Saturday December 20, 2008, 9:18 pm
Indeed, pets can be a key reason that homeless people choose living on the streets over shelters. The National Coalition for the Homeless estimates that between five and ten percent of homeless people have an animal companion (although this has never been formally surveyed). Yet, only two (yes, just 2!) pet-friendly homeless shelters exist in the United States (in Florida and California).

The benefits of having a pet are significant, particularly for homeless people. Pets are non-judgmental and loyal, almost to a fault. They may serve as additional security and protection on the dangerous streets. And studies show that they contribute to the healing process for people with mental or physical illness. According to one expert:

In this very busy twentieth century, man is a lonely creature. There are too many alienated individuals who lack human companionship. They lack purpose and productivity. A simple addition to these lonely lives can sometimes accomplish major changes. The possession of a pet, who eagerly awaits one and responds to one's care and attention, may mean the difference between maintaining contact with reality or almost total withdrawal into fantasy. Literally, a pet can occasionally represent the difference between life and death.
One organization, Feeding Pets of the Homeless, takes a different approach to this issue. Their take? "Pets of the homeless and disadvantaged do not choose their owners." To ensure that pets of the homeless receive care and nourishment, they have established a coalition of food banks and veterinarians specifically for pets of the homeless. (Find out if your community is connected.)

Certainly, it's important to ensure that the pets of homeless people receive adequate care. However, it is even more crucial to recognize that four-legged companions are a key part of a homeless person's life, but may also create an impermeable barrier for the delivery of life-saving services to homeless people.

Sadly, it is unlikely that more pet-friendly shelters will materialize in the near future, given that many organizations are already struggling to meet the needs of homeless humans (although, Vancouver, BC is the proud new owner of such a shelter.

Very sad for the humans and their pets. I can fully understand why they rather stay on the streets with their loved ones, than send them to a shelter. The picture potrays the love, it is utterly heartbreaking but heartwarming too, - the love between the two of them is so touching.

Sunday December 21, 2008, 3:42 am
There should be more shelters that allow pets. Noted thanks Simone.

Sunday December 21, 2008, 5:50 am
IF HOMELESS PEOPLE CAN LOVE THEIR ANIMALS ENOUGH TO KEEP THEM NO MATTER WHAT, THEN WHY CAN'T OTHER PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN HOMES. THEY MUST NOT KNOW THE MEANING OF LOVE, EITHER THAT OR GREED IS TOO MUCH APART OF THEIR LIVES. I FOUND A DOG THE OTHER DAY RUNNING THE STREETS. I CAUGHT IT AND TOOK IT TO MY VETS. THE VET SAID IT LOOKED LIKE SOME ONE JUST TURNED IT LOOSE BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT AFFORD IT ANY MORE. IT DID NOT HAVE A COLLAR ON. WE SCANNED IT AND NO MICROCHIP. THIS DOG WAS SO GOOD. HE CAME TO ME WHEN I CALLED, A TOTAL STRANGER.GOT IN MY CAR WHEN I ASK HIM TO ROAD IN IT LIKE HE HAD DONE IT ALL HIS LIFE. WALKED ON A LEASH, WOULD SIT, SHAKE PAWS, ROLL OVER. HE WAS A BLACK LAB. HE WAS SO GOOD. MY VET IS KEEPING HIM FOR 7 DAYS WITH AN ADD IN THE PAPEER, AND I PUT OUT FLYERS.HOW COULD ANYONE TURN THEIR BACK ON LOVE SUCH AS THIS.AFTER 7 DAYS MY VET IS GOING TO PUT HIM UP FOR ADDOPTION BUT I THINK SOMEONE AT HER OFFICE MIGHT TAKE HIM. HE WAS SO WELL BEHAVED AND WAS ONLY AROUND 2 YEARS OLD, AND A PERFECT ANGEL. CURSE THE PERSON WHO TURNED HIM LOOSE. AT LEAST A COLLAR TO FIND HIS WAY HOME IF THEY WANTED HIM BACK. GOD PUT THESE FOUR LEGGED ANGELS ON EARTH FOR US TO LOVE, AND TO TEACH LOVE. IT IS FOR US TO LEARN FROM THEM.

Sunday December 21, 2008, 8:45 am
This is so heartbreaking. I wish I could help these people so much. Sadly noted. Thanks Simone.

Sunday December 21, 2008, 10:51 am
Truly, when we own nothing, and it is just 'me, myself and God', then the value of love is all that matters. We have our lives, our gadgets, our gossip, our tea parties, our work, our wars. The man in this picture has more than all of us - he has true, unconditional love, and more importantly - he is giving true unconditional love. May God be with you dear person, and to all those in the same situations. We need a Florence Nightingale to massively start the campaign for shelters to take in pets. Who in the USA will it be? I am already working on something similar here in South Africa, plus the post about the sheriff getting jailed peoples to do volunteer work at shelters gave me another idea. Wish I could clone myself!!!! Eeeeeeshhhh...

Sunday December 21, 2008, 11:27 am
This is problem throughout the Globe, and homeless people should have the right to keep their Dog, for it's their only "friend and family" they've; besides, if it wasn't for the "homeless" OWNERS - these DOGS would no doubt end-up in a "Animal Shelter" somewhere..

Sunday December 21, 2008, 2:58 pm
This is so sad.Animals are so important in people's lives.I know how important your pet can be in helping you just get thru the day.If I were homeless,I would live on the street before I would abandon my pet.

Sunday December 21, 2008, 3:31 pm
Perhaps working with a local homelessness coalition could address the issue ocally, and if not add kennels to a shelter then perhaps work on finding homes or developing them that accept pets with their owners. It would not be an impossible task.

Sunday December 21, 2008, 5:16 pm
OH Lord Bless this man and his dog, for I know he chose the streets to be with his friend. I have been there too only I had no one alone and so affraid, but was determinded to make it and I did. Hard was not the word for it, misery, and nobody cares. I love the homeless when I see them I give no matter what I have in my pocket it doesn't matter. If it came to a shelter or my dog I would have to stay with my dog. For they will stick by you no matter what. Thanks Simone.

Monday December 22, 2008, 8:50 pm
Agree totally Joy, it is a heartbreaking but at the same time a heartwarming photo, the love between the two is beautiful. Yes, I can understand totally why they stay with their animasl. no one loves you like they do.

Tuesday December 23, 2008, 4:28 am
So sad...Indeed there should be more shelters that allow pets.

Tuesday December 23, 2008, 4:52 am
Yes, there should be Vivisne. It is very sad and tragic to see this.

Saturday December 27, 2008, 10:19 am
Yes this is very sad, that this is still happens Today.
The love a human can get from an animal is a never ending love.
An animal totally accept you, when you are bolt or did not taken a bath for over 2 month... All the people in the U.S. should stick together and write to their politicians, their mayors to built shelters for homeless and their pets.
To live a righteous life as a human being begins with the compassion for those who have no power at all to fight for themselves.
Thank you Simone