I don't know about you, but this image almost brings me to tears-I definitely feel deep sadness for them. In parts of the city, I see homeless men with dogs. One time, I saw a dog with a flannel shirt buttoned around him because it was cold outside. Another time, while sitting at a stop light, I saw a man unwrap a burger and give half to his dog and he ate the other half. I almost cried. The homeless love their pets as much as we do and these two actions are great examples. Some people say that homeless people should not have animals because they do not have a home. Sometimes, pets are all they have...they are their only family. At their lowest moment, people who think they have the animal's best interest in mind, want to take their pets from them. In my opinion, that's not very compassionate to the animal or the human. Also, most of these animals would be killed (because we are NOT a no kill nation-many areas have a 90% kill rate in shelters) if they were taken from their owners. I think if we let the animals choose, they would choose life-even if it's a difficult one. Read about the No Kill Philosophy here.
There is an organization in Kansas City that provides supplies for the pets of the homeless. Uplift.org works specifically with the homeless and helps their pets when they can too. You can bring items to their location or donate online. Another organization, Rolling Acres Memorial Gardens for Pets, also collects food and brings it to the Uplift organization. Rolling Acres also donates some of the supplies they collect to the Red Cross. According to their site, "With the generous and overwhelming assistance of the community, in 2008, Rolling Acres Memorial Gardens for Pets provided 2490 pounds of dry dog food, 3120 pounds of dry cat food, 338 cans of dog food, 12 large boxes of Milk Bone dog treats, as well as miscellaneous items such as pet beds, pet carriers, toys, collars and leashes, various kinds of treats, and pet brushes and combs to Homeless Peoples’ Pets. The need for this support has been increasing in recent months. Rolling Acres thanks the public for their help in this year-round project. Uplift Organization is the primary benefactor of the food and supplies. We also provide the Red Cross with pet food and supplies." Read more about Rolling Acres here.
Here are a few other organizations that help low income pet owners keep their pets by providing food and supplies (the animals have to be spayed or neutered in order to get these supplies):
The Northland Pet Pantry (has a long list of drop off sites)
Spay Neuter Kansas City Contact them for business hours for drop off
No More Homeless Pets KC 816.333.PETS or email at info@nmhpkc.org for information on how to donate
Meals on Wheels has a program that offers pet food and supplies for those who recieve meal services. Below are links to some local Meals on Wheels Programs.
Some supplies they could use are food, chew toys, collars, harnesses, dog coats (for the winter), flea/tick medicine, travel bowls, and monetary donations. In addition, when I have some extra money, I pick up some granola bars (for the human), small water bottles and bones or biscuits for the dogs and put them all in a small treat or gift bag and give them out when I see people in need. If I am really on my game, I put in low cost or free spay/neuter info and places where the homeless person can go to get help. Some people say that those who rescue animals lack compassion for humans-that could not be further than the truth.
Enjoy this article? Receive email alerts when I write new articles. Just click on the subscribe button above!
Comments
thank you for such a touching and important article! I'm the Orange County Charity Examiner
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!