Pets of the Homeless

A well dressed woman walks up to a homelessand a roof over their head. Surprisingly, most
man and gives him a bag of fast food on herchoose to stay on the streets with their pets for
way to work. The man has been sitting on thelonger periods of time. Their pets are
sidewalk in the same spot for weeks, he looks upnonjudgmental, offer comfort, and provide an
and says "God bless you." The woman nods andemotional bond of loyalty. In some cases, they
walks away but not before she turns to see himprovide the homeless protection and keep them
open the bag and remove a burger, take a bitewarm. The tragic part is the pets of the
and give the rest to his dog. This scene is playedhomeless do not choose their owners.
out everyday.A program called Feeding Pets of the Homeless
It is estimated by the National Coalition for thewas started to aid and support this enormous
Homeless, Michael Stoops, Acting Executiveforgotten part of our society - pets of the
Director, that between 5% - 10% of homelesshomeless. Socially responsible veterinarian hospitals
people have dogs and/or cats. In 2004, 12.7% ofand clinics around the country are collecting pet
the United States population, or 37 million people,food from their clients. They have partnered with
lived in poverty, and the numbers are increasinga local food bank who then distributes the pet
each year. Most people who experiencefood to the homeless and disadvantaged. The
homelessness (80%) are homeless for a shortnational program gives the veterinarian's clients
period of time, and usually need help findingand staffs a feeling that they are doing something
housing and/or a rent subsidy. But unfortunately,worthwhile. Participating clinics/hospitals are listed
for those with pets it becomes more difficult.on the Feeding Pets of the Homeless website at
Many are forced to choose between their petalong with the partnering food bank.