Should The Homeless Have Dogs?

[anthro-nerd]

My pooch has regular walks, lots of doggy friends and he sleeps in bed with me. He has a montly subscription for new toys and endless cuddles...

I always wonder how the dog feels about being homeless... or because they're with their owner... they aren't homeless? I'm never quite sure how it sits with me... to say the homeless shouldn't be allowed pets feels wrong, but then is it right for the pet?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-42201020/the-vet-treating-homeless-people-s-dogs

[woofgang]

So what would you do? confiscate their dogs? then what? I do think that you have made a good point when you say if the dog is with the person they love then they probably don't feel that they are homeless.

[dannyk13]

Maybe the owners had their pets before becoming homeless.

[anthro-nerd]

That's just it isn't it.. dogs are so loving and loyal, maybe home is wherever their human is... but I can't help thinking with the weather being so damn cold if it's fair on the dog...

Saying that, if circumstances left me homeless, there's no way I'd rehome my Willis. So does that make me selfish?

I was just wondering how everyone else felt, I'm clearly torn and hypocritical!

[bednobs]

It's a good question that I've never given much thought to before. I thinkI feel rather the same as you (except for the dog sleeping in your bed)

[hc4361]

A dog is better suited to sleeping outdoors than a person, don't you think?
I think that many dogs who spend their whole time with their homeless owners have a better life than dogs that are home alone for many hours whilst their owners are at work or in bed sleeping and never socialise with other dogs, become overweight through lack of exercise and overfeeding and are under stimulated.

Dogs don't need to sleep on a pocket sprung mattress under a winter weight duvet to thrive and be happy.

Of course, some homeless people treat their dogs abysmally just as some dog owners that have stable lives do.

Thankfully dogs are adaptable and thrive in different circumstances.

[anthro-nerd]

hc4361 Good point actually, thinking about it I'm sure some 'homeless' dogs are better treated, better socialised and more loved than those with a roof above their head.

[ummmm]

Not all countries view their dogs as the British do. The British are very animal loving (mostly)

[237SJ]

When I went home recently, I saw surprised how many homeless people there were. I`m sure their dogs are happy to be with their owners but I felt sorry for them having to sit out and sleep out in the cold. Some of them looked completely miserable. Most countries where there are wild dogs sleeping out don't have our temperatures.

[237SJ]

"was" surprised

[anthro-nerd]

I'm still completely torn... yes it would be good for the mental health of the homeless person... but is it actually fair on the dog. I guess the real question is, why do we have so many homeless people... never mind about it not being fair for the dog, it isn't fair on the person!

[237SJ]

It's not just dogs either. I`ve seen homeless people with cats as well

[Peter Pedant]

a lot of the homeless look completely out of it
and the dogs look OK
dont drink meths I suppose

[anthro-nerd]

237SJ Have you watched Bob the Street Cat? Excellent film, based on a true story!

[237SJ]

No, I haven't - I did start to watch it on a flight but fell asleep.

[Old_Geezer]

Most are going to be happy they're part of a pack. Since few dogs build homes, they are unlikely to be something that dogs pine for.

[emmie]

just what i thought, perhaps they had the dog before becoming homeless, sometimes its the only friend they have. I see lots of rough sleepers with dogs, who seem in better shape than their owners.

[woofgang]

and again I ask what would you do? because if you wouldn't confiscate the dogs (and if you did then what would you do with them?) I do agree that homelessness is sad and the answer is not just "oh we need more houses"

[lankeela]

If you feel bad why not contact a charity that helps homeless people and see if you can help by collecting stuff for the dogs - there are several who do, giving coats, treats and often other stuff like flea treatment or wormers, nail cutting or grooming - all things that could be beyond the reach of homeless people.