Pets of the Homeless launched to answer need

This homeless man would rather stay homeless than give up his dog and move into a rented house. - Photo by Kirsten Bole

IN Carson City, Nevada, a well-dressed woman recently walked up to a homeless man and gave him a bag of fast food on her way to work. The man had been sitting on the sidewalk in the same spot for weeks. He looked up and said "God bless you". The woman nodded and walked away, but not before she turned to see him open the bag and remove a burger, take a bite and give the rest to his dog. This scene is played out every day.

It is estimated by the National Coalition for the Homeless acting executive director Michael Stoops, that between five and 10 percent of homeless people have dogs and-or cats. In 2004, 12.7 percent of the United States population, or 37 million people, lived in poverty, and the numbers are increasing each year. Most people who experience homelessness (80 percent) are homeless only for a short period of time, and usually need help finding housing and-or a rent subsidy.

This cat and dog, treasured pets of a homeless person, are used to sleeping on the street and curl up together for warmth and comfort. - Photo by Tim Hulsizer

But, unfortunately for those with pets, it becomes more difficult for them. The disadvantaged are forced to choose between their pet and a roof over their head and most choose to stay on the streets with their pets for longer periods of time. Their pets are non-judgmental, offer comfort, and provide an emotional bond of loyalty. In some cases, they provide the homeless protection and keep them warm. The tragic part is that the pets of the homeless do not choose their owners.

A program called Feeding Pets of the Homeless© was started recently to aid and support this enormous forgotten part of our society - pets who are companions of the homeless. Socially responsible veterinarian hospitals and clinics around the country are collecting pet food from their clients. They have partnered with a local food bank which then distributes the pet food to the homeless and disadvantaged.

The national program gives veterinarian clients and their staff a feeling that they are doing something worthwhile. Participating clinics and hospitals are listed on the Feeding Pets of the Homeless© website at www.PetsofHomeless.com along with the partnering food bank. Paw Publishing is marketing the program nationwide while the individual veterinarian clinics and hospitals publicise it in their local communities. If there is any way you can assist this organisation in any part of the country, please contact the nearest branch to you, which is listed on the website.