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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

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?

OP posts:

WorraLiberty · 03/02/2020 16:22

Has someone typed something in invisible ink?

I can't see any abuse?

bellinisurge · 03/02/2020 16:22

Quite a lot of homeless people rely on their pets for companionship and , sadly, the pets give many a reason to keep going. There are vets who give their time and supplies freely to help because they understand what a pet can mean to its owner.
I agree with pp that hostels could do with considering how to be pet friendly given the important (in fact, priceless) psychological bonus that pet ownership can bring.

WorraLiberty · 03/02/2020 16:25

The thing is, begging doesn't automatically mean he's homeless or a street sleeper.

Perhaps he's on benefits and had them sanctioned for whatever reason? Or maybe he has other problems.

Fannia · 03/02/2020 16:25

Maybe OP didn't like my crack about being so judgy, report away OP.

EvilPea · 03/02/2020 16:25

Dogs on the streets (dots) are a brilliant charity.
Have a google

PityParty4one · 03/02/2020 16:25

You have not had any abuse!
Posters have explained why he may have the dog.
Your post was judgemental and you know it.
Sorry you didnt get the responses you wanted

Rose789 · 03/02/2020 16:26

There is a man who is homeless near where I work with a dog. I stop and chat most mornings and frequently get him coffee and breakfast and food for his dog. My department clubbed together to get him a thermal sleeping bag and a tent, security allow him in when the big bosses aren’t in to use the showers.
He was made homeless as a result of being made redundant at work and falling into debt. His friend offered him a place to stay but wouldn’t take his dog so the guy chose to live on the streets rather then be parted from his dog. Many homeless shelters won’t accept animals, meaning some of the support available he cannot access.
Instead of judging someone at their lowest point maybe stop and have a friendly word, if you can afford it a hot drink or a meal.

HappyHammy · 03/02/2020 16:27

What question were you asking.

potter5 · 03/02/2020 16:27

I too have noticed hostility against posters on a lot of threads lately.

Some posters only asking innocent questions and get shot down in flames!!

Marnie76 · 03/02/2020 16:29

But that’s what happened here is it potter5

Marnie76 · 03/02/2020 16:29

Not what happened

Patroclus · 03/02/2020 16:29

Here we go. My homeless mate has a dog because some nutcase dragged it past him one morning shouting about taking it to kill it.

Patroclus · 03/02/2020 16:30

Its weird also that you look at animals and immediately think in terms of their monetary value.

Did you vote for Boris by any chance?

ilovesooty · 03/02/2020 16:32

Another OP wanting a thread deleting because she doesn't like the responses (which aren't abusive).

Chat to the guy and find out about his and his dogs' story if you are as supportive of the homeless as you claim.

Lunde · 03/02/2020 16:33

I remember seeing an interview with a homeless man - way back in the 1980s. He said he made more money begging since he got the dog because people feel sad about the dog living on the streets - but not necessarily sorry for him.

I found that a very sad statement.

pauapaua · 03/02/2020 16:34

This may come as a shock to you OP but people with dogs can end up homeless just like the rest of us can, we're not immune to it.

I'm surprised that you noticed them from the pedestal you seem to have chosen to put yourself on. Be careful, it's a long way down if you have any unexpected problems that life can throw at people.

Drabarni · 03/02/2020 16:36

They afford it the same way they afford to live themselves.
By begging. How else do you think? weird thread.

Muminabun · 03/02/2020 16:39

I feel sad when I see dogs on the street, it is uncomfortable, cold and scary for them. They should be in a home on a sofa getting regular walks etc. Their owners are under intense stress so that can’t be nice for them either. They bring their owners comfort and companionship and bring in extra money from begging so I understand why they have them but it is not right for dogs to live like that.

Quietintheranks · 03/02/2020 16:40

May not have been his dogs? I leave my dog with the big issue seller to look after when I go in our local supermarket. The seller is not begging, my dog is safe and people give him change “for the dog”.

PineappleDanish · 03/02/2020 16:41

Having a dog will greatly increase the money they're given.

WiddlinDiddlin · 03/02/2020 16:43

Many of the homeless dogs I see have a far better life than dogs in homes.

They are with their owner 24/7, most dogs would prefer this.
They are outside and often moving around a lot morning and evening, again most dogs prefer this.
They get fed a variety of foods and as long as its suitable stuff, variety is far better for dogs than the exact same bowl of kibble every day.

As for expensive breeds, well I have a four out of five dogs here that cost over £800... I am not well off and these dogs were not bought all at the same time, they range from 2 to 13, but if I were made homeless tomorrow, theyd be with me!

Deadposhtory · 03/02/2020 16:43

What a horrible thread. As a dog lover and owner, yes yabu.
Thank your lucky stars that you are not homeless or in the crib of mental health issues or addiction

CornishPorsche · 03/02/2020 16:44

There is a fantastic pet charity called Street Vet who go out to owners and animals on the street, and provide vaccinations, flea treatment, any vet treatment needed, pet clothing, leads, bed, toys, treats etc.

www.streetvet.co.uk/

If anyone wants to donate to them, they go all over the country.

SanFranBear · 03/02/2020 16:45

it is not right for dogs to live like that

But ok for the owner, eh? I'm an animal lover but ffs...

EverythingChanges321 · 03/02/2020 16:46

Did you stop and talk to him?

YABU to have judged him without bothering to find out why he was sitting there asking for money.

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