than being totally alone.

Homeless people from time to time show up at our shelter with sick dogs. At least they try to get help for the dogs whereas some people here who have money for computers go on how they can;t afford to take their dog to a vet.

I actually have great compassion for the homeless who often put the dogs before themselves. Very often they are each others only friend.

Answer 9

with all the homeless people and homeless dogs i think its great that they have each other, i dont think the dog minds if he doesnt have a fancy home or an owner with out a lot of money he has some to love and care for him and i am sure that he is happy with that.

Answer 10

If they are able to provide food and water for the dog and also provide some sort of vet/clinic care, then I don't see the problem. Dogs are wonderful companions and very loyal. Sometimes that may be the homeless person whole world. I know I personally call my dogs, my 'kids'. But they also need care, shots and medication.