Hi all,

Every morning on the way to work I pass a man that lives rough with his JRT bitch, I feel very sorry for them both, and sorry if this sounds selfish but I feel even sorrier for the dog. She just sits in his lap all day, sometimes I've seen him play ball with her and she's just a little angel. Yesterday, I gave him a fiver........ I know you shouldn't really give them money but I hoped he might get themselves something to eat.

Are these dogs really loved and looked after or do they get abused when these people drink at night? I never see her with any water but she looks quite well so must be eating........

Sofia :(

Sofia,

A lot of street dogs who are living rough with there owners are better looked after than dogs in the home.

Of course there will always be some people living rough with dogs that are not cared for very well but afraid that is life.

Hope you are well??

Karen

I think you need to remember that, in most cases their dogs are their life. The dog is not only highly valued company but also an early warning system too. Most of the dogs get attention 24/7 and are doted on. I am sure that there are exceptions but as Karen said thats life and happens in *normal* homes too :-)

Leigh x

It's also worth remembering that the authorities (and I include my own work here) are not helping by refusing to allow pets into homeless hostels, shelters, residential homes etc. And people don't want to give their dogs up and move into accommodation, so the "authorities" are encouraging people to remain on the streets.

Where we can we should encourage "the authorities" to provide accommodation for people with dogs and allow dogs into old people's homes etc. And also to fundraise for the PDSA and encourage vets who give free treatment to homeless pets.

I always used to buy my big issue from a young man with a lurcher, who lived in a caravan - when the weather got really bad (as it tends to in Aberdeen), he used to get the person who lived near his caravan to look after her for the day, so she wouldn't get cold, wet and miserable. Since Tesco became a Gap, I haven't seen him. But he's good proof that these people do love their dogs.

We do have one dog in one of our homeless hostels - she came with the resident and we all turned a blind eye. The original dog died, so they all clubbed together and bought a black lab bitch - she is spoilt rotten and has 8 residents and 10 staff doting on her and taking her for walks.

Many years ago I done a national sleep out for 2 days in order to help and raise money for the homeless.

A lot of these people had dog's and I spent time talking to them and most off them cared for there dog's more than anything else they would go without food so the dog was fed.

And yes it's a shame more homeless hostels will not allow dogs.

karen

When we lived in Sussex there was one young guy who I always gave money to. He had 2 gorgeous dogs and they were amongst the best trained dogs I've ever seen. They were only young but would happily sit on their blanket and watch the world go by.

I became very good freinds with this guy and even took his dogs to the vets for him for their jabs so he didn't have to give up his "pitch". The local vets all new him and his dogs got all of their treatment at "cost" - not that they ever needed anything more than their jabs/flea/worming treatments.

This guy was the sweetest, most loving guy that I have ever met and he adored his dogs often going hungry so they didn't have to - not every "normal" dog owner would do that. (I'm not including us responsible dog owners, we'd do anything for our dogs!!)

One of the reasons I finally agreed to give blood was because a friend of mine who was trying to persuade me said "I bet you'd give blood without a second thought if it was for a dog"

In Edinburgh there are numerous people on the streets with dogs and I just can't help but give them money. Someone told me that it was one man in particular sending these people out onto the streets and then returning to him at the end of day to line his pockets, they of course got a small percentage. I don't know if this is really true but just can't take the chance. The dogs usually look in better health than the owners.

I might be wrong here but I thought there was an animal charity who worked very closely with these people in ensuring the animals were well cared for and received veterinary treatment as and when needed. I remember seeing something on the TV about it however can't think of their name.

Might come back to me tommorow after all the drugs have worn off (wisdome tooth came out today) on second thoughts maybe not - be back on the wine tommorow :D

I think that in some cities they hold special RSPCA clinics for homeless people which are free, this strikes me as a good idea, but I expect their funding is limited.
emily
ps. just to be clear, I mean clinics for the dogs!

Yes, there are several charities working with animals belonging to homeless people. I believe there is a specialist one in London, also the RSPCA, the PDSA and The Blue Cross do work in various places. Incidentally if anyone is worried about giving money how about the odd can of dog food or packet of dried food?

Many years ago I had a teacher who when asked for money for food or a cup of tea would always offer to take the person to a cafe and buy them a drink or a meal. He felt that if they accepted he was sure that it was tea or food they wanted and not alcohol and he was always willing to spare his time to talk to them as well. He was a far better person than I could ever be!
Joan
Take the rough with the smooth.