4 The Love Of Curves along with The Bark'Tisserie Pet Sitters assists many charities but one in particular is near and dear
to our heart. Growing up with animals all of my life, I understand the love that a
pet can give. I have had the pleasure of loving several fur babies that not only
provided companionship while growing up as an only child but protections to
our family. I could not imagine if life's journey took a turn for the worse and I was
forced to part with my pets. I have always been active in pet rescues, adoptions,
and also being a pet foster parent. With our society in such turmoil, a person's
pet may be all they have left. So we are active participants in the PETS' OF THE
HOMELESS FOUNDATION. Several times a week we go out and provide food,
water, bedding, toys, and leashes for pets of the many homeless in the Galveston
and Harris County Areas. We also provide small care packages for the pet owners.
One will never know how much a small act of kindness can change someones life and the life of their pet.
FAQs
Why Pets of the Homeless?
3.5 million* Americans are homeless. Five to ten percent of homeless people have dogs and/or cats. In some areas of the country the rate is as high as 24%
Who are homeless with pets?
Each homeless person has a unique story; they are people. Some have lost their homes and jobs, some have mental disorders, some are addicts, and some are parolees. Some are: families, disabled, elderly, abused spouses, teens, and veterans.
How does the pet food program work?
Our member pet food donation sites accept pet food and supplies from people like you. They then deliver it to pet food providers (food banks, homeless shelters and/or soup kitchens) which have agreed to distribute the pet food to the homeless and poor.
*National Coalition on Homelessness
Why do the homeless have pets when they can barely take care of themselves?
Pets provide a deep comfort. Pets are non-judgmental. They are loyal. They provide warmth and security. The homeless get a type of normalcy by providing food and water for their pets. In some cases, they provide them with reality.
Some homeless would sacrifice their own food for their pets. Then there is the protection factor. Living on the streets is dangerous especially for women and the disabled.
For many on the streets these animals provide them with security from other homeless or from those that discriminate against the homeless with beatings or from others who may steal their modest possessions.
If you are worried about a dog you see on the street, give his owner some dog food, or a couple of hamburgers. There are also organizations set up to help street dogs get vaccinations and food. One of these organizations is Pets of the Homeless
I want to help but talking with a homeless person scares me, what can I do?
Generally, people want to help but are uncomfortable and scared because they do not understand the plight of homelessness so they choose to ignore the issue. We offer a way to help that does not put the donor in front of a homeless person or in a rough, sometimes dangerous area of their community.
What are some common misconceptions about the homeless?
The leading misconception is that the homeless are lazy and do not want jobs or the responsibility that goes with a job. With the economy today, one missed pay check, a medical diagnosis, or an abusive spouse can put someone into homelessness overnight.
What types of support do the animals provide their homeless owners?
Their pets are nonjudgmental, offer comfort, and provide an emotional bond of loyalty. In some cases they provide the homeless protection and keep them warm. Medical authorities have proven that pets benefit in many ways.
How do homeless people take care of their pets? By “take care” do you mean medically, or by providing food?
Medically, the homeless are not that good at providing vaccinations or spay or neutering because of the cost and separation that is required. People have reported to me that they have tried to offer taking a pet to a veterinary clinic but the homeless have refused because they are afraid that the person will take the pet and never return it. They are mistrusting and who can blame them. They are invisible in our society and on the other hand they are shouted at and sometimes targets of hate crimes.
Pet food is hard to come by and the homeless usually panhandle to get money to buy food for their self and pet. It is a shame when we see someone share their hamburger with their pet. But it happens. And most times the money goes to buy human food which they share with the pet. This is a very unhealthy practice for pets, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and pancreatitis.
While researching pets of the homeless, I was surprised to find that most of the pets are quite well cared for.
Of course many have nutritional needs that are not met but they are well-loved and taken care of, as well as possible.
In some cases the pet is a link to reality and the person will do anything to protect his/her pet.
It is important to get the homeless with pets to have their pets spayed/neutered and vaccinated, why isn’t this being done?
You might have guessed that finances and transportation are at the top of the list as to why they do not seek vet care. Our program helps them by finding the closest hospital that will work with us.
How do you gain trust so you can help?
Rightfully, homeless are afraid that people will take their pets, thinking they are doing the homeless person and the pet a favor, when in fact they are doing great harm. A human/animal bond has been created and no one should separate them. Some homeless have such separation anxiety that they will not go to a hospital when they are in need of medical treatment because they have no one to care for their pet or fear the authorities will take their pet away from them.
Pets of the Homeless offers grants to veterinarians who will go to where the homeless congregate or camp to offer these treatments. Ask your veterinarian to apply.
How does the pet food get from donation sites to the homeless?
Our program kit instructs the volunteer business site on how to contact a food bank, a homeless shelter, the Meals on Wheels program or a local church soup kitchen who is identified as a pet food provider. The pet food provider then becomes a partner with the vet or business. Sometimes the provider picks up the donated food and distributes it to the homeless and less fortunate in the community. Sometimes volunteers will deliver it to the provider organization and sometimes the volunteers take it to the streets where they have seen homeless with pets.
How are you able to get the word out to the homeless in order for them to take advantage of this program?
Word of mouth travels quickly in homeless communities. Once a food bank or soup kitchen starts distributing pet food, they come. Some find out about the program through the website at public libraries, and on their phones. Some find us through their social workers.
