Homeless men to get basic care for their dogs
The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland is working with the Oxford Street shelter.
By David Hench dhench@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer
Without a home or any immediate family for support, some homeless people lean heavily on the unwavering companionship of a dog.
Now, the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland is working with Portland's Oxford Street shelter to provide basic veterinary care for homeless men's pets.
"It's a public health and safety issue. We don't want rabid or unhealthy animals in the community. We want animals to be healthy," said Patsy Murphy, who has been executive director of the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland since March.
"The animals are their family," she said. "This is one small piece of helping folks to be able to maintain their companion animals."
The relationship between the refuge league and the shelter developed last month when three homeless men and their dogs were staying at the shelter and city staff lacked the expertise or resources to meet the animals' needs, said Sandy Brown, a human services counselor at the Oxford Street shelter.
The dogs have been allowed to stay at the shelter with their owners as long as they have the required rabies vaccination and if the owner has a note from a counselor designating the dog as a therapy dog, Brown said.
For some homeless men, their needs and those of their pets are intertwined.
"The guys are either on a fixed income or they don't have any incomes at all," Brown said. "Their dogs are their lifeline. They will spend their money first to feed their dogs before themselves."
In return, the dogs are completely devoted. Outreach workers say the dogs follow closely and are completely focused on their owner, but at the same time are willing to be patted by all the people they encounter.
The refuge league -- which accommodates homeless animals like the shelter cares for people -- provided food, water dishes and dog beds to the shelter and offered to give the dogs checkups and basic veterinary care.
"I think it's great. They paid for his rabies shot so he could stay here" at the shelter, said Rick Osborne, referring to his 9-month-old dog Maverick. Osborne said he hadn't had a dog in about 10 years and then got Maverick -- a black lab-pit bull mix with a little bit of beagle -- when the wiry pup was a month old.
Osborne said he owns a home in Dixfield but there is no work there and he is in Portland earning money to cover property taxes and other expenses. He has a friend watch the dog while he works during the day because his dog can't join him at work.
In another case, a young homeless man required medical attention himself but couldn't go to the hospital with his dog and was afraid if he gave it up, he might not get it back.
"These guys, a lot of them have nobody left in their life that they're able to go to, so their dog becomes the most important thing they have in the world," Brown said. "It becomes very difficult for them to separate."
The man was given a tour of the shelter so he could be comfortable with his pet's accommodations. While he received his treatment, the dog was screened for heart worm, Lyme disease and other conditions and given shots and medicine.
Taking care of the animal is far preferable to having him become a stray and get into trash or be hit by a car, Murphy said.
In the past year, a number of homeless men with dogs have stayed at the shelter, along with dogs ranging in size from pugs to huskies.
Murphy said the Animal Refuge League has provided checkups to three animals so far under the program. A standard checkup can cost more than $100.
Most of the dogs are considered therapy dogs, a designation that requires a note from a mental health professional. As such, the owners can't be denied access, services or accommodations because of their dogs, Brown said.
The dogs are invariably good-tempered and welcome at the shelter, she said.
"The dogs come right in and they sleep on their mat with them or close to them. They just become one of our guests for the evening," Brown said. "They all get along great and even the other guys staying at the shelter who don't have animals love the dogs. It's helpful for the whole building."
Staff Writer David Hench can be contacted at 791-6327 or at:
dhench@pressherald.com
Were you interviewed for this story? If so, please fill out our accuracy form
Most...
Copyright ©2010 MaineToday Media, Inc.
34 COMMENTS
Rocky4 said...
Open up yet another set of flood gates. Geeeezus. Stop the madness!!!!
July 12, 2010 at 5:36 AM Report abuse
Biddy said...
I honestly think some people won't be happy until all the disadvantaged, homeless, sick, disabled, etc. are either dead, institutionalized, or in prison. This very basic service IS a public service when considering the health ramifications. And to take the last bit of comfort and pleasure from people living a miserable existence is, well, just plain cruel. One wonders sometimes if those making the cruel comments are the ones that really should be institutionalized.
July 12, 2010 at 5:46 AM Report abuse
tonella said...
this is a good thing,the dogs want love,food and preventative disease ,just like us,a pet to many is their pal.
July 12, 2010 at 6:17 AM Report abuse
dfghdfghdfgh said...
Biddy - What cruel comments? Its a story about people helping other people, but in this instance, it includes pets. Biddy, you sound like an angry person!
July 12, 2010 at 6:27 AM Report abuse
punk51 said...
my dog my god.
July 12, 2010 at 6:41 AM Report abuse
nikonwilly said...
There are plenty of commenter's on here that consider the homeless less than human, wait to they read this story.
July 12, 2010 at 6:50 AM Report abuse
BSmart said...
Homeless is one thing. Blind drunk at 9am, vomiting, urinating, defacating, passed out on the sidewalk or on the porch of someone's business or home is quite another. They use our parks and yards as toilets, they fight, scream, vandalize and use tens of millions in police, fire department and medical services. Less than human? Hmmmm. Portland is now more than ever overrun with drunks and druggies. MANY times this summer I've heard vistors comment on how bad it is and how much they dislike the panhandling. Helping pets is noble but the reality is that it's just one more reason for even MORE homeless drunks to invade the city.
July 12, 2010 at 7:32 AM Report abuse
Janie said...
Is it April Fools every day in Portland these days? This is lunacy at it's best! Homeless people/bums should not have pets people....that's neglect and abuse!!! What has happened to common sense. Trust me no one is taking pleasure dealing with these lowlifes everyday. Imagine being trapped in a home that you worked all your life to live in because of these bums. That's what the elderly in the Bayside area deal with..FEAR.
July 12, 2010 at 7:41 AM Report abuse
jake007 said...
Rowe Ford has just announced will be offer free wheel alignments for shopping carts for any homeless people. Wally Camp,president of Rowe said "its our way of giving back to the community". No appointment is needed he added.
July 12, 2010 at 7:47 AM Report abuse
JWR said...
BSmart,--It pains me to say this, but your comment speaks the truth. It pains me, because I am an advocate for the homeless, who has tried to let the public know that what you mention clouds the public's perception and yet I know all to well that what I call the 'real homeless' are in the minority. As far as the dog thing, I find it to be cruel because while they can barely feed themselves they are trucking around with a dog, and most are not trained and some are even vicious. How do you go and look for a job towing a dog and the rest of your unsightly belongings to an interview ? You don't ! Most of these so called homeless with dogs are young people hanging down in the 'Old Port' getting high all day and then crashing at the Oxford St. shelter, with dog. Meanwhile, those who fight every day for survival while also fighting against the stereotype's of Drunks, Junkies and just plain Bums..
July 12, 2010 at 7:53 AM Report abuse
TiredMainer said...
If you can't properly take care of your pet then simply you don't deserve to own a pet. Period! My pity goes out to these dogs who will surely have a short lifespan filled with confusion and misery. Nice try PPH to try to make this a feel good story. It makes me sad not glad.
July 12, 2010 at 8:47 AM Report abuse
punk51 said...
wow. how about some of you screaming about the homeless--young/drunk or unemployed and at end of options stepping up and helping out---how many of you actually contribute to a solution? if the young/drunk are on the city streets then its up to the police to haul them away...most americans are only 2 paychecks away from life on the street so you might want to find a bit more kindness
July 12, 2010 at 8:51 AM Report abuse
america said...
i think it is awesome. there are certain parts of portland i have to go to once in awahile and i know someone is going to beg for money, and none of them have been realy aggresive, i feel bad for them. as far as any i have seen with dogs, the dogs usually look to be in better shape then the owners, so i dont buy the neglect and abuse theory. with or without a dog, they are seriosly ill and are not capable of getting or holding a job, so i dont buy that theory either. like i always say, this is what happens when you throw mentally ill people on the street
July 12, 2010 at 8:52 AM Report abuse
NH said...
Sounds like these homeless fellows care more about their dogs than people who have a roof over their heads and dump their animals at a shelter at the first whiff of inconvenience or simply becoming bored with ownership.
July 12, 2010 at 8:56 AM Report abuse
Q2xhbWNvdmU%3D said...
So if you are a homeless woman you can't get treatment for your dog?
July 12, 2010 at 9:14 AM Report abuse
america said...
exactly NH! and it doesnt cost taxpyers anything,
July 12, 2010 at 9:30 AM Report abuse
GURRY70 said...
I understand the love and companionship of a dog, as I have had several in my lifetime and still miss everyone of them. But if you cannot afford to properly feed or provide medical care for a pet you should not have one. It makes no difference if you are homeless or not. Rabies and other vaccinations are VERY important. Meds for heartworm and flea prevention are important on a consistant basis.
July 12, 2010 at 10:35 AM Report abuse
Chrissy said...
I think it is wonderful that the ARL is doing this! And to the NH poster: I could not have said that better myself. Thank you.
July 12, 2010 at 10:37 AM Report abuse
Jack said...
How come there are always a lot of critical comments on having children when they cannot afford them? But when it comes to owning a dog, it is almost a right.Your tax money at work.
July 12, 2010 at 11:11 AM Report abuse
Iwatch said...
So happy I no longer live in once-beautiful Portland. When did it all change? I am also grateful to no longer live in Maine. In my new hometown, I have yet to see a drunk or homeless-appearing on our city streets. Never see gangs or grafitti either.I am a compassionate person but also realistic and conservative. I miss the ocean and that is all.
July 12, 2010 at 11:15 AM Report abuse
middleone said...
Portland is a great place to live! If you don't stare at the street people like they are side show freaks; they won't ask you for money. As for the dogs, I think this is a great idea. If it helps keep someone a little more in touch with reality, & gives them a purpose, great! It is just a band-aid on the bigger problem. In the end, the problem of the mentally ill and addicted on the streets is very complex and not easily solved. Are you ready to contribute to real solutions?
July 12, 2010 at 11:51 AM Report abuse
Justincase said...
I encourage all dogs to come to Portland. You will be given access to a shelter that includes a big screen tv, showers, free beds, free meals & free healthcare. The dogs can hang out all day in the library or beg for doggie biscuits at street corners. They'll be the ones holding the home-made signs stating "Will howl for food."
July 12, 2010 at 1:06 PM Report abuse
JEFC said...
Right, helping people care for their pets, madness. Assuming homeless people take advantage and do take this free care for their pets, how is that mistreatment or cruel? Like the overuse of the word "bums" too, very compassionate and understanding, well done, you can leave Portland and Maine now, thank you.
July 12, 2010 at 1:08 PM Report abuse
padman23 said...
JWR hits the nail on the head and he works with the homeless. Remember there are at least three types of homeless people....People who want help (recently unemployed), people who need help (mentally ill) and those who don't want help....We need to help the first two and tell the last one to pound sand....
July 12, 2010 at 1:27 PM Report abuse
dumasilook said...
i believe the ADA (americans with disabilies) laws also requires employers to make reasonable accomodations for employees so the guy with the dog sitter should be able to his pooch with him if if is indeed a service animal
July 12, 2010 at 2:03 PM Report abuse
2SpeakUp said...
All you people talking about shelters, homeless - what do you even REALLY know about that? What you make up in your head to give you something else to complain about. Spend some of that energy you use for intolerance and lend a hand to someone less fortunate. You'd be surprised, they're human beings as well. Instead of standing on your soap box telling people what's wrong with everything - volunteer in your community and help. It's generally the people that whine about things they know nothing about that sit at home and don't do anything for anyone. If you're not part of making things better, then YOU'RE a bigger problem than anything we now face.
July 12, 2010 at 2:53 PM Report abuse
null said...
When I read the headline I thought maybe this was part of Obamacare you know...a man has to take care of his dogs! If only the writer meant dogs the way I know dogs. Dogs are your feet. If I was homeless...my dogs would hurt...because I'd be pounding the pavement looking for a JOB. Here's a piece of advice for all the homeless...get some employment first. we'll see about the damn dog later...sorry!
July 12, 2010 at 3:45 PM Report abuse
Hobbes said...
Why would anyone want to be homeless is Maine? It's cold and miserable! On the other hand, that just goes to prove how much social services we actually provide! We must give out a lot for a homeless person to stay in Maine. Is there such thing as a homeless snowbird???
July 12, 2010 at 3:54 PM Report abuse
XPortlander said...
The sad thing is that the ARL, actually and honestly believe they are helping the homeless...they really believe it..but all they are doing is keeping a man down.....enabling. It is just plain insanity.
July 12, 2010 at 4:03 PM Report abuse
Dani said...
I think this is a nice idea on behalf of the ARL, however I think it could backfire as well. I always feel sorry for the animals when I see homeless people lurking around with pets, if you cant feed yourself how can you take care of an animal? At the same time its not the animals fault their owner is homeless and they shouldnt suffer so more power to the ARL if they want to pitch in and help. I do think that this could backfire by causing more homeless people to aquire pets knowing the ARL will care for them free or charge, which could be a problem later on when every homeless crazy drunken drug addict decides he needs a buddy to drag around the streets with him. Down on your luck is one thing, I am all for helping out people who try and help themselves, but hopefully this doesnt encourage them all to hoard pets. Its not fair to the dogs.
July 12, 2010 at 4:28 PM Report abuse
mohonk said...
How about homeless women?
July 13, 2010 at 5:03 AM Report abuse
Isaid said...
This is an absolutely wonderful concept. If you disagree with it, then you don't have to support it. I have little to no doubt that the majority will gladly donate to fund it. I encourage those who do to drop a check in the mail to the ARL. I certainly will. Remember: homelessness can happen to any of us at any time. We have 2 "Katrina dogs". What did they or their owners do to deserve being separated? Absolutely nothing. Life happens.
July 13, 2010 at 7:08 AM Report abuse
Dhiff said...
BSmart is dead-on with the comments he made yesterday. The problem here is not with the homeless people who are surviving on a day-to-day basis, the problem lies with those violent substance abusers who are pulling this city into the gutter. I think the ARL is doing an admirable thing here, just concerned that more homeless dog owners from Maine and New England will trek here for dog-care
July 13, 2010 at 8:25 AM Report abuse
cGVhY2UyYWxs said...
while it is important that the dogs have care, there are some potential problems associated with combining animal welfare and social service programs that do not appear to have been considered here. Social services receive enormous funding and so create "top heavy" organizations that often stray from the mission. Animal welfare has managed to avoid those pit falls Please beware that the "people programs/priorities" don't take over the animal focus and at least remain open to the possibility that the two should remain seperate
July 15, 2010 at 9:13 AM Report abuse