why does homeless person have a pet dog

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the dog is probably thinking, dude i could do this on my own. stay outside and wonder the streets.
something to think about.
haha
  • Profile picture of the author John Durham
    If I were homeless, a dog could be a good food hunting asset... or just "food". lol
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    • Profile picture of the author Bill Farnham
      Originally Posted by John Durham View Post

      If I were homeless, a dog could be a good food hunting asset... or just "food". lol
      Unless, of course, you're Jack London...
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  • Profile picture of the author clnrdr64
    I work with the homeless and dogs a great way to stave of the loneliness & isolation that go along with having nowhere to go and nothing to do. Sad but true :-(
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    • Profile picture of the author AmandaT
      Originally Posted by Bradley J Anderson View Post

      To protect their expensive laptops.

      When I worked at the local shelter people used to come in with laptops all of the time to use the Wifi. I thought it was strange until I found out that many local libraries will check out laptops to people under certain conditions, such as coming into the library regularly already. In fact, our shelter would vouch for several individuals so they could check them out. We also used to have old laptops donated to us to give to people at the shelter.
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      • Originally Posted by AmandaT View Post

        When I worked at the local shelter people used to come in with laptops all of the time to use the Wifi. I thought it was strange until I found out that many local libraries will check out laptops to people under certain conditions, such as coming into the library regularly already. In fact, our shelter would vouch for several individuals so they could check them out. We also used to have old laptops donated to us to give to people at the shelter.
        Obviously, my post (#6) was meant as a joke, but I honestly did not know that! I've never heard of a library lending laptops. That's a good thing, though.
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        • Profile picture of the author AmandaT
          Originally Posted by Bradley J Anderson View Post

          Obviously, my post (#6) was meant as a joke, but I honestly did not know that! I've never heard of a library lending laptops. That's a good thing, though.
          Ya, I used to bring my own in with me and teach people how to use it to look for jobs, how to email their family members to check in, and even helped a few younger people apply for financial aid so they could go back to school. In fact, there was one 20 year old girl that came in talking about how she had planned to go to school to be a teacher but decided to marry her boyfriend who wouldn't let her work. He ended up in prison and she was homeless. I helped her apply for financial aid, we accepted the letters at the shelter for her to pick up, wrote her recommendation letters... she ended up getting financial aid and being able to live in the dorms at the school and get back on her feet.

          The internet can really open a lot of doors for people. I'm really glad that people are starting to realize that.
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    • Profile picture of the author Tengil
      Originally Posted by Bradley J Anderson View Post

      To protect their expensive laptops.
      Hehe sure looks like it!
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  • Profile picture of the author realpph
    well, homeless guy and homeless dog? they're probably just buddies!
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  • Profile picture of the author Josh MacDonald
    I seen a guy with a pet bird in a bird cage. That would be funny if he caught it. Except it would probably die. :/
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  • Profile picture of the author AmandaT
    More than likely they had the dog before they were homeless. When things go bad and you are forced to become homeless, companionship is valuable. A dog can be a valuable friend. Like it was said above, it can be very lonely.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      I once bailed a dog out of jail for a fellow who was arrested. The man was homeless at the time and had no family in the area. He called me in a panic thinking his black lab would be taken to an animal shelter.

      The man didn't ask me to bail him out - just to save his dog. I knew him only slightly but drove over to get the dog and kept him for 2-3 weeks.

      He had a real bond with that dog and the dog was well trained and healthy.
      The guy called when he was released and I met him at a local park to return his pet. It was quite a reunion. The man was a grown up "bad boy" who had nothing - but he sure loved that lab.
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  • ya it sucks if the dog isn't being taken care of, but its true that they are probably lonely. If they live in areas with people im sure most dogs don't go unfed. The worst is when you see homeless people with little kids, that worries me....
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    I've seen people who are homeless from bad circumstances - and some that just prefer to be nomads. Many have dogs. The dogs are usually in better shape than the people.

    Go through a neighborhood during a cold or rainy night and look at all the sad, neglected, wet, freezing dogs who's owners could give two craps about them being miserable outside of their door. Now who is worse off? The dog with an owner that cares enough to go through extra hardship to have him along - or the poor dog with the owner who is a souless piece of garbage inside a house?
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    • Profile picture of the author AmandaT
      Originally Posted by HeySal View Post

      I've seen people who are homeless from bad circumstances - and some that just prefer to be nomads. Many have dogs. The dogs are usually in better shape than the people.

      Go through a neighborhood during a cold or rainy night and look at all the sad, neglected, wet, freezing dogs who's owners could give two craps about them being miserable outside of their door. Now who is worse off? The dog with an owner that cares enough to go through extra hardship to have him along - or the poor dog with the owner who is a souless piece of garbage inside a house?
      Ya, I had a friend ranting about how homeless people shouldn't have dogs because they shouldn't be taking care of an animal if they can't take care of themselves. I turn around and pointed out that at least those dogs had love and someone trying to take care of them. I mean... my next door neighbor's only contact with his dog is when he fills up the giant food feeder every few days. Not to mention how many strays run around with no food at all. I mean, it is one thing if the dog is obviously underfed and uncared for, but any homeless person I've seen with a dog loves their dog and takes care of it the best they can.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kurt
    There's a kid around here that is basically homeless and camps out with his 120 lb malamute.

    He hitch hikes all over and takes his dog with him...He told me that many people that pick him up say they are only doing it for the dog. He also says that people give him money because of his dog.

    BTW his dog is one of the coolest dogs I've met. Great personality and looks just like the REAL Balto, the famous dog sled dog...

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    • Profile picture of the author R Hagel
      Originally Posted by Kurt View Post

      He also says that people give him money because of his dog.

      yep, that's what I was going to say.

      I had a friend who worked with homeless folks. So one day I met my friend down by a riverbank where the homeless folks were hanging out. Took my dog with me. Two points:

      1. These guys were sharing a bunch of chicken strips -- and they were happily giving them to my dog. (They offered some to me, too.) I thanked them and told them the dog had had enough after I realized they were going to keep sharing. Not just bites or crumbs -- they were feeding her.

      I think it was pretty clear I wasn't homeless, being that I drove up in a car and I came out there to meet my friend. Still, these guys were more than happy to share their meal with my dog. If any of those guys got a dog in the future, I know for certain the dog wouldn't suffer.


      2. One of the old guys kept looking at my dog, hinting around: "Boy, I sure could make extra money if I had that dog on the corner with me today."

      So aside from love and companionship, dogs do indeed help their owners earn money and food.

      Cheers,
      Becky
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  • Profile picture of the author Thomas Wilkinson
    Here in Tampa the homeless stand on street corners and beg for money with signs while they're talking on cell phones.
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    • Profile picture of the author ThomM
      Originally Posted by Thomas Wilkinson View Post

      Here in Tampa the homeless stand on street corners and beg for money with signs while they're talking on cell phones.
      Do they still try to sell you those 'Word of God' pamphlets like they did there in the 70's?
      One day a friend and I got some of them and started giving them away at the intersection of Nebraska and Waters Ave. A few 'homeless' guys threatened us because we where on their corner and we where giving them away.

      As for real homeless people having pets, why not.
      I've know a few homeless people who had pets.
      Like one guy told me, you're never lonely and you're always with someone who loves one no matter what.
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      • Profile picture of the author Thomas Wilkinson
        Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

        Do they still try to sell you those 'Word of God' pamphlets like they did there in the 70's?
        Yes! They still do that. City of Tampa finally outlawed squeegie people. Latest gambit is to steal a stack of papers out of a machine, stand in the middle of the street "giving" them away for a "donation". Its a flawed model. The Tribune has fallen to such a disgraceful state I give them more if they don't make me take a copy.

        Thomas
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  • Profile picture of the author kiddoman
    Homeless guy also needs a good buddy!
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  • Profile picture of the author Dubturbo
    I see this all the time in West Hollywood!
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  • Profile picture of the author Dubturbo
    I get what you're saying about companionship, but it's still being pretty selfish to make a dog suffer with you.
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    • Profile picture of the author HeySal
      Originally Posted by Dubturbo View Post

      I get what you're saying about companionship, but it's still being pretty selfish to make a dog suffer with you.
      Why do you assume the dog is suffering? Do dogs now require the same luxuries as the human status quo seekers to be happy? You do realize that a pack of dogs can still live in the wild with not a whit of a problem?

      Save your empathy for the human who is homeless - the dog's doing fine.

      I find it fascinating that people are concerned that the person should not have the only thing that means something to them instead of worrying about why they have no home. I'm starting to think the homeless people aren't so bad off dropping out of a society with attitudes like that, too.
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  • Profile picture of the author Inspiro Assistant
    You have to have companion to keep you sane
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  • Profile picture of the author Dan the man 666
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    • Profile picture of the author Richard Van
      Originally Posted by Dan the man 666 View Post

      I think homeless people should have to pay for each breath they take.
      I was homeless seven years ago Dan.

      I can honestly tell you I think what you've just written is one of the most comprehensively ignorant statements I've ever heard on this forum and that really is saying something.

      I can also tell you I never saw any with mobile phones or lap tops. There are a myriad of reasons why people wind up on the streets, to put them all in one catagory goes to show the level of intelligence of some people.

      I look forward to reading more of your low intelligence posts in the future, Dan.
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      • Profile picture of the author AmandaT
        Originally Posted by Richard Van View Post

        I was homeless seven years ago Dan.

        I can honestly tell you I think what you've just written is one of the most comprehensively ignorant statements I've ever heard on this forum and that really is saying something.

        I can also tell you I never saw any with mobile phones or lap tops. There are a myriad of reasons why people wind up on the streets, to put them all in one catagory goes to show the level of intelligence of some people.

        I look forward to reading more of your low intelligence posts in the future, Dan.
        I would have to agree. My mother was 16 when I was born... as a child I was homeless more than once as she tried to find her way in life. As an adult, I found myself homeless for a few weeks as well. So many people think of homeless people as drug addicts, alcoholics, or people too lazy to work.

        A few years ago, when I was 20, my husband and I were working hard, keeping full time jobs, renting a little mobile home... things were going well. That is, until I got sick and needed to have surgery. I was told I was going to need to take a month and a half off to recover. During that time, my boss replaced me. When I came back, there just weren't enough hours for me. A few months later, my husband was laid off because the store he worked at wasn't getting enough business. We went out looking for jobs, we pawned everything we owned for food and gas money... but in the end we lost our little mobile home.

        People can become homeless for many reasons. Many of them just need to be shown the right direction. And honestly, once you become homeless it becomes an endless cycle. You are homeless because you don't have a job and you can't find a job because you are homeless and once a potential employer finds out, they think you are lazy or an addict.

        Also, like I mentioned before, the ones you do see with laptops or cell phones, probably didn't pay for them. Many libraries and shelters have a way of checking out laptops to homeless people to use for finding work or getting back into school. As for cell phones, my current cell phone I got from a government program that is giving out prepaid cell phones with a limited amount of free minutes to low income individuals with no other phone services in case of emergencies.
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        • Profile picture of the author Kurt
          Originally Posted by AmandaT View Post

          People can become homeless for many reasons. Many of them just need to be shown the right direction. And honestly, once you become homeless it becomes an endless cycle. You are homeless because you don't have a job and you can't find a job because you are homeless and once a potential employer finds out, they think you are lazy or an addict.

          .
          And this is what many don't understand and that once a person is homeless, it's almost impossible to get out of that situation without a little help.

          Homeless people often have one set of clothes, the ones they're wearing. So they won't be clean at a job interview,as there aren't a lot of nude laundromats...And the choice to spend your dollar on clean cloths or getting something to eat is a tough one.

          They also don't have any contact info, so when they do fill out applications, if they aren't hired on the spot they have little chance of being hired down the road.

          As far as having a laptop...What are they supposed to do, pawn it for $50? How long will that last them? It isn't like they pawn their laptop and all of a sudden they have enough cash and are now back on their feet. At least with a laptop they have some means of communication.
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          • Profile picture of the author Richard Van
            Originally Posted by Kurt View Post

            And this is what many don't understand and that once a person is homeless, it's almost impossible to get out of that situation without a little help.
            This ^

            If it wasn't for one of my friends spotting me in the park I'd be in one of two places now.

            1. Dead. I was battered and slashed by a huge gang, on more than one occasion. On the worst occasion I reckon they thought I was dead but I was lucky enough to crawl away.

            2. Inside. The only way to defend yourself, in the situation I was in was through violence. That is your currency, oh and lowering yourself to beg and steal. Prison was the only second option.

            I hate the way people with no idea what it's like to be there (Like Dan the man, whose now been banned and Tengil in post #31) comment with such ignorance on a situation like this. (I'm not commenting on you Kurt, we see very much eye for eye on this one and I'm only referring to people that ridicule the homeless)

            There are so many reasons people become homeless but like so many things, people that are lucky enough not to have been there seem to enjoy looking down their noses, not realising just how close life can take you right there and when you're there, you'll change your mind but then, unless someone helps you, you'll remain there.
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            • Profile picture of the author Kurt
              Originally Posted by Richard Van View Post

              There are so many reasons people become homeless but like so many things, people that are lucky enough not to have been there seem to enjoy looking down their noses, not realising just how close life can take you right there and when you're there, you'll change your mind but then, unless someone helps you, you'll remain there.
              Hi Richard,

              Some are homeless due to bad decisions. But all of us make mistakes. It's just a case of some having a better support system than others.

              My nephew once made a snide comment about a homeless guy he saw. It's the only time I really let him have it. At the time, he was moving from friend's house to friend's house, but didn't consider himself homeless.

              I pointed out the only difference between him and the "bum" he was making fun of, was that he had friends willing to help, but he shouldn't confuse that with being a better person.
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              • Profile picture of the author Richard Van
                Originally Posted by Kurt View Post


                I pointed out the only difference between him and the "bum" he was making fun of, was that he had friends willing to help, but he shouldn't confuse that with being a better person.
                I think Kurt has summed that point up beautifully.

                Well said chap.
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  • Profile picture of the author serenen
    A dog becomes a good companion for a homeless and a lonely person.
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  • Profile picture of the author AtomicDoom
    Because they need a companion, they do not want to be completely lonely. Also, dogs can find some food and be used as food ( like in China )
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  • Profile picture of the author dagaul101
    It's a way to ward off trouble, and ofcourse just for company
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  • Profile picture of the author Kurt
    Let me also add...Most homeless can't afford to get a job, and it has to do with cash flow.

    Sure, a homeless person may get a job today, but when's their first paycheck? Some jobs pay every two weeks, with a one week holding period. That's up to 3 weeks to get a paycheck.

    But if you're homeless, you need food today, so you have to hustle today so you can eat today. And then tomorrow comes, and it starts all over...If you have a job, you'll likely miss any free lunches, soup lines, etc. and you'll literally starve before getting your first check.

    So if you want to help a homeless person, understand that cashflow is the biggest thing holding them back. You need to pay them daily, in cash. Giving them a job and a paycheck weeks later just won't work.
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    • Profile picture of the author yukon
      Banned
      Not to mention the fact that most work places have turned to direct deposit. Which the last time I checked, my bank wanted an initial deposit to open an account, that's been 11 years since I last changed banks, maybe that's changed? Kind of a catch-22 unless you can find work that pays cash, to get you started.




      Originally Posted by Kurt View Post

      Let me also add...Most homeless can't afford to get a job, and it has to do with cash flow.

      Sure, a homeless person may get a job today, but when's their first paycheck? Some jobs pay every two weeks, with a one week holding period. That's up to 3 weeks to get a paycheck.

      But if you're homeless, you need food today, so you have to hustle today so you can eat today. And then tomorrow comes, and it starts all over...If you have a job, you'll likely miss any free lunches, soup lines, etc. and you'll literally starve before getting your first check.

      So if you want to help a homeless person, understand that cashflow is the biggest thing holding them back. You need to pay them daily, in cash. Giving them a job and a paycheck weeks later just won't work.
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Evans
    Yep, companionship. Mans best friend and all that.

    I'm sure many homeless folk couldn't find that anywhere else...
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  • Profile picture of the author sikander
    Because thats the only thing they have , and will remain ,no matter how poor they are or how rich they become .
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  • Profile picture of the author Psychicwitch
    There are so many reasons for people to become homeless.Yes , some prefer that way of life ~ Most Don't !
    There have been some great comments here, but no one mentioned Medical expenses ( No Medical Insurance ) ~ I know a couple who were just about homeless ~ if not for friends ~ All the money went to bills and Medical expenses ~ Then came the lay offs and no work to be found ~ She had to be around to take care of her husband~ 35 years old and came down with a seizure disorder ~multiple seizures daily without meds, which is not as uncommon as believed ~ So the next time you see the homeless ~ maybe you should stop and think about the Why as well as the how and Be happy it is not you
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    • Profile picture of the author ThomM
      Originally Posted by Psychicwitch View Post

      There are so many reasons for people to become homeless.Yes , some prefer that way of life ~ Most Don't !
      There have been some great comments here, but no one mentioned Medical expenses ( No Medical Insurance ) ~ I know a couple who were just about homeless ~ if not for friends ~ All the money went to bills and Medical expenses ~ Then came the lay offs and no work to be found ~ She had to be around to take care of her husband~ 35 years old and came down with a seizure disorder ~multiple seizures daily without meds, which is not as uncommon as believed ~ So the next time you see the homeless ~ maybe you should stop and think about the Why as well as the how and Be happy it is not you
      Since I don't think you can PM I'll ask you here.
      Where did you tend bar?
      We're in the same area and you do look a little familiar to me.
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      • Profile picture of the author Psychicwitch
        Originally Posted by ThomM View Post

        Since I don't think you can PM I'll ask you here.
        Where did you tend bar?
        We're in the same area and you do look a little familiar to me.
        I tended bar at The Stardust Motor Inn from the Mid Eighties to Early 90's and then late 90.s to early 2000;s I worked in a few Schenectady and Rotterdam Bars, including The Horse's, Riverhouse and the Turnin Point. When I was living Down South I worked mainly resorts.
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        • Profile picture of the author ThomM
          Originally Posted by Psychicwitch View Post

          I tended bar at The Stardust Motor Inn from the Mid Eighties to Early 90's and then late 90.s to early 2000;s I worked in a few Schenectady and Rotterdam Bars, including The Horse's, Riverhouse and the Turnin Point. When I was living Down South I worked mainly resorts.
          I remember the Stardust, but don't remember if I ever drank there.
          Of course this is when I drank and that kinda explains the memory thing
          I was a chef and cook through the 80's. I mostly worked at Albany Country Club but also at a couple small places like the old Shipyard on 7 between Latham and Schenectady.
          I also did QBK a.m. a lot in the 90's. I was a frequent guest on Garden Talk with Ernie Walk and also did a lot of subbing for him when he wanted the day off. That was on Saturday mornings. My long time friend John Pendergast was the board op. and later a.m. program director there at the time.
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  • Profile picture of the author LoganWinters
    I imagine to keep them company, and help them from being too lonely. I don't think homeless people have many social opportunities to make friends.
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  • Profile picture of the author sloanjim
    Maybe to eat as a last reort? Especially in China i beleive they like that kind of stuff.
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    • Profile picture of the author sparckyz
      Originally Posted by sloanjim View Post

      Maybe to eat as a last reort? Especially in China i beleive they like that kind of stuff.
      Yeah, i'm gonna have to go with the desperate food measures theory lol
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  • Profile picture of the author ghostrecon
    Homeless people are way smarter than we give them credit for. I swear at one point they all went to business college to study marketing. The dogs, babies, cuts and bruises are all marketing tactics to engage with bystanders on an emotional level.

    Research shows that people actually feel more sympathy for the dog than they do for the individual. Hence, a whining dog or a crying baby brings in big bucks. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if after the day finishes they get into BMW's and drive off into the sunset to party with their like minded homeless individuals.

    Note:This post doesn't represent the true opinion of the author and shouldn't be taken as such. Apologies to anybody who became angry, offended or distressed upon reading this. The author takes no responsibility for what you may or may not do and cannot be held liable. By reading this post you agree to these terms.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kurt
      Originally Posted by ghostrecon View Post

      Homeless people are way smarter than we give them credit for. I swear at point they all went to business college to study marketing. The dogs, babies, cuts and bruises are all marketing tactics to engage with bystanders on an emotional level.

      Research shows that people actually feel more sympathy for the dog than they do for the individual. Hence, a whining dog or a crying baby brings in big bucks. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if after the day finishes they get into BMW's and drive off into the sunset to party with their like minded homeless individuals.
      You're mistaking panhandlers with the homeless. Most homeless people don't beg.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rough Outline
    Companionship is probably one of the main reasons. When most people look the other way or ignore you, having someone to comfort or comfort you is nice.

    Also you'll often find that people have more sympathy with the dog than the homeless person and will giv loose change because of the dog. It's not nice but it's true.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jaguar-TI
    Dogs are hunters. Survivors by design.

    I don't know about you guys, but most people I know wouldn't survive in the streets alone for a month. The support system that was addressed before has a lot to do with the situation of those individuals.

    Dogs are also pack animals. Most of them aren't loners. Humans are also pack animals, but we call ourselves civil or social.

    From a survivalist point of view, there is strength in numbers.

    Another reason is companionship. Memoirs, diaries, documents, found of shipwrecks and other sort of disaster/survivor accounts tell that the reason why a lot of them commit suicide is not because a lack of resources but because they where alone.

    Depression kills faster than a lot of diseases a good friend to share the good days and the bad days can get you a long way.

    The last resort/meal its just plain silly. You wouldn't eat your best friend, only friend, if all you have to do is wait 24 hours and go to a soup kitchen.

    Jaguar
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  • Profile picture of the author tmdassc
    I imagine it is for the same reason I've seen homeless people with house keys. They are not all as bad off as they would like people to think they are. One news station did a story on many of the so-called homeless people on street corners, and it was revealed that a great number of them earn over $200 a day in donations.

    Even if they received only $20 a day in donations, that is enough to keep them from being homeless. A great majority of them choose to be homeless and irresponsible non-tax paying citizens.

    Most can not rightfully claim they are not in the best of health to work... not when they can be on their feet on a street corner begging in a hot or cold smog and emissions concentrated environment all day long.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kurt
      Originally Posted by tmdassc View Post

      I imagine it is for the same reason I've seen homeless people with house keys. They are not all as bad off as they would like people to think they are. One news station did a story on many of the so-called homeless people on street corners, and it was revealed that a great number of them earn over $200 a day in donations.

      Even if they received only $20 a day in donations, that is enough to keep them from being homeless. A great majority of them choose to be homeless and irresponsible non-tax paying citizens.

      Most can not rightfully claim they are not in the best of health to work... not when they can be on their feet on a street corner begging in a hot or cold smog and emissions concentrated environment all day long.
      Panhandlers and homeless people are two different things. Obviously reading posts in a thread is too time consuming for you. Either that, or you prefer ignorance.

      And where do you get your figures that a "vast majority" choose to be homeless and "irresponsible non-tax paying citizens"? Do you just make up numbers to try to jutify your intolerance? As far as not paying taxes, I think you've confused the homeless with GE.

      You may also want to research how many Vietnam vets are homeless. BTW, what have you done for your country?

      Also, please explain your bookkeeping and show us how to not be homeless for $20 a day...I'd like to know how that works for myself.
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      • Profile picture of the author tmdassc
        Originally Posted by Kurt View Post

        Panhandlers and homeless people are two different things. Obviously reading posts in a thread is too time consuming for you. Either that, or you prefer ignorance.

        And where do you get your figures that a "vast majority" choose to be homeless and "irresponsible non-tax paying citizens"? Do you just make up numbers to try to jutify your intolerance? As far as not paying taxes, I think you've confused the homeless with GE.

        You may also want to research how many Vietnam vets are homeless. BTW, what have you done for your country?

        Also, please explain your bookkeeping and show us how to not be homeless for $20 a day...I'd like to know how that works for myself.

        Kurt,

        What I have said here is not out of ignorance. If it is ignorant, then that also makes "60 Minutes" ignorant because they are the ones who went out on the streets and did a documentary on the subject to come up with the figures they did. NOTE: Panhandlers or solicitors were not taken into the equation.

        I am also aware of homeless Vietnam vets. I know some personally and some of them have admitted to being homeless as a personal choice... some as a way of dropping out of society because of what they went through, how they were, and have been treated, loss of family due to their tenure while serving, and various other reasons.

        As far as what I have done for my country... I am a retired disabled Army vet with 20 years of service which included the Grenada, Panama, and Saudi conflicts. It also includes missions that most civilians never heard of, or would believe when it has came to the involvement of the U.S. in foreign countries. Do you have a DD Form 2, and/or a VA service connected disability ID card?

        As far as not being homeless on $20 a day, you must have missed the recent documentary shot in California about the number of people whom have taken over the nice foreclosed homes, to include utilities without paying a cent or taxes. This occurs all over the U.S. with foreclosed and abandoned property. Many refer to them as squatters.

        On a more personal experience, when I lived in Atlanta, GA., I volunterred at one of the homeless shelters. During the Winter, especially when there was severe weather warnings, we went out into the streets, underpasses, bridges, gullies, and every other place homeless could be found to encourage them to take shelter out of the weather. Some accepted, but you'd be surprised at the numbers that refused. Some even came into the shelter to get food, and maybe some clothing... but went back to where they were out in the elements.

        On a more profound personal experience, in 1998, I had the displeasure of being a homeless single dad with two special needs kids, and less than $400/month income. Yet, I insured we did not stay that way for a long period of time(< two months)... and without government, state, or assistance from any charity organization.

        My ignorance or intolerance... I think not!
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  • Profile picture of the author hireava
    I think they do have pet dogs for them to have a company.
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  • Profile picture of the author melody99
    its maybe dog is man's best friend..that's why..lol......
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  • Profile picture of the author paintingsgalore22
    To keep them company. .
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  • Profile picture of the author ocvseo
    Originally Posted by tristatemedia View Post

    the dog is probably thinking, dude i could do this on my own. stay outside and wonder the streets.
    something to think about.
    haha
    maybe the dog is a stray dog, and the homeless guy found him, since the guy need companion the man adopt the dog.
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  • Profile picture of the author paintingsgalore22
    To keep them company. . .
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  • Profile picture of the author dremy154
    EFS- Emergency food supply
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