Homeless and their dogs

[beth101509]

I'm sure this will be quickly dismissed because Cesar Milan said it but I think it makes a lot of sense.

Are homeless hounds happier? - Los Angeles Santa Barbara Pet | Examiner.com

[beth101509]

Even under the best circumstances, the streets are not a place for a Lab puppy. Any puppy, really, but clearly I have a soft spot for Labs.

Do you really expect us to believe that if God forbid something happened to you and you became homeless, you would give up your dog because "the streets aren't suitable for a puppy"?

[AlexS]

So wait a minute though. A large number of people here have said that they would be homeless or live in their car before they gave up their dog, but you want to take dogs away from homeless people? A lot of homeless people I am sure that is the only friend they have or one of few. As well as they will feed their dog before they even eat themselves. All people go through different hardships at times why take away something from them that probably makes them happy. No reason for someone to have lost everything to then lose their dog as well. There are dogs in peoples houses that get less attention and are treated worse. Personally the dog has a friend and I am sure is taken care of in a lot of instances.

[ZoeysMommy]

So wait a minute though. A large number of people here have said that they would be homeless or live in their car before they gave up their dog, but you want to take dogs away from homeless people? A lot of homeless people I am sure that is the only friend they have or one of few. As well as they will feed their dog before they even eat themselves. All people go through different hardships at times why take away something from them that probably makes them happy. No reason for someone to have lost everything to then lose their dog as well. There are dogs in peoples houses that get less attention and are treated worse. Personally the dog has a friend and I am sure is taken care of in a lot of instances.

Like i said i bet they are happier than most dogs. The lady i befriended loves her little dog fiercely

[Labradorks]

Do you really expect us to believe that if God forbid something happened to you and you became homeless, you would give up your dog because "the streets aren't suitable for a puppy"?

I don't know what it's like to be homeless, but if it put my dogs in danger, if I could not provide for them, if I could not afford medical care for them, if they were suffering any any way because of the situation, then yes, I would give them up.

[Sternenlicht]

Coming from someone who was at one point in time homeless, this thread made me want to vomit. First, I have to address the whole "Social Services" bit. Here's the deal, I was told by human services when I was homeless that without a psychical address, I could not receive benefits. The same goes for finding work, without a psychical address, no employer will even begin to look at you. It's sickening and it's sad. Sometimes, people go through hard times and it isn't easy to get off the streets. If it weren't for me meeting my husband I'd still be homeless. You have no right to judge others when you don't know their situation and furthermore, YES, I had two dogs with me at that point in my life as well as a child and the three of them came before me at ALL times. Those "panhandlers" as you call them could be having trouble getting help because of heartless people who "won't ENABLE" them. Sorry but this thread has really struck a nerve with me.

[Labradorks]

So wait a minute though. A large number of people here have said that they would be homeless or live in their car before they gave up their dog, but you want to take dogs away from homeless people? A lot of homeless people I am sure that is the only friend they have or one of few. As well as they will feed their dog before they even eat themselves. All people go through different hardships at times why take away something from them that probably makes them happy. No reason for someone to have lost everything to then lose their dog as well. There are dogs in peoples houses that get less attention and are treated worse. Personally the dog has a friend and I am sure is taken care of in a lot of instances.

If being homeless with my dog meant that it would harm my dog or that I was unable to adequately care for them, I would absolutely, positively do the selfless thing and find them a better place. It would kill me, but I would do it for them. They would be so scared if we were on the streets. I would be alone, so what would I do with them if I need to go inside a place to get us food? What will I do with them while I am trying to get a job, a place to live, and get back on my feet? Being on the streets is awful and I would never subject my dog to that life. It's very violent out there, especially for women who face sexual violence and physical assault on a regular basis. It's pretty serious stuff, not to be taken lightly. Also, the puppy was very young and it was not a situation where the guy became homeless and took his dog with him. The man had clearly been homeless for a long time.

You make it sound like I'm saying that I want to rent a van and rip homeless people's dogs right out of their arms or make it illegal for them to have a pet. When and where did I say that? I have plenty of empathy for the homeless and understand why they would want to keep a pet. I donate to the local organization that purchases food for homeless dogs and cats every year, but I'm not delusional in thinking that being on the streets is the best place for a puppy, loved or not. Crappy homes aren't good either, which is why I do what I do and have done what I've done for rescue. I never said I wanted to take dogs off the streets and put them in bad homes where people don't love them. Just that the streets are not the best place for a puppy. And yes, I feel bad for the puppy and for homeless dogs. Sorry, but I'm not taking that back!

I have done, and will always do, what I think is best for my dogs, even if that leaves me absolutely heartbroken. I have made plans for them should I be dis-placed for a length of time or if I should be completely unable to make decisions for them. Of course, I have arrangements for them if I should die, too. I know where they will go and with whom, which has been discussed and documented. I have Plans A through C for them should any of this take place, God forbid.

[Labradorks]

I'm sure this will be quickly dismissed because Cesar Milan said it but I think it makes a lot of sense.

Are homeless hounds happier? - Los Angeles Santa Barbara Pet | Examiner.com

I think Cesar is delusional in this post. He makes it sound like being homeless is just like backpacking through Europe or something. He doesn't even address medical care or violence. I don't know what homelessness is like where you live, but where I am from, and DEFINITELY where Cesar is from, it's not pretty.

[Candy and Spike's Dad]

Do you really expect us to believe that if God forbid something happened to you and you became homeless, you would give up your dog because "the streets aren't suitable for a puppy"?

I would give up my dogs if I were a homeless. It wouldn't be fair for my dogs to live on the street with me when they could be with loving family. I would return Spike to his breeder if it came down to that. It kills me to see them sad and unhappy.

[AlexS]

Coming from someone who was at one point in time homeless, this thread made me want to vomit. First, I have to address the whole "Social Services" bit. Here's the deal, I was told by human services when I was homeless that without a psychical address, I could not receive benefits. The same goes for finding work, without a psychical address, no employer will even begin to look at you. It's sickening and it's sad. Sometimes, people go through hard times and it isn't easy to get off the streets. If it weren't for me meeting my husband I'd still be homeless. You have no right to judge others when you don't know their situation and furthermore, YES, I had two dogs with me at that point in my life as well as a child and the three of them came before me at ALL times. Those "panhandlers" as you call them could be having trouble getting help because of heartless people who "won't ENABLE" them. Sorry but this thread has really struck a nerve with me.

Well said. A lot of this thread seems quite heartless. Most here seem to think the worst possible situation. You do not know if he has gotten the dog it shots yet. Maybe he found the dog homeless and wandering the street alone and has taken quite good care of him. Way too much judging people as well as concern for the dog on the street and not the actual person taking care of him.

Sternelicht thanks for sharing your story. I am glad you and you children made it out of that situation. I've said my peace and I'm backing out of this one.