I know I am, but this Big Issue seller is trying to sell to the public and I won't go near him even though I want to buy one because....

[GirlsAreLOud]

...he has an enormous rottweiler. That was the reason I haven't been near him to buy one before.

Today I saw him and he had a rottweiler and...a doberman.

And yes, I know companion dogs can be hugely important if you are homeless and that's why I know I'm being unreasonable.

But so many people must give him a wide berth and not buy from him because of his dogs. I;ve seen him walk through the shopping centre without a the rotty on a lead.

Do you know that you do not have to be homeless to sell the big issue.

And I refuse to buy it as many of the sellers are criminals who have been released from prison, people with serious mental health issues.

Another thing if they have nowhere to live and cannot afford to feed themselves without begging or selling the big issue then wtf are they doing with a fcuking dog?

That will be criminals who have served their time, then?

And if their serious mental health issues have caused them to end up on the streets, do you not think they deserve some compassion?

I hope that none of your family or friends ever become homeless.

You think they deserve commpassion????

big issue seller

same bastard 12 years later

yes i can see why I would want to have compassion for them....sadly I am the wrong person to expect that from.

MrsMuddle, they don't all learn their lesson from "serving their time" as the above link will prove. That animal murdered his own father in 1975 by beating him to death with a rock, attacked a man in a pub in 1982 to an inch of his life he ended up on a life support machine, the list goes on.....

It's easy to judge Them. When we thinkabout people who are doing something we find judgeworthy, it's never We, is it? It's always They.

They have mental health problems
They have have big scary dogs
They don't deserve Our help and compassion

It's all very sad.

He's a man, with a pet, and a name, and a history, and a mother, and a father and probably brothers and sisters, he may have children, for all you know your child may end up marrying one of them ....

He's not a They!

Colditz, you are right, the man in that article had a family. A wife, mother, sister, a son, niece, father - he murdered him though. His son disowned him, his neice was unconsolable (sp) when he was sentenced because she at 15 yrs old believed he was innocent, it is very sad.

On a more general note, I do not believe that homeless people male or female should have pets, they are generally sleeping on the streets and are unable to care for themselves....how on earth can they care for an animal.

I don't agree with TLE,because I like to buy The Big Issue,but she has has undergone a truly awful experience which will understandably colour her judgement.

So don't be too hard on her. I think most people would feel that way if they had gone through her experience.

Higher, I used to buy it all the time but things do change and something do colour/cloud your judgement. Thanks for understanding

I can't blame you one bit TLE. I'd imagine that I'd feel the same way in your circumstances.

Higher, trust me its not through a lack of trying to feel differently.

"Homeless or vulnerably housed". Says so inside cover.

Bit of a sweeping generalisation Ladyevenstar. No, that vendor wasn't a nice chap. Neither was Fred West, but we still have builders round...

I know that you try.You've mentioned so before but it's one hell of a big obstacle to overcome so don't feel bad please.

Theheathen and you wonder why i don't let builders in my home .

I hope I don't sound patronising.That isn't my intention.

Higher, no actually you sound understanding and not presuming.

That's a relief.

If I was homeless and vulnerable I'd get myself a bloody big dog too.

homeless and vunerable and you would get yourself a job, expect others to feed it by you begging to fund food, what about vets etc

Limon, just a general question not really directed at you.

TLE, sorry to be snippy earlier - I hadn't realised that you had personal reasons behind your statement.

I think I remember reading somewhere that Big Issue sellers with dogs sell more magazines than those without. Nation of animal lovers, and all that...

I have seen people give dog food and dog toys to the seller outside my work. In fact, the dog is probably better fed than he is. I'm not a dog fan, but for some sellers, it's maybe the only constant in their life.

Also, the dogs will get free vet care from the PDSA probably.

Girlsareloud
if you really want one, why not write a short note and place it inside a coin bag with a tightly folded SAE and the relevant remittance.
Sticky tape it to a child's remote control car (perhaps you have a Brum or a Postman Pat van?) and steer it over to him.
Once opend and message recieved he can just pop the mag in the post to you.
Don't forget to put a large letter stamp on.

oops opened and received

If he's selling the Big Issue then he has a job. I don't know what your personal issues are, but you sound very prejudiced.

Limon, read the first link it may give you an insight.....and then read the second one...

1st link

2nd link

One big issue seller is a rapist so they're all bad. Sorry, but I think if that sentiment was aimed at any other section of society it would be challenged too.