Pets and people. Love and more love. It’s just that simple. Sharing a life with a pet is all about love. Pets love – unconditionally – without judgement. And humans provide comfort with crunchy treats, bouncy balls, games of tug-of-war and hide-n-seek, squeaky toys, fluffy beds and lap naps. Seeking little, much is given. To both. For those who are homeless, animal companions are a life-line. As homelessness increases, statistics show that pet ownership among the homeless is also on the rise. Whether transitioning from their homes with their pets or adopting them while on the streets, four-legged fur and two legged-winged babies now serve as the consummate soulmate. PAWS San Diego, a division of the San Diego Humane Society, works with the homeless to keep their pets. Because PAWS “recognizes and appreciates the unique bond shared by pet families experiencing homelessness,” they work with service organizations as a “one-of-a-kind safety net.” Assistance includes food, supplies and in some cases, essential care. Scheduled distributions take place at San Diego Humane Society campuses, outreach events and supplemental food assistance sites. “PAWS keeps pets with their people,” said Geraldine D’Silva, the director of PAWS San Diego. “Home is where the heart is so if pets are with their persons, and home is the streets, then they’re home.”
Recently expanding their partnerships to include San Diego service groups, PAWS now works in tandem with the soup kitchen at Sacred Heart Church in Ocean Beach. Food is distributed every other Tuesday to owners and pets. Although dogs reign as the most popular pet, cats and birds occasionally appear.
Owners have free access to food, beds, blankets, pet bowls, bottles of water, carriers, collars, halters, rain jackets, clothing, balls and toys. Light goodie bags, “easy to carry backpacks,” are also provided as to not overburden what many already cart around daily. Dog food packages weigh no more than eight pounds and cat food weighs no more than four. “Sometimes owners just pick a ball to keep their dog occupied,” continued D’Silva. “They love their pets so much, it’s not just about what they need, it’s about what their pets enjoy.”
According to D’Silva, last year PAWS supported 2,500 pet families, which included the homeless. Despite soup kitchens serving the homeless, many will forgo a warm meal because they refuse to leave their pets outside. Sacred Heart Church openly welcomes pets and people. “Many owners will feed their pets before they’ll feed themselves,” said D’Silva. “And many won’t leave their pets outside while they congregate inside for a meal. Sacred Heart Church opens its doors to both.”
PAWS also assists with pet-sitting for those venues who insist that pets remain outdoors.
“And oddly enough,” continued D’Silva, “socializing with these dogs isn’t always easy. They don’t want to be with us. They’re attached to their owners 24/7; that’s all they have and that’s all they know. They’re not looking for attention from anyone else.” D’Silva described pets as a safety measure and a source for purpose and stability for the homeless. Owners will “avoid getting into trouble to ensure they’re able to care for their pets.
“These animals play a major role in the emotional well-being of their owners and the way these men and women live because they’re with them all of the time,” she said. “The bond is so very different from ours – we leave our pets. These dogs and cats are never without their owners.”
D’Silva also noted that PAWS works with victims of domestic violence living in their cars.
“We provide pet everything – deodorizer, wipes, shampoo, grooming tools, beds – whatever is needed for living in the car so owners can concentrate on what they need to do for themselves,” she said. “We provided partnership with a dog boarding facility for one woman living with her dog in her car while she used the library to look for a job. And we found care for the dog as she interviewed.” Although limited, PAWS also provides emergency boarding for owners who are hospitalized. “One gentleman came to us with a dog that never left his side for but six hours his entire life,” explained D’Silva. “He couldn’t breathe. But he refused to go the hospital because he didn’t want to leave his dog. We found care for the dog. And just in time. Had he not gone to the hospital, he never would’ve survived.”
Driven by “heartwarming stories” as such, D’Silva recognizes the love and importance of the bond shared between the homeless and their pets. “PAWS is a resource for the homeless who face unfortunate circumstances,” she concluded. “Our job is to support the love the homeless have for their pets, their incredible shared bond and their need for companionship.” Pet assistance Where: Sacred Heart Church, 4776 Saratoga Ave.
When: Alternate Tuesdays 6 to 8 p.m.