THE HOMELESS AND THEIR PETS

By Debbie Bulloch



A well dressed woman walks up to a homeless man and gives him a bag of fast food on her way to work. The man has been sitting on the sidewalk in the same spot for weeks, he looks up and says “God bless you.” The woman nods and walks away but not before she turns to see him open the bag and remove a burger, take a bite and give the rest to his dog. This scene is probably something that goes on more often than we would like to think



Did you know that over the course of a year, as many as 3.5 million people become homeless? Many American families are just a pay check away from becoming homeless. Most people who experience homelessness are homeless for a short period of time, and usually need help finding housing or a rent subsidy. Unfortunately, however, for those with pets it becomes more difficult.

The homelessness crisis, brought about by the deep economic recession, is further compounded by the pet population of the homeless. Pets have been among the voiceless victims of the current economic recession, with some families struggling to keep and feed pets, and others forced to leave them behind when foreclosed on.



Many homeless shelters will not take people if they have pets. It’s not a matter of shelters being cruel – it is simply a matter of lack of resources. When there is hardly enough money to help humans, pets (sadly) become less of a priority. When homeless people are turned away by a shelter and are forced to choose between their pet or a roof over their head many choose to stay on the streets with their pets. It is easy to understand why the homeless chose the company of a beloved pet over a food and a warm bed: pets are nonjudgmental; they provide comfort and an emotional bond of loyalty. Additionally in many cases pets can provide the homeless with protection in what can be an otherwise scary and dangerous world.



How can we help the homeless and the pets that share the streets with them?

1. There are different types of homeless people. Some are homeless, but live in their car, van or motorhome; others live in camping areas, and still others live literally on the streets. Some homeless people may have mild to serious emotional or mental issues, whereas others had a string of bad luck that turned into homelessness. Knowing the person’s situation will help in determining what kind of help you can offer the homeless person and his or her pet companion.

2. Stop and think about what you want to achieve. If you want to help the animal, feeding, providing comfort and tending to their health should be the goals.

3. Have dog food, bottled water and bowls to offer to the homeless person for their dog. If you want to help dogs of the homeless on an ongoing basis, keep a supply of these provisions in your car along with a few clean towels, blankets or other soft items so the dog doesn’t have to sit on a cold (or hot) hard surface such as a sidewalk or parking lot.

4. When you approach a homeless person and his pet, first be careful for your own safety. Then, as you continue to approach, say as you approach that you are involved with helping dogs and would like to provide their dog with food and water. You can also offer something soft for the dog to sit on. When they see you are the “real deal” and there to provide good things for their dog, it will help build trust.

5. Offer to get a collar and I.D. tag for the dog. You can put the dog's name and your phone number on it or the phone number of your rescue organization if you have one. This way if the dog gets separated from his owner for whatever reason, and is found by an individual or ends up at a shelter, they will call you. It may also deter a police officer or citizen from calling animal control, which often happens with dogs of the homeless.

6. If you want to go a step further and tend to the dog’s overall health, your goals should be: spaying (for a female dog) or neutering (for a male dog), inoculations including rabies, a microchip, ear and teeth checkup and flea medication if needed. Contact your local vet’s office and see if they are willing to provide these services for free (really nice) or at low cost (also nice).

7. Along these lines, establish a rapport with a few local veterinary providers, as well as with the local homeless population; by doing so you will be a bridge to the animals being healthy and well fed. After all, that could very likely be one of the things the homeless person wants most: to have their best friend and protector cared for and feeling well.

8. If you can, give out your business card to local homeless people with pets and tell them that you have a partnership with a low-cost veterinary clinic (see #6 and #7, above) and that you are willing to provide spaying/neutering and other medical services for free. Build the same relationship with the veterinary clinic and ask for a dozen of their business cards so that you can give those out to homeless people to arrange for care of their pets. Make THEM a partner too.



Between Homes’ original mission was to provide a place for newbies, and other homeless avatars, to hang around and spend time relaxing while learning their way around SL. In the past few months we have now expanded our mission to make room for pets. Thanks to the help of Vitolo Rossini and his Canis Dog Park, we have been able to afford to rescue and adopt a large number of dogs. Thanks to the wonderful generosity of Gloeing Ember and SanPaul Held we have been able to add land (and those ever-present prims) to BH so that rescued dogs can be brought to the shelter. These rescued dogs, along with some members of my original pack, are now roaming freely (and happily) through BH’s grounds.

Many of you have already spent time playing with the “little gents” and “little ladies” (as Glo likes to refer to them) that are now running around BH. Some of you, however, have not yet met the little rascals. So I thought that it would be nice to officially introduce you to BH’s furry, four-legged residents.

SHEILA and TANYA: Sheila and Tanya are Australian Shepherds, or Aussies. The Australian Shepherd is a breed of herding dog that was developed on ranches in the Western United States. Despite its name, Aussies did not originate in Australia. They acquired their name because of association with Basque sheepherders who came to the United States from Australia.

Like all working breeds, the Aussie has considerable energy and drive, and usually needs a job to do. It often excels at dog sports such as dog agility, flyball, and frisbee. They are also highly successful search and rescue dogs, disaster dogs, detection dogs, guide, service, and therapy dogs. And, above all, they can be beloved family companions.

Sheila was my first VKC dog. Tanya (together with Bud, Delta and Tinker) was a recent adoption. Sheila and Tanya, like to run around and explore. Don’t be surprised if you find them inside one of the apartments, looking for someone, or something, to herd.

SHEILA



TANYA



FRITZ, FLASH and GHANDI : Fritz, Flash and Ghandi or “F - F - G” are three German Shepherds. Fritz was the first dog that Glo gave to me as a present (there have been a lot pups since then). Flash and Ghandi were presents from Glo as well.

The German Shepherd Dog (GSD, also known as an Alsatian), is a breed of large-sized dog that originated in Germany. German Shepherds are a relatively new breed of dog, whose origins date to 1899. As part of the Herding group, the German Shepherd is a working dog developed originally for herding sheep. Because of their strength, intelligence and abilities in obedience training they are often employed in police and military roles, in forces around the world. Due to their loyal and protective nature the German Shepherd is one of the most registered of breeds. GDS make wonderful family pets as long as you make sure not to leave small children alone with them (but this is true for ALL breeds and it is just common sense). GSD are the quintessential family protectors, they will guard and protect their family often to the death.

When Fritz patroled the grounds of my former home, he was always the first one to greet me whenever I logged in-world. Fritz would then usually stay by my side, wherever I went - even after the other pups would take off to run around the grounds. As with RL GSD, Fritz’s loyalty and devotion were remarkable.

Flash, like his name implies, is always moving around, constantly "checking out" the grounds for intruders. Ghandi, on the other hand, is the "calm" of the trio. But if he thinks that you ae threatenign his pack - WATCH OUT!

FRITZ



FLASH



GHANDI (AND FLASH)



GHANDI LOVES TO BE PETTED (WELL, THEY ALL DO!)



(NOTE: Notice how WuzzyBear, one of the Old English Sheepdogs roaming around BH, gets himself in a lot of the pictures. He is such a big ham!)

SHERLOCK and HOLMES: These two “gents” have to be the two most curious and mischievous “newfies” in all of SL.

Sherlock - Holmes are Newfoundlands (or “newfies”). The Newfoundland is a large, usually black, breed of dog originally used as a working dog in Newfoundland. They are famously known for their giant size and tremendous strength, and for their sweet dispositions, loyalty, and natural water rescue tendencies. The Newfoundland dog excels at water rescue, due to their great muscles and partly to their webbed feet and acute swimming abilities. Newfoundland dogs require grooming at least once per week (and frequently more often). They are extremely loving and patient, and Newfoundland puppies are laid-back and considered easy to housebreak. When it comes to physical strength, this breed is thought to be the strongest--even beating some characteristics of the Great Dane, Mastiff, or Irish Wolfhound.

You will often find S & H sunning themselves on top of the apartment’s roofs. When they are not on the roof, S & H can be seen flying around BH or swimming in the big pond. Regardless of where the pair may be, they (and you) are bound to be having lots of fun.

SHERLOCK - HOLMES



(Yes, that is WuzzyBear in the background - again!)

FUZZYBEAR, WUZZYBEAR, COOKIE, PEG, CHARLES and TINKER. These six Old English Sheepdogs are the biggest bunch of BH “clowns.” The loveable BH OES pups are everywhere and for good reason: OES are “people” dogs – they just love being around people (sometimes even trying to herd them).

With their trademark beautiful, profuse coat, the intelligent and agile Old English Sheepdog (OES) can easily complete any demanding task asked of him. Square in build and possessing great strength, the OES enjoys working and is seen in the conformation, obedience, agility and herding rings today with their characteristic shuffling gait.

The Old English Sheepdog originated in the early 19th century in the western counties of England, and is believed to have descended from the Scotch Bearded Collie and the Russian Owtchar. The OES herded sheep and cattle into major city markets, earning the nickname "bobtail" due to their docked tails.

The OES is an athletic animal, filled with clownish energy, and therefore requires regular exercise or a job to do. Although affectionate with his family, he may try to herd people or other objects. I have seen the BH OES “gang” try to herd other pups or even people (including me!)

CHARLES - THE USC TROJAN OES



TINKER



FUZZYBEAR, COOKIE, WUZZYBEAR (and "GOL")



PEG



FUZZYBEAR, COOKIE AND WUZZYBEAR (and no "GOL")



GOLIATH: “Gol” is the quiet Rottie. He does not make a lot of noise, but when “speaks” others (including humans) pay attention. Like Fritz and Flash, the German Shepherds, Rotties come to us from Germany.

The Rottweiler, or Rottweil Metzgerhund, is a "medium to large size, stalwart dog" breed originating in Germany as a herding dog. It is a hardy and very intelligent breed. Rottweilers also worked as draught dogs, pulling carts to carry meat and other products to market. Rottweilers have abundant strength and are black coated with clearly defined rich tan markings. Their singularly powerful appearance does not lack nobility; Rotties are exceptionally well suited to being a companion, service and working dog.

During the First and Second World Wars, Rottweilers were put into service in various roles including as messenger, draft and guard dogs. Currently, Rotties they are often used as search and rescue, assistance, guide dogs for the blind, guard and police dogs in addition to their traditional roles.

GOLIATH



DOBIE: Dobie, the sweet and loveable Doberman Pinscher has been a part of my personal pack for a very long time. Dobie can be a fierce protector of his home and pack, but at the same time he loves belly rubs.

The Dobermann Pinscher (alternatively spelled Doberman in many countries) or Dobermann is a breed of domestic dog. Dobermann Pinschers are among the most common of pet breeds, and the breed is well known as an intelligent, alert, and loyal companion dog. Although once commonly used as guard dogs, watch dogs, or police dogs, this is less common today. The modern Dobermann Pinscher is an energetic and lively breed suitable for companionship and family life.

DOBIE



BUD: Bud is BH’s bloodhound. He is a recent adoption (along with Tinker, Tanya and Delta). Bud’s sweet disposition and his ability to track and find any lost person, or object, makes him a worthy companion. Don’t let his “slow” ways fool you, however, Bud is always ready to jump to action and go tracking. (Don’t forget to rub his belly, he LOVES it).
The bloodhound (also known as the St. Hubert hound) is a large breed of dog bred for the specific purpose of tracking human beings. Consequently, it is often used by authorities to track missing persons. Bloodhounds are well-known for their ability to follow a scent hours or even days old, over long distances. Combining a keen sense of smell with a tenaciously strong tracking instinct, bloodhounds have proven their worth as the archetypal training dog.

BUD



LOBO, DELTA AND CHICO: These are BH’s three Portuguese Water Dogs (PWD). Like the OES, the Porties have a sweet disposition. They are big-time clowns who love to play tricks on BH visitors. Chico was adopted by BH attorney SanPaul Held, Lobo and Delta are part of my pack. All three of them love to play together. When they are not running around BH knocking people over, you will find them resting inside SP’s pavilion (or on the pavilion’s roof).

The Portuguese Water Dog, colloquially known as a Portie or PWD, is a breed of gun dog as classified by the United Kennel Club or working dog as classified by the American Kennel Club. Portuguese Water Dogs are originally form the Portuguese region of the Algarve, from where the breed expanded to all along Portugal's coast, where they were taught to herd fish into fishermen's nets, to retrieve lost tackle or broken nets, and to act as couriers from ship to ship, or ship to shore. Portuguese Water Dogs rode in bobbing fishing trawlers as they worked their way from the warm Atlantic waters of Portugal to the frigid fishing waters off the coast of Iceland where the fleets caught cod to bring home. Portuguese Water Dogs were also often taken with sailors, during the Portuguese discoveries.

The Portuguese Water Dog is a fairly rare breed; only 15 entrants for Portuguese Water Dogs were made to England's Crufts competition in 2002. Though some breeders claim they are a hypoallergenic dog breed, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that hypoallergenic dog breeds exist. Their non-shedding qualities, however, have made the Porties more popular in recent years. (The fact that the First Family adopted a Portie has not hurt their reputation either!) While there may not be any scientific backing, this breed is non-shedding; it does require extensive grooming and upkeep as its coat grows.

LOBO



DELTA (that's BH resident/renter Nina Urqhart playing with Delta).



CHICO



Here are some additional photographs taken by BH resident and all-around good guy, Buccaneer Braveheart.

WUZZY AND ME (THAT'S BUC IN THE BACKGROUND, WEARING HIS WESTERN DUDS)



WUZZY, FUZZY, DOBIE, GOLIATH (IN THE FAR BACKGROUND) AND ME



SHERLOCK, FUZZY, BUD AND ME!



This is the end of the “pup tour.” Depending on how things work out, there may be more “little gents” and “little ladies” roaming BH’s grounds and playing with our residents and visitors.

I hope you enjoy the company of BH’s furry, four-legged residents.

BLESS THE BEAST AND THE CHILDREN
By the Carpenters

Bless the beasts and the children
For in this world they have no voice
They have no choice

Bless the beasts and the children
For the world can never be
The world they see

Light their way
When the darkness surrounds them
Give them love
Let it shine all around them

Bless the beasts and the children
Give them shelter from a storm
Keep them safe
Keep them warm

Light their way
When the darkness surrounds them
Give them love
Let it shine all around them

Bless the beasts and the children
Give them shelter from a storm
Keep them safe
Keep them warm



ONE FINAL NOTE: It would be nice if what we do here in SL, and especially at BH, could be translated into action in the Real World. To some of you, well to many of you, SL is just a game with no consequences at all in RL. That may be true; but if we can move just one of you to action, if we can convince just one of you that the plight of the homeless, and their pets, is a cause worth fighting for, then we at BH will have achieved part of our mission. Think about it!

ONE MORE FINAL NOTE (I promise): In searching for the Bless the Beasts and the Children clip I came across this other clip from The Carpenters. I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do. (I always cry when I hear this song, but it is a "good" kind of cry.)