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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Homeless person and two dogs

132 replies

Greydove28 · 03/02/2020 16:02

Just walked past a homeless person with two dogs. One a v expensive dog. Aibu to wonder how they afford it?

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LostInMyDms · 03/02/2020 16:05

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Pootles34 · 03/02/2020 16:05

I should imagine the dogs get more food donated than the person does. And there are charities for vets for those that can't afford it too.

Hoik · 03/02/2020 16:05

They dog may have been given to them, could be a stray they found, could be a dog they bought before they became homeless.

As for feeding the dogs, it's no more difficult than the homeless person getting their own food. If they are begging then quite often people will also give them money or food for the dog too.

I'd imagine it's a fairly grim life to be on the streets. If the dogs give them comfort, warmth, and protection then I can see why they would want to keep their dogs.

Greydove28 · 03/02/2020 16:06

It was one of those handbag dogs and they had clothes on 😳. Just wondering as my cat costs me a fortune!

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Fannia · 03/02/2020 16:06

Did you think about how lucky you are not to be homeless when you finished judging them?

CoffeeCoinneseur · 03/02/2020 16:07

How do you know they were homeless?

PurpleDaisies · 03/02/2020 16:07

Animal charities support pets on the streets.

Greydove28 · 03/02/2020 16:07

Its definitely grim and obviously company for them which is good. I was just taken aback by having two dogs to feed.

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LostInMyDms · 03/02/2020 16:08

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Greydove28 · 03/02/2020 16:08

They were begging for money.

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Greydove28 · 03/02/2020 16:09

Its not a bashing thread at all 🙄 I give to homeless all the time-food, cash etc.

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crustycrab · 03/02/2020 16:09

Begging for money doesn't mean they sleep on the streets

HappyHammy · 03/02/2020 16:09

What is a handbag dog. Dogs can be a great comfort. Maybe the person has hit bad times or been a victim. Did you stop and chat.

Aybeesee · 03/02/2020 16:11

Lots of charities to support homeless people and their pets. I bought a local homeless man some treats for his dog and a sandwich.

Hedgehogblues · 03/02/2020 16:12

If I was homeless I'd have a bloody dog too to help keep me warm and safer.

PityParty4one · 03/02/2020 16:12

I volunteer with a street outreach team and every week our donations include good quality coats/clothes/footwear and a very generous amount of pet stuff.
The pet stuff is mostly brand new collars/beds/food/bowls and dog coats and clothes. We have nearly as much dog stuff as person stuff donated.
The vast majority of homeless people live for their pets. They give up nights in hostels because their dog cannot be with them.

As others have said the dog could have been with them before their circumstances changed ir found/rescued.
Why didnt you strike up a conversation and ask instead of making assumptions?

FamilyOfAliens · 03/02/2020 16:12

I give to homeless all the time-food, cash etc.

Did you give this homeless person some cash? Or were they only worthy of your judgement?

Walkingthedog46 · 03/02/2020 16:13

I once saw a homeless man on a bitterly cold night encourage his dog into his sleeping bag first, then he got in alongside and cuddled the dog. They would keep each other warm and he was caring for his dog.

lifeisgoodmostofthetime · 03/02/2020 16:13

He's probably rescued the dog. The dogs usually eat first and he eats after.

Maybe buy him some dog food?

WorraLiberty · 03/02/2020 16:15

Did the dog have a price label and a receipt attached?

If not then you know, maybe they've had it a long while - since before they were homeless, or maybe they were given it to keep or look after because someone else couldn't?

BritneyPeedOnALadybug · 03/02/2020 16:17

So what if the “handbag dog” was wearing clothes? Unless the man was naked and they were his I don’t see the relevance. It is cold outside at night, the clothes may have been practical.
Don’t even know why I bothered to respond tbh, it’s obvious what this thread is.

Whynosnowyet · 03/02/2020 16:17

Our town has a regular homeless man sits with his 2 dogs. 1 had a bag skin disorder. He was asking people for geh £28 he needed to get the cream . I rang his vet - I have spoken to him for a few years and knew some details. I was going to pay... The appointment and cream was to be free.. He was refraining from getting the help his ddog needed so he could imo scam people.. He hasn't had a penny off me since.

bloodywhitecat · 03/02/2020 16:19

Maybe the dog came before the homelessness? Most of us are only a pay day or three away from disaster ourselves so don't judge too hard, it's a long way down from that ivory tower.

Greydove28 · 03/02/2020 16:19

Thanks. I didnt know about the charity for animals. I actually think its nice and wasnt passing judgement. Seems like you can't post anything on here nowadays without people going hostile straight off!

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Greydove28 · 03/02/2020 16:20

No need for anymore nasty comments. Mumsnet you can remove this. Im done with the abuse. Was only asking a question.

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