Should The Homeless Have Dogs?

[anthro-nerd]

My pooch has regular walks, lots of doggy friends and he sleeps in bed with me. He has a montly subscription for new toys and endless cuddles...

I always wonder how the dog feels about being homeless... or because they're with their owner... they aren't homeless? I'm never quite sure how it sits with me... to say the homeless shouldn't be allowed pets feels wrong, but then is it right for the pet?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-42201020/the-vet-treating-homeless-people-s-dogs

[lankeela]

http://www.careforthepaw.co.uk/

[anthro-nerd]

Thank you for sharing the link lankeela, excellent idea to raise money for them. I actually run a monthly charity dog walking group, so asking for donations of food, treats and blankets might make a nice change!

[pastafreak]

I'd say all the homeless dog owners who come into the Drop-in where I work treat their animals very well. They are clean, happy, and for the most part of a healthy weight. We did have to help treat one lads dog that had a skin condition, and we work with a local pet shop give out food, etc.
When treated well, a dog is both protection and warmth/companionship that many homeless need.

[EDDIE51]

You may have heard of the Shoebox appeal that collects item for the homeless. This year they are collecting shoebox items for their dogs as well
https://www.salixhomes.org/news/shoebox-appeal-supports-homeless-people-and-their-dogs-christmas
Our local vet is accepting the items and other vets are doing it as well.

[lankeela]

Another excellent idea Eddie

[anthro-nerd]

Lankeel, Eddie, yesterday I rang a local charity that does a free meal for the homeless on Monday nights. I run a group dog walking group and if I asked I know they'd donate leads, collars and food etc. (as good as new, food would be new of course!) and then taking it to the charity. They all seemed keen, just waiting for a call back from the decision maker to arrange a date etc. :-) Thank you for your suggestions, it feels good to be able to help in some way.

[anthro-nerd]

Pasta, that's great news. And I never considered a dog as protection for the homeless, but that's a very good point.

[mikey4444]

For some people, homeless or not, a dog is their only friend !

[anthro-nerd]

Mikey, my dog is my best friend. He's perfect :-)

[Islay]

The dogs give some of these poor homeless something to live for, I cannot for 1 minute think it would be right to remove these from them.
There are charities out there that you can support that provide coats and food for these dogs.
I can also assure you that on the whole these dogs are looked after better than dogs in some pounds.