To be furious about the lack of joined-up support for the homeless

[RamblinRosie]

I’m trying to help a homeless person get help for his lovely dog.

Dog has a nasty abscess on his head, probably caused by a thorn.

I’ve taken them to my vet, abscess drained, antibiotics issued. Antibiotics helped but didn’t solve the problem. So more major work needed which I would have difficulty affording.

Lovely vet contacted Dog’s Trust Help Project, they’ll pay if I can get official confirmation of his homeless status. Phone calls and email to Salvation Army his only official support who can confirm his status... no response.

Fortunately, another person has taken him to another vet as the abscess has been growing. So at least it will be drained. But I think further treatment will be needed as it’s obviously a nasty bug.

I’m waiting to see the results, but I’m really frustrated by the whole situation.

He’s also been pointed to StreetVets, who apparently are active in Reading, their contact number know nothing about this, but the local church do..

Grrr

[howwudufeel]

Homelessness is a complex issue and I am sure people try their best.

[flatulencebythebucket]

Homeless person should be done for animal cruelty.

[TheStuffedPenguin]

Try Blue Cross animal charity.

[Lunde]

Can the PDSA help you? They provide free and low cost veterinary care

[BogglesGoggles]

To be fair they probably have more important things to do than deal with dogs.

[avamiah]

If a person is homeless what do they have to prove??
Pictures of them sleeping on the street or in a park ??
If the dog is sick then the PDSA will treat it and take it in, they will never leave a animal in distress or in need of care.

[TheShepherdsCrown]

You could contact Dogs on the Streets London. They don’t just deal with London they have help in a number of towns and cities and really do amazing thing so for the homeless and their dogs.. it’s run by a wonderful lady Michelle. They’re on Facebook and Twitter @dotslondon

[RamblinRosie]

Flatulence. You sound like a really nice, empathetic, person. What do you suggest he does?

No Blue Cross or PDSA within the area, also Blue Cross requires proof of benefits which the homeless generally cannot claim.

As I said in my original post, all I need to get him free treatment is for a recognised organisation to confirm his homeless status but I cannot get the Salvation Army to engage with me.