Choosing Pets Over Shelter

[i***@sync.to]

Choosing Pets Over Shelter
by S. Moriarty

Published December 20, 2008 @ 06:21AM PST

How do you choose between shelter and a best friend? This is the
impossible decision pet-lovers face when losing their homes. Since
most shelters don't allow animals, homeless people with pets often
elect to stay on the streets rather than part with their four-legged
companion... a decision that can be dangerous when the elements become
harsh.

Indeed, pets can be a key reason that homeless people choose living on
the streets over shelters. The National Coalition for the Homeless
estimates that between five and ten percent of homeless people have an
animal companion (although this has never been formally surveyed).
Yet, only two (yes, just 2!) pet-friendly homeless shelters exist in
the United States (in Florida and California).

The benefits of having a pet are significant, particularly for
homeless people. Pets are non-judgmental and loyal, almost to a fault.
They may serve as additional security and protection on the dangerous
streets. And studies show that they contribute to the healing process
for people with mental or physical illness. According to one expert:

http://homelessness.change.org/

[mimus]

Post by i***@sync.to
Choosing Pets Over Shelter
by S. Moriarty
How do you choose between shelter and a best friend? This is the
impossible decision pet-lovers face when losing their homes. Since
most shelters don't allow animals, homeless people with pets often
elect to stay on the streets rather than part with their four-legged
companion... a decision that can be dangerous when the elements become
harsh.
Indeed, pets can be a key reason that homeless people choose living on
the streets over shelters. The National Coalition for the Homeless
estimates that between five and ten percent of homeless people have an
animal companion (although this has never been formally surveyed).
Yet, only two (yes, just 2!) pet-friendly homeless shelters exist in
the United States (in Florida and California).
The benefits of having a pet are significant, particularly for
homeless people. Pets are non-judgmental and loyal, almost to a fault.
They may serve as additional security and protection on the dangerous
streets. And studies show that they contribute to the healing process
http://homelessness.change.org/

You should check out how people were forced to abandon their pets after
Katrina.

I especially remember one elderly man who was led out of the drowned city
by his cat, and then sheriff's deputies forced him to abandon the animal,
crushing him (he was still crying days later).

That's as savage and savagely irresponsible as the Gretna police-force
which turned people back at Gretna Bridge into the city at gun-point.

Didn't want any niggers there, you understand.

Even if there were whites with 'em.

Sometimes you wonder if our species wouldn't be better gone.

[wulfenite]

Post by i***@sync.to
Choosing Pets Over Shelter
by S. Moriarty
How do you choose between shelter and a best friend? This is the
impossible decision pet-lovers face when losing their homes. Since
most shelters don't allow animals, homeless people with pets often
elect to stay on the streets rather than part with their four-legged
companion... a decision that can be dangerous when the elements become
harsh.
Indeed, pets can be a key reason that homeless people choose living on
the streets over shelters. The National Coalition for the Homeless
estimates that between five and ten percent of homeless people have an
animal companion (although this has never been formally surveyed).
Yet, only two (yes, just 2!) pet-friendly homeless shelters exist in
the United States (in Florida and California).
The benefits of having a pet are significant, particularly for
homeless people. Pets are non-judgmental and loyal, almost to a fault.
They may serve as additional security and protection on the dangerous
streets. And studies show that they contribute to the healing process
http://homelessness.change.org/

Fascinating stuff.