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Fierce bonds often prevent those in need of treatment most from seeking outside help. The thought of potentially abandoning the one constant, the one unwavering love in their life is simply unbearable.
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THE TIES THAT BIND
In the animal world, pets belonging to the homeless are the jacks of all trades - a social tool, icebreaker, companion, protector, family. They often communicate easier with the outside world than their owners do. And, most are better behaved and socialized than pets living in conventional homes.
“You can’t have a dog barking in a tent or attacking others. Animals belonging to the homeless are highly socialized,” said Jeff Brown, who helps run Feeding the Pets of Tulsa’s Homeless. They help their owners interact with other people. Even strangers who wouldn’t ordinarily talk to the homeless, are less likely "to scream at a homeless person to get a job,” Brown said, and more likely to say, "Can I pet your dog?" And, the ice is broken.
In the perilous world of street life, pets sometimes are the only constant in their owners’ lives. “Their animals never are going to lie, cheat or steal from them,” Brown said. “They’re family.”
In the animal world, pets belonging to the homeless are the jacks of all trades - a social tool, icebreaker, companion, protector, family. They often communicate easier with the outside world than their owners do. And, most are better behaved and socialized than pets living in conventional homes.
“You can’t have a dog barking in a tent or attacking others. Animals belonging to the homeless are highly socialized,” said Jeff Brown, who helps run Feeding the Pets of Tulsa’s Homeless. They help their owners interact with other people. Even strangers who wouldn’t ordinarily talk to the homeless, are less likely "to scream at a homeless person to get a job,” Brown said, and more likely to say, "Can I pet your dog?" And, the ice is broken.
In the perilous world of street life, pets sometimes are the only constant in their owners’ lives. “Their animals never are going to lie, cheat or steal from them,” Brown said. “They’re family.”
BLIND LOVE
But, that fierce loyalty that binds animals and owners together, also can blind those in need of treatment from seeking outside help.
That same owner, Brown said, who will stay out in temperatures “cold enough to freeze spit on a mirror” - because almost no shelters allow pets - will be reluctant to leave an animal behind so that they can go somewhere for treatment. Owners have to be assured that in their absence a pet will be kept in a safe place, Brown said, and that they’ll get their animal back.
Pause4Paws is here to do just that. We are devoted exclusively to arranging free, safe and temporary foster care for pets while their owners receive medical, mental health or substance abuse care.
YOU CAN HELP
Volunteer today. Become a pet foster. By temporarily taking in the pet of a loving pet owner, you'll help remove a barrier that all too often keeps them from accepting the critical care they so desperately need.
But, that fierce loyalty that binds animals and owners together, also can blind those in need of treatment from seeking outside help.
That same owner, Brown said, who will stay out in temperatures “cold enough to freeze spit on a mirror” - because almost no shelters allow pets - will be reluctant to leave an animal behind so that they can go somewhere for treatment. Owners have to be assured that in their absence a pet will be kept in a safe place, Brown said, and that they’ll get their animal back.
Pause4Paws is here to do just that. We are devoted exclusively to arranging free, safe and temporary foster care for pets while their owners receive medical, mental health or substance abuse care.
YOU CAN HELP
Volunteer today. Become a pet foster. By temporarily taking in the pet of a loving pet owner, you'll help remove a barrier that all too often keeps them from accepting the critical care they so desperately need.