Dogs are very loyal creatures that’ll stick with you thru thick and thin. That’s why even dogs with homeless owners can be seen sharing the curb. Jordan Walker, the lead content curator of Coops and Cages, shares what life is like for a dog living in such circumstances.

Animal homelessness is a very serious and real problem plaguing society today. A lot of people aren’t managing their finances well or are simply trusting the wrong people with their money. As such, they end up homeless and their pets suffer the same fate. Still, you’d be surprised how life is for these homeless dogs. Below are some of the things dogs with homeless owners experience, as seen from their point-of-view.

We Bond 24/7
Being homeless isn’t so bad. Our owner takes us with them wherever they go. We spend every single moment together and even though it’s not the best of conditions, we are happier than most dogs who are left cooped up in homes while their owners are off to school or work.
Whether they are soliciting from passersby or working tough jobs to make ends meet, they bring us with them every step of the way. Sometimes, they also ask assistance of us which we gladly reciprocate.
We Don’t Go Hungry
Our owners know how agonizing it is to not have enough food. That’s why they make sure we are well fed. Sometimes, they would even put us ahead of themselves.

Everyday is an Adventure
We don’t know where the next day will take us and it can get exhilarating. We can spend days in a subway and meet all sorts of people and discover all kinds of smells and then spend the next day out in the open in a new part of the city. There’s no telling where the next day brings us. What matters most is that we spend every moment with our owner and share memories together.
Fitness Isn’t Overlooked at All
Contrary to popular belief, we don’t spend all day moping around worrying about our condition despite all that has happened. Due to our current circumstance, we get actual physical activity as opposed to those boring walks domesticated dogs are subjected to. We walk on a regular basis and are exposed to the sun’s rays most of the time.

Interaction is at an All-time High
Being out in the open, we meet all sorts of people and pets. Due to this, we are able to interact much better with both people and other dogs we come across. Our owners also appreciate our presence. Due to their being homeless, they are sometimes overlooked by society and are ignored. With our help, they get sympathy, and more importantly, the interaction from others that makes them feel still part of society. Solitary confinement is harsh and most of the homeless suffer from this. By acting a bridge between our owners and other humans, we also help them avoid potential mental illnesses.
We Protect Each Other
Homeless or not, we owe a lot to our owners. That’s why we make it a point to watch over them especially when they sleep out in the open and are vulnerable. They also do the same by protecting us from parasites of all kinds and by protecting us from violent people.
It is also worth noting that our presence helps protect our owners from going down a deeper hole. Destructive habits like alcohol and drugs and the tendency for suicide goes down a lot with our presence. This is because the feeling of responsibility eventually shuts down these temptations and focuses the mind more towards priorities.
Our Owners are Fully Devoted to Us
Our owners have lost everything and everyone they once cherished. We are the only ones they are devoted to and this shows in the way they interact with us, feed us, embrace us and play with us. They even take the time to get us veterinary care and shelter when the opportunity arises.

Homelessness is a big problem and it affects pets much more than it affects humans. Pretty much most of society is still oblivious to this and continues to do nothing. Homeless people are said to be desperate and put their self interest above all else. Yet, the homeless owners of these pets do the unthinkable, they love their pet even more and credit them with their lives. Thankfully, there are also tons of non-profits out there that are willing to lend a hand to support these pets as well as educate pet owners.

Image Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

Author: Jordan Walker
Jordan is the lead content curator for Coops and Cages as well as other pet-related blogs. His passion for animals is matched with his passion for “attempting” to play the guitar. If you would like to catch more of him, you can visit his Google+ or Twitter accounts.