Homeless people with dogs

[Vulty]

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?

People actually believe that the DWP give out more help if you have a dog?

'People' are completely deluded.

This thread has really changed my opinion, I feel quite ashamed and ignorant now.

oh and when we got a house, he would never sleep inside. he would go and sleep in the garden whatever the weather.

Halfa fair play!

yep...and it has been going around for years...I had an argument with one person who was adamant homeless got money for their dogs, 'that's why they have dogs' ..I worked for the DHSS at the time, wrote the blessed cheques, she still didn't believe me...

the other one was that on benefits ALL your utilities get paid

I've known homeless people who chose to sleep rough rather than accept shelter that meant they'd have to give up their dogs (and other animals.) I think that sometimes people underestimate what an animal means to somebody who has nothing, and nobody, else.

Having worked with the homeless I can honestly say, they generally put their dogs welfare way above their own. They are often their only friend in the world, the only source of comfort and affection

The dogs also help keep them warm

It's far more natural for the dogs to be outside than in a house , and. Better fir them than being alone most of the day while they wait for their owners to arrive home from work.

Not for feeling ashamed and ignorant obviously!!

I had to move out of my home within two weeks (huge back story)

I had two dogs at time

Finding a new rental that accepted dogs was impossible. If I had more time, I probably could have done it but in two weeks? No chance

If I was alone, I would have moved in with family or sofa surfed but because I am married and had Dd at the time who was 1, we had no choice but to give up the dogs and move somewhere.

Absolutely broke my heart as it was a breed I have been lusting after for ages. They were the perfect dogs too. Cuddly, fantastic with Dd. Loved them to bits

This was 3 years ago and I haven't replaced them yet though I am in a place where I can.

I don't have time now. Though if I still had them, my life would be different

Before having children, I always said there's no excuse for giving up your dog.

Bit me in the arse big time

feckitall my mum was convinced that if I had a council house I was entitled to a shed and they had to provide me one. apparently this was fact according to loads of her colleagues. She couldn't understand why I wouldn't apply for a council house because "you get a free shed!"

Soubriquet I would have done the same, it's heartbreaking but necessary. I would give up my dog to avoid being homeless but I wouldn't give her up if I was homeless (if that makes sense!)

A friend of mine works with homeless youth. She said the dogs she sees are always well cared for and cherished. They are also invaluable companions - it's lonely on the street. They also provide warmth on a cold night, and security.

I have absolutely no problem with homeless people having dogs. I have more of a problem with people getting dogs and leaving them home alone all day.

DGF believed the 'get all bills paid' one until the day he fully retired...trotted off to the DHSS with the gas, electric, water etc bills 'to get his bills sorted'...came home with a face like thunder..

Yeah that makes sense

Every dog you see do look extremely well looked after don't they

There's an amazing vet lady, I saw her on twitter. She does free clinics for the dogs of homeless people because she recognises the value of companionship when you have nothing. So touching, I'll see if I can find the link.

Amazing person