Homeless Animals Day
Today is National Homeless Animals Day
We interviewed a few residents at our Single Site buildings and a HW staff member about having an animal companion while they were experiencing homelessness.
Check out their stories below!
Dorothy and Gunnar
Dorothy is an Enrichment Services Coordinator here at Housing Works. She was experiencing homelessness in Pasadena when we met her and her dog, Gunnar.
Throughout her journey, she had Gunnar by her side. After they made it into housing, Gunnar sadly passed away due to health complications. Dorothy put together a balloon send-off in his memory, and now has another animal companion, Ziggy, whom she sees glimpses of Gunnar in.
Allison and Micky
Allison is a tenant at one of our buildings, and lives with her dog, Micky, who has stayed by her side for five years. When asked about Micky, Allison says, “When no one understands me, he does.”
Micky brings her joy and comfort and also helps as a service animal when she has seizures or difficulty walking.
The Thomas Family and Hercules
The Thomas family had a dog named Hercules. He was part of their family while they were going through shelters and transitional housing.
Unfortunately, they had to put him up for adoption during that time, as animals aren't allowed in those settings. They were reunited with him after they got housing, but had to give him up again. He was a light in their lives and they miss him dearly.
Anthony and Scoop and Sasha
Anthony was experiencing homelessness with his dogs, Scoop and Samantha, before he was housed at one of our buildings.
Samantha sadly passed away shortly after he moved into his new apartment. He was grateful to have been housed during those difficult times, as it would have taken a bigger toll on him if he was still on the streets.
Sasha, the dog on the right, came into his life afterwards and helped him and Scoop through their grief.