Well, it sure isn’t summer…you might say it’s the dog-days of winter! Snow, ice and frigid temperatures rule the day. It’s a great time to stay indoors, curl up with a cozy afghan and a good book. But, what if you’re homeless? What if you’re homeless with a pet? Shelters usually don’t allow for pets, they’re stretching their budgets just tending to the needs of the humans – especially these days. And those who are homeless tend to have extremely strong attachments and concern for their pets; often they would rather remain outside in the wicked elements, risking health and danger, than abandon their beloved best friend.
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| Source: PetsoftheHomeless |
This is where Pets of the Homeless steps in. I previously wrote about their program, Feeding Pets of the Homeless, which gathers funding, organizes and then distributes pet food, as well as vet care for just such pets. An additional program, the Crate Project, aims to provide (human) homeless shelters with soft-sided, collapsible crates, feeding bowls and even the needed cleaning supplies for use as sleeping quarters for the animals who can then sleep right by the side of their two-legged friend. According to the organization, anywhere from 5% to 25% of those who are homeless have a pet. That could mean a lot of people seeking shelter who otherwise wouldn’t. It could also mean saving lives, both human and animal.
Also through this wonderful organization, which operates throughout Canada and the United States, grants are provided to veterinarians who volunteer to offer their services for pets of homeless, as well as to shelters that will provide the space to stay indoors. Pets of the Homeless is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization, donations can be made in several ways; the website also details information on how to volunteer or donate pet food (at collection sites). Pets of the Homeless is always in search of more businesses volunteering to become collection sites, and more vets to voluntarily join their grant program for vets. And, as these recent years have been economically difficult on everyone, they too are in need of monetary donations.
Please spread the word about this great project; the more who learn about it, the more who will pitch in to make life a little better for those less fortunate than us (and our pets)!
What a great organization! I have seen a few different homeless people with dogs this year and it made me feel even worse for them.
Elyse and Riley
Hi Y’all,
First, thanks for stoppin’ by! you can come run with me anytime!
Second, this is a good cause. News today was about “no paws left behind”. That’s ’cause people were leavin’ their pet behind when they get evicted or lose their home.
It’s tuff bein’ a pet. Life is very precarious.
Hawk aka BrownDog
Great post! It is weather like this that makes me worry about people and pets being outside. I LOVE that pic – I found it in a veterinary journal a couple years ago and have had it on my fridge ever since.
Wow…What a thought provoking post! Thanks for sharing. I’m going to bring it up with our vet.
great program…so sad though that it is desperately needed…thanks for posting!
Really great post calling attention to a wonderful cause. Bravo.
I had no idea that any one was doing this type of charity work – thank you for calling attention to this important cause.
It’s easy for people to say “if you’re homeless, you shouldn’t have a pet” – but I don’t think any one can say that without walking in the shoes of a person living in that type of situation. Those pets are probably their best and only friends..
Carol’s Critter Corner
I always feel so bad for homeless people and their pets. I just cry sometimes for them both. It’s good to know there are great programs out there for them, I didn’t know there were.
Kudos for this great post.
Thanks for spreading the word. What a wonderful program!!
I’m happy to hear so many feel this is a worthy undertaking, as I do!
@ShawnFinch,DVM – I love this photo, too! Now I want one for my frig 🙂
Wow, I had no idea such an organisation existed. It’s nice if they help homeless people and their pets.
I’ve heard about homeless people taking care of a dog before. It seems the pet looks better fed and taken care of than the owner…
wow I hope those pets are able to stay warm and safe. What a wonderful organization to help provide food. Thank you for sharing.
I think this is an awesome organization! I have known of homeless people who found or rescued an animal, and when you are all alone on the streets, having a pet can really change your life… but most people are like, “No, just get rid of the pet.” I know, if I were homeless, I would be desperate to find somewhere for me AND my pets to stay, and would go crazy if I felt like I had to give them up!!!
Great to hear about these charity’s work! Thanks for spreading the word.
I fostered a fancy rat which had belonged to a homeless person & due to a change in circumstances, he had to give her up. He was really sad about it. Rattie was adopted by a very good home but it’s still a shame.
Many of the homeless here suffer from a variety of psychological issues, and looking after a pet is so very important to them – I’d say it’s vital in whatever grip on psych health they still have. We certainly need more programs which are open to keeping folks with their pets.
I hope you don’t mind, but your post inspired me to write about this organization for tomorrow’s Blog the Change. Your post touched me, and I wanted to spread the word about this cause. Thanks again.
@Pup Fan – of course not, it’s important to spread the word! Especially for such an important cause. I’m thrilled others feel as I do!
A truly magnificent organisation. I’d like to make mention of this on my blog sometime if that’s okay?
You are a good soul, kim xxxx
Absolutely, Wendy. The more we spread the word about great organizations such as this one, the better.
Thank you, Wendy, and you are, too! xxxx