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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Homeless people with dogs

41 replies

Vulty · 13/01/2017 20:03

This has been bothering me for a while because I don't know how I feel about it. If I was homeless and all I had was my dog it would kill me to give it up. But on the other hand if getting it rehomed guaranteed a better life you would do the obvious.

Whats your opinions?

OP posts:
HalfaFishFingerAndTwoPeas · 13/01/2017 20:06

I agree, but I hope your hungry cause your about to receive lots of biscuits!

MoonShapedPool · 13/01/2017 20:07

For a dog, living on the street and being with your person 24/7 is a lot more natural than being shut up alone in a house all day.

NuffSaidSam · 13/01/2017 20:09

I don't know that the dogs have that bad a life tbh. They always look reasonably well fed and I think people would intervene if they didn't. They get to spend all day with their owner instead of being left at home for hours on end. They're loved. There might be a problem if they need medical treatmentt, but again people are such softies for animals (more than for humans in many cases) that someone (either a charity or a passer-by) would intervene and get the animal to a vet.

NuffSaidSam · 13/01/2017 20:10

Also, there are so many dogs needing rehoming, I don't think you could guarantee they would have a better life. Could well, rot in a rehoming centre and then be put down.

MuteButtonisOn · 13/01/2017 20:11

Your remarks could be applied to plenty of dogs, not just those who give companionship and love to homeless people.

OneWithTheForce · 13/01/2017 20:11

But on the other hand if getting it rehomed guaranteed a better life you would do the obvious.

It doesn't guarantee it though does it? Who is to say the new owners wouldn't rehome it again or neglect or abuse it? Fuck that, my dog is my baby, by my side is where he belongs and the only place he ever wants to be. I couldn't live with myself if I handed him over to someone else and couldn't make sure he was being looked after.

icelollycraving · 13/01/2017 20:14

If I was homeless,I would want something to protect & love me. Sounds s better idea than a man tbh. I see plenty of homeless people in Brighton, more than I ever saw in London. The dogs of homeless people all look well fed & well loved.

PickAChew · 13/01/2017 20:14

As well as the above, I think that for some people, a dog is the most trustworthy and reasonable companion they have and would help them to feel less lonely, maintain some sense of purpose and possibly feel a little safer.

hefzi · 13/01/2017 20:14

I read the OP as the homeless person rehoming the dog, so that they could have a "better" life, not so that the dog was having more chances - presumably as most hostels won't accept dogs, nor LL.

Which did you mean, OP?!

TrustySnail · 13/01/2017 20:18

If the dog is well-fed and taken care of, I don't think it would be any less happy in these circumstances - probably happier than a dog that was, say, shut indoors alone for hours while its owners were working. Being with its owner 24/7 would be most dogs' idea of heaven.

I understand some homeless people feel more secure if they have a dog - sleeping outside makes them vulnerable, a dog is likely to deter thieves and to wake up if someone approaches - anything that helps a vulnerable person feel safer has to be a good thing.

MoonShapedPool · 13/01/2017 20:21

Surely this was how the whole human/dog thing started in the first place? The early dogs stayed close to human camps, they got fed in return for their usefulness at guarding. My dog would probably love to be with me all the time

Eevee77 · 13/01/2017 20:25

There's a homeless man in my town centre with the most friendly staffie I have ever met. It's gorgeous and is very well fed! He has a coat so he doesn't get too cold and he looks healthy and very happy and is very loyal to his owner. I have no issue with this. It definitely draws in more donations for the man too...

fakenamefornow · 13/01/2017 20:26

I knew a homeless person who had a very well loved dog. The man needed and operation and so was admitted to hospital for a while, a charity arranged to look after his dog for him while he was in treatment. After the operation he was sent to some sort of halfway house for recovery. This placement very quickly broke down and he was back on the streets. The charity looking after his dog refused to give the dog back! They said they didn't want the dog homeless on the streets in winter.

I felt really sad and angry for the dog and owner, they just wanted to be together. Well, making an assumption about the dog's feelings but it was a very well loved dog who got to hang out with it's owner all day and sleep cuddled together at night and was now stuck in kennels.

He did get his dog back after a big fuss and lots for people getting involved, so, a happier ending.

Also what does this say about our society? It was fine for a human being to be sleeping on the streets in winter but not for a dog!

GreatFuckability · 13/01/2017 20:29

the dogs are fine as long as they are fed. they are dogs. they are meant to live outside. they are meant to walk a lot. they help keep you safe when you are scared and alone. My dog was the only friend i had when I had no home, when i was a 17 year old girl, alone on the streets. that dog lived to be 23 years old, which is way beyond the age some do. don't be so quick to judge.

and before anyone says it, no, you don't get 'extra' money for having a dog.

roseteapot101 · 13/01/2017 20:30

to many dogs are being put down by the rspca because they cant find them homes,its not ideal but being fed and looked after better than dead

NotMeNoNo · 13/01/2017 20:31

I suspect dogs do a lot for the mental health of homeless people, they are very devoted companions. Our dog would sleep under a railway bridge rather than be away from DH, and vice versa!

MoonShapedPool · 13/01/2017 20:31

GF that is heartbreaking and really beautiful

BantyCustards · 13/01/2017 20:33

Go on then...

Biscuit
BantyCustards · 13/01/2017 20:34

GF - thank you for keeping him with you and making sure he was ok.

OneWithTheForce · 13/01/2017 20:35

its not ideal but being fed and looked after better than dead

Well better than rotting in a shelter going insane. Death (IMO) is kinder than that.

Littledrummergirl · 13/01/2017 20:35

www.moretodogstrust.org.uk/hope-project/hope-project

Have a look at this site if you want to help.

Ditsyprint40 · 13/01/2017 20:36

Must be so long on the streets - I think it's heartwarming to see a homeless person with a dog to love.

CactusFred · 13/01/2017 20:37

People are more likely to feed the dog than the human! And the poor homeless soul has a friend. I think it's lovely.

Feckitall · 13/01/2017 20:40

I'm just waiting for the urban myth that I had arguments with acquaintances over...'they get more dole if the have a dog'

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 13/01/2017 20:41

Its the only friend they've got. I suppose, and dogs love you unconditionally. Regardless of how rich or poor you are.
Plus your dog is just like you baby. You become very attached to them

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