Do You Think Homeless People Should Be Allowed To Have Dogs?

[Sasha86]

No. No. No. Sorry but kids are like pets and should not be homeless. The worst thing about it that homeless people use their animals to get money for "food" but prob for boos or drugs. They abuse animals to draw attention like a cat in top of a dog, that's un natural. Homeless people don't have enough money to feed themselves let alone another living thing.


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[Gretchen]

Generally I would say no. A dog will prevent someone from getting into a shelter or housing if available. Many homeless have drug/alcohol issues.

This question is too generalized as there a so many different populations of homeless. There are people who live in their cab over campers, couch surfers, cardboard and in the bushes and behind buildings. Homeless due to job loss/health issues, homeless due to lifestyle choices. Overall I think in the pet's best interest it's best to have a safe home and regular food source.

[Sunflowers]

I think in this particular case, the homeowners may also be worried that the dogs would not be properly vaccinated and could become a health problem to their own pets.

[Sunflowers]

Originally Posted by Sasha86

No. No. No. Sorry but kids are like pets and should not be homeless. The worst thing about it that homeless people use their animals to get money for "food" but prob for boos or drugs. They abuse animals to draw attention like a cat in top of a dog, that's un natural. Homeless people don't have enough money to feed themselves let alone another living thing.


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I have seen some very well fed dogs owned by homeless people. Several I have seen on the streets were napping in really cozy looking beds. Sometimes it looked as if the dog was better cared for than the human.

Another case where you just can't make broad sweeping generalizations about an entire group of people.

[fuzzybunny]

Originally Posted by PatchonGSD

All I can say is that if I became homeless, I sure wouldn't want someone to come and take my dogs away if I was still able to meet their needs.

Same here.

[wolfy dog]

Originally Posted by Sasha86

No. No. No. Sorry but kids are like pets and should not be homeless. The worst thing about it that homeless people use their animals to get money for "food" but prob for boos or drugs. They abuse animals to draw attention like a cat in top of a dog, that's un natural. Homeless people don't have enough money to feed themselves let alone another living thing.


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That sounds very cold hearted or are you being sarcastic? We also don't put our kids in crates so please don't compare the two. The dogs from the homeless here in our area look good and they are always with their owner.

[Kaity]

There is a guy who hangs out under the skytrain on mainstreet in Vancouver. Nice man, nice black dog. He leaves his stuff and leaves the dog there to grab something and he sits infront of the starbucks under lots of blankets with his dog.. they get lots of goodies. His dog is great, so is he. I used to work a 5 minute walk away from them and I bought them breakfast or goodies from my work when I could. I don't recall where I read it but studies show homeless or low income owners take better care of their pets in regards to regular veterinary care (shots, license, spays/neuters) and time commitments than those who are caught up in cash with a busy business type life style. A lot of the time these dogs are all people have. I have seen low low income couples with a puppy.. we have to keep in mind that these people were once like us, they were educated and some were even doctors and something went wrong in life - or they retired and their pension isn't enough to live completely off of. If I was to loose everything tomorrow, I would give my cat to my family, definitely keep my 3 y/o dog and I might rehome my pup because she can bond easily to somebody else and may need a lot more care and maintenance than my older dog.

Dogs don't care if they have a roof over their head. Personally, my dog keeps me warm through the winter. When the boyfriend leaves for work, Vida comes up on the bed and we have cuddles and snoozes for a few hours. She might have to go on a cheaper food, but that's about all that would change!

[Kaity]

Originally Posted by Sasha86

No. No. No. Sorry but kids are like pets and should not be homeless. The worst thing about it that homeless people use their animals to get money for "food" but prob for boos or drugs. They abuse animals to draw attention like a cat in top of a dog, that's un natural. Homeless people don't have enough money to feed themselves let alone another living thing.


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Kids are nothing like pets. They both rely on us to take care of them and that is it. Who cares if you have a drug problem? Who cares if you drink? As long as you can take care of your dog and not abuse it you're fine, and your dog is fine. I know of a lot of functioning drug users who may have had a problem before, and didn't 100% kick it but still need it once a day to get through it because withdrawal is too painful.

How dare you generalize and judge people like that. Shame on you, seriously. I know most of the people in Vancouver who are homeless are because of losing their jobs, mental illness or are addicted to prescription drugs - not your regular 'street' drugs. Take a minute to actually talk to these people and get their story before assuming most of them spend it on booze or drugs..

I never see dogs that look sickly or ill cared for with homeless people. Infact, these dogs have more weight on them than mine do.. It's not always every man for himself, when mans best friend is involved. Let me ask you this: Would you rather see a dog euthanized in a shelter, or that same dog being placed with a homeless or low income person? Look it up. They have given shelter dogs to homeless people and these people (and the dogs!) were overall better off with eachothers companionship.

[Lauri & The Gang]

Originally Posted by Sasha86

They abuse animals to draw attention like a cat in top of a dog, that's un natural.

What?!? MY cats lay on top of my dogs all the time (especially in the winter). How is that "un natural"??

Homeless people don't have enough money to feed themselves let alone another living thing.

So we do what/ Take the dog away from them, put it in a shelter and let it sit there - either until it's time is up and it's killed or it spends the rest of it's life in the shelter (which I think is worse than death).

The chances of that dog getting adopted ar slim - thousands of dogs are being killed daily. Why take one away from someone that is caring for it?

[gaia_bear]

I used to share the same belief that dogs were used as pawns. Until one day my blinders were removed by a sweet old man, I'll never forget him. I was in Montreal and we were running into McDonald's after the bar, he was outside the door minding his own business not harassing anyone for money. On my way out I picked up a couple burgers and a fry for him, the first thing he did was remove the patties from the buns and feed his dog he then ate the bun and fries. I know some more fortunate people that don't consider the needs of their animals.

In today's society we are way too quick to judge based on stereotypes alone.


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